Ocean Beach California - San Diego County

Ocean Beach is the retail and beach district of Point Loma and is located on the west side near the base of the peninsula bordering the Mission Bay channel entrance. “OB” as the neighborhood is fondly called by locals; sports a long T-shaped fishing pier where one can catch everything from sand sharks and halibut, to mackerel and tuna. Fishing licenses are not required to fish off piers in California.

Excellent surfing, surfboard sales and rentals are to be found in Ocean Beach. The old retail district of OB has been largely replaced with antique stores, surf, records, tee-shirt and boutique shops. Several small inexpensive cafes and dance clubs are to be found here as well.

Pet lovers will enjoy taking their pooches to ‘Dog Beach’ – a section of beach adjacent to Mission Bay's harbor channel rock levy. Here one can dig holes in the sand and romp in the surf with Fido. There are public bathrooms with showers, changing rooms on the beach. Parking is free in several lots along the beach but it gets crowded on summer weekends. Hint-Get there early. Ocean Beach is one of the prime non-touristy beach areas in San Diego. A little off the beaten path, it is favored by locals for its good body boarding, surfing and good old fashioned fun at the beach.

Ocean Beach California article by David Mandich Travel Writer - January 4, 2007

San Diego, California - Last Revision - 11 January 2008 - jat