3 Great Family Beaches in San Diego, California

San Diego, California is known for its sun and hospitality, and the beaches are one of the first things tourists flock to during their stay. Fortunately, the locals also spend time at the beach, and finding a place for the whole family is relatively easy.

Here are three great beaches in San Diego to take the whole family.

Mission Beach

Mission Beach is widely known for its sprawling boardwalk and the expansive sand. The beautiful boardwalk parallels the water line and is two miles of walkway, for viewing of the sand, water and people in the area. While speed is regulated on the boardwalk itself, it is best taken in by a slow walk anyway.

Lifeguards are year round, with extra staff on board during the heavy months. When visiting, it is helpful to know that lifeguards will be on hand for any trouble with rip currents from 9 am in the morning to dusk.

Suring is popular here, and since so many people are active in the water with watersports, scuba diving and snorkeling isn't recommended in this area.

Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is another popular beach for the family, and even has fishing at the pier. This is the perfect beach to bring the entire family, even the family pooch. This is a large area where many different activities can take place for different members of the family.

Ocean Beach is unique as the North end of the beach is known as Dog Beach, where the family dogs can roam and explore in an open dog run area, without leashes. Dog clean up is required, but dogs are welcome in this area any time of the day.

The Ocean Beach Municipal Pier is at the South end, and fishing from the pier doesn't require a fishing license. While licensing is not required, the pier is strict on species catch regulations, which are easily found in any current state fishing handbook.

Children's Pool

Childrens Pool is named for a protected area of beach with a surrounding seawall. During low surf, it is a great area for scuba diving. While spending time at the beach is fun in the sand, this is also a great spot for viewing wildlife.

Next to Children's Pool, at 850 Coast Boulevard, is an area offshore called Seal Rock, and is a reserve for seals and sea lions. Much of the time seals and sea lions can be found basking in the sun. They are normally found during the spring, fall and winter months, which leaves the summer for the family to play at.