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.
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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.
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.
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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 is also home to La Jolla Cove, a small beach tucked between cliffs great for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Camp Pendleton not only has prime beach access but also offers amenities at a far lower rate than civilian equivalents.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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!