There are few outings greater than a family day at the beach. The warm sunshine on your skin, the salty breeze blowing your hair, and your kids' laughter as they bury each other in the sand are real-life magic.
Thankfully, San Diego exceeds expectations for beach outings. The best part is, if your military family is stationed in San Diego, you have access to some of the area's incredible beaches without heavy crowds or limited parking.
The following family-friendly beaches make great destinations for your family vacation or a fun outing for those stationed at:
- San Diego Naval Base
- Coronado Naval Amphibious Base
- Naval Base Point Loma
- North Island NAS
- MCRD San Diego
- San Diego Naval Medical Center
- MCAS Miramar
- MCB Camp Pendleton
Photo from Canva
1) Coronado Beach
Coronado Beach is a 1.5-mile-long stretch of beautiful sand. It starts at the famous Hotel del Coronado, “The Del,” and ends at Dog Run Beach, where pet owners bring their dogs to run free.
What sets this stretch of sand apart from the rest are the large sand castles people make at Coronado Beach. But of course, the beach is also great for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
Coronado Beach Amenities:
- Free parking (Ocean Boulevard near Hotel del Coronado and South Beach)
- Restrooms
- Lifeguards
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Tide pools
- Nearby restaurants
Photo from Canva
2) Breakers Beach
Breakers Beach is on Naval Air Station North Island and is one of the most remote area beaches you’ll find, since it’s only accessible by the military community.
The North Island Outdoor Adventure Center near Breakers Beach offers sports, water, beach, and camping gear.
Breakers Beach Amenities:
- Beachfront parking
- Cabana rentals
- Beach fire pits
- Lifeguard
- Restrooms
Photo from Canva
3) La Jolla Shores Beach
La Jolla Shores Beach is a mile-long stretch of sandy beach in La Jolla, “the jewel” of San Diego. What makes it even better is that it parallels Kellogg Park, a beautiful grassy area with a playground for kids to run and play.
The beach is shielded by La Jolla Bay, making the water fairly calm and great for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, surfing, boogie boarding, and snorkeling. Plus, you can end the fun day by roasting marshmallows over a fire on the beach.
La Jolla Shores Beach Amenities:
- Restrooms and showers
- Full-time lifeguards (from 9 a.m. to dusk)
- Parking (it’s competitive, so it’s best to arrive early)
La Jolla is also home to La Jolla Cove, a small beach tucked between cliffs great for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Photo from Canva
4) MCCS Del Mar Beach
Camp Pendleton not only has prime beach access but also offers amenities at a far lower rate than civilian equivalents.
MMCS Del Mar Beach Amenities:
- Cabanas, umbrellas, surfboards, body boards, paddle boards, footballs, and volleyballs are available to rent.
- Del Mar Beach Cottages: The cottages are located right on the beach and feature queen beds, TVs, couches, kitchens, barbecues, and fire pits.
- Del Mar Beachfront Campground: If you have a tent or RV, forgo the villas and pick your spot on the sand!
Photo from MCCS Pendleton
5) MCCS San Onofre Beach
San Onofre Beach is on the north end of Camp Pendleton. Much like MCCS Del Mar Beach, San Onofre offers visitors a quieter environment than a typical San Diego beach.
MCCS San Onofre Beach Amenities:
- San Onofre Beach Cottages: Feature bedrooms, couches, TV, kitchen, playground, and laundry facilities.
- San Onofre Beach Campground: RV and tent campsites conveniently located on the beach with a playground.
Photo from Canva
6) Mission Bay Beaches
With over 4,600 acres of land and water, including nineteen miles of sandy beaches, Mission Bay Park is the largest aquatic park in the country and is just minutes from SeaWorld.
Families come here to water ski, sail, row, kayak, and swim because the water is much calmer than the open ocean. However, be aware and cautious of drop-offs, especially when in the water with small children.
Mission Bay Beach Amenities:
- Lifeguards (on duty full-time during the summer)
- Restrooms and showers at designated swimming areas, except Enchanted Cove
- Free parking
- Dogs allowed on leash in Mission Bay Park and off leash on Fiesta Island
Photo from California State Parks
7) Moonlight State Beach
Moonlight State Beach is located north of San Diego in Encinitas.
Moonlight Beach is perfect for families because of the wide sandy beaches, and it's also great for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, surfing, and fishing.
Moonlight State Beach Amenities:
- Restrooms and showers
- Volleyball and tennis courts
- Snack bar
- Picnic areas
- Hiking trails
- Recreational equipment rentals
Photo from Canva
8) Oceanside Pier and Beach
The Oceanside Pier is in Oceanside, a minute outside the Camp Pendleton Del Mar gate. The pier is one of the largest in California at 1,954 feet. Although a fire destroyed Ruby's Diner, which was at the end of the pier, most of the structure remains open. Take a walk or fish, then head to the beachfront playground.
This area hosts incredible events throughout the year and is known for its excellent surfing conditions. To round out its appeal, you'll also find restaurants and shops nearby to refuel after a day in the sun.
Oceanside Beach Amenities:
- Picnic tables
- Barbecues
- Fire rings
- Vending machines
- Parking is available nearby, both free and paid
Photo from Canva
9) Silver Strand State Beach
Silver Strand State Beach is located south of Coronado and offers access to the Pacific Ocean and the bay. Entry requires day-use fees, a California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass, or a California State Parks Adventure Pass.
This beach is the complete package. Come for a day trip, or make it a weekend getaway from Camp Pendleton or MCAS Miramar. Though tent camping isn’t permitted, Silver Strand State Park is great for RV camping. If you don’t have an RV, look into your local Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) office to rent one.
The beach is ideal for swimming, water skiing, surfing, boating, volleyball, and picnicking.
Silver Strand State Beach Amenities:
- Camping
- Scheduled activities and programs such as nature walks, group bonfires, kayak tours, and junior lifeguards
- Lifeguards
- Paid parking
Photo from Flickr user Chad McDonald
10) South Ponto Beach
South Ponto Beach is in a less developed area of Carlsbad, secluded behind high dunes. Families come to swim, sunbathe, and surf. This beach is fun to visit during the winter months. Though the water may be cold, it's known for the polished stones that wash up on the shore.
South Ponto Beach Amenities:
- Restrooms and showers
- Limited free parking along the beach
- Paid parking at the southernmost end of South Carlsbad
Whether you live in the San Diego area or are looking for a vacation spot, these family-friendly beaches are the perfect backdrop to fun-filled memories for the whole family!
What did we miss? Which is your favorite San Diego beach?
