17 Local Things To Do In Ocean Beach San Diego

San Diego is so full of wonderful neighborhoods that it can be daunting to decide which is the best fit for you to visit, whether for a day trip or a summer vacation.

One easy way to narrow down the options best suited to you is to get a good idea of what fun activities are available in that area. 

Best Things To Do In Ocean Beach San Diego

Ocean Beach is one of San Diego’s most quaint and full-of-character neighborhoods. With its emphasis on small, unique businesses and its relaxing, beachy vibes, it offers many wonderful activities for all types of visitors. 

Whether you’re a lone traveler, on a romantic getaway, or enjoying a trip with your family, here is a list of 17 of our favorite things to do in Ocean Beach, San Diego. 

1. Take advantage of photo ops at the Ocean Beach Murals

Ocean Beach is full of fun murals that reflect the neighborhood’s artsy roots. Take your family on a mural walk where you can snap photos with as many of the oversized artworks as possible. 

2. Learn about marine life at the Ocean Beach tide pools

A quick online search will let you know what time of day the low tide will be. Use this to plan an hour or two down at the tide pools, learning about San Diego’s wildlife firsthand. 

3. Create your own pottery to take home

Claytime Ceramics offers fun classes for all skill levels, including mosaic making, canvas painting, and more.

4. Take your furry friend to the dog beach

Along the southern entrance of Mission Bay sits Ocean Beach’s Dog Beach along a huge spit of sand. This is the ideal spot to take your pup for a day of off-leash play, swimming, and making new friends. Don’t forget your doggy bags!

5. Enjoy art, games, and beer at Kilowatt Brewing

Kilowatt Brewing is more than just a brewery, showcasing works from local artists and always offering new games and themed nights.

6. Learn to surf with the locals

Ocean Experience Surf School offers lessons for all ages with experienced coaches.

7. Set up a romantic beach picnic

Grab a few blankets and your favorite snacks and set up on the sand for a romantic beach picnic. Sunset is the ideal time to cuddle up with your loved one.

8. Enjoy live music and drinks at Winstons Beach Club

Winstons Beach Club is well-loved by San Diego locals as the perfect spot for a fun night out listening to live music and enjoying a few beers. Check out their upcoming performances on their website. 

9. Take a walk along the Ocean Beach Pier

A walk on the Ocean Beach Pier offers a whole new perspective of the neighborhood as you look back from your vantage point on the water. Watching local fishermen cast their lines off the pier is always a fun way to spend a few minutes as well. 

10. Cool off with a treat from Lighthouse Ice Cream

Lighthouse Ice Cream is a favorite historical sweet spot for locals.

11. Soak in the magic at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Sunset Cliffs offers one of the most beautiful sunset-watching vantage points in all of San Diego. Visitors can climb down onto cliffs right over the water and watch for whales and other sea life, or for the adrenaline junkies, this is a prime spot for cliff jumping.

12. Take the Ocean Beach Bike Path

Rent bikes or bring your own and take this popular bike path all the way from Ocean Beach to Sea World.

13. Take a leisurely stroll through the Ocean Beach farmer’s market 

The farmer’s market is a great way to get a feel for all of the local crafts and goods while enjoying the beautiful Southern California weather. The market takes place every Wednesday and is ideal for stocking up on fresh local produce to enjoy during your stay or a beach picnic.

14. Visit Ocean Beach’s famous comic book store

Galactic Comics is a quirky, must-visit staple in Ocean Beach.

15. See all the main street has to offer on Newport Avenue

Because Ocean Beach has a famous ban on chain businesses, Newport Avenue is a great way to get a feel for the authenticity and uniqueness of the small businesses that thrive there. 

16. Escape for the day at Hidden Spa

If you’re hoping to escape for a few hours of relaxation and self-care, Hidden Spa offers a variety of wellness and esthetic treatments like facials, body contouring, massages, and more.

17. Try Hodad’s famous burgers

San Diegans drive from all throughout the city to enjoy Hodad’s famous burgers. A trip to Ocean Beach would not be complete without adding this to your itinerary. 

Where to Stay In Ocean Beach San Diego

San Diego has a variety of accommodations: hotels, resorts, campgrounds and more. We recommend these 3 options in and near Ocean Beach:

Budget-Friendly Option: Samesun Ocean Beach

Mid-Priced Option: Blue Heron Cottages

Lux Option: Modern Beach Home Steps To The Sand

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ocean Beach known for?

Ocean Beach is known for its eccentric, small-town feel. Much of this has to do with the neighborhood’s ban on chain businesses. This allows small and family-owned businesses to thrive in the area, giving it so much more personality.

Quirky and unique shops and restaurants can be found all over Ocean Beach. If you’re looking to support a tight-knit community of business owners who treat customers like family, this is definitely the neighborhood you will want to visit. 

Ocean Beach is also ideal for those traveling with their dog, offering the most fantastic dog beach in San Diego.

Is Ocean Beach a good area?

Ocean Beach is a great area for any traveler. Whether you are searching for family-friendly activities or a weekend away to be alone, this area offers a wide array of things to do. 

The neighborhood’s free-spirited and eccentric vibe offers a laid-back atmosphere ideal for anyone looking to enjoy beach city life. 

Can you swim at Ocean Beach? 

Ocean Beach is ideal for swimming and surfing year-round. Although, if you are hoping to stay in the water for an extended period outside of the summer months, a wetsuit will most likely be necessary.

For safety, always check the lifeguard flags on the beach before you jump in the water. A green flag indicates that conditions are great for swimming. Notably, a red flag means no swimming due to hazardous conditions, and a checkered flag means that an area is designated for surfers only.

Is Ocean Beach safe?

San Diego, as a whole, has a crime rate significantly lower than the national average, making it an extremely safe city to explore. Like any new city or neighborhood, it is always a good idea to travel with a buddy, especially at night. 

Ocean Beach does have a good number of bars, and with alcohol and late nights comes more to be weary of. When visiting unfamiliar territory, always be vigilant when using rideshare apps to get around.

Verify that you are getting into the right vehicle and that the driver knows who they are picking up. Talking to locals is also a great way to understand nearby safety hazards. 

Can I visit San Diego in the winter?

If you conjure up images of endless summer and salty surfers when told to think of San Diego, you’re not alone. Although this city is known widely as a summer vacation destination, San Diego has its draws during the colder months.

Can I visit San Diego without a car?

Visiting San Diego without a car is a viable option. When doing so, I recommend that you research ahead of time to determine what you are hoping to get out of your visit and choose a walkable neighborhood to stay in based on this. 

If you choose to rent a car, here’s all you need to know about renting a car in San Diego.

How many days are needed for San Diego?

Because San Diego has so much to offer, I would recommend at least a 3-day trip to be able to explore different neighborhoods and visit as least 1 of its larger attractions such as Balboa Park or the San Diego Zoo.  But if you can, plan a 5-day trip to San Diego to see the best of San Diego and not feel rushed.

Final Thoughts: Things To Do In Ocean Beach, San Diego

While San Diego is full of amazing and unique neighborhoods, Ocean Beach is well-loved for its small-town, hippy feel. This is a perfect setting if you are looking for a beachy getaway from the hustle and bustle. 

If you have been trying to decide which beachside neighborhood in San Diego is best suited for your trip, Ocean Beach is an excellent option for those with families as it is not known for its party scenes like Mission Beach or Pacific Beach, yet it offers more modest price points than areas like La Jolla or Carlsbad. 

Don’t hesitate to book your trip to this gem of Southern California.  

Note: This post was written by our friend who’s a Southern California local so you’re getting the best information!