Fall is a great time to explore San Diego’s 70 miles of sparkling beaches. Less crowds, temperatures in the refreshing mid-70s and off-season affordable prices at your favorite resorts. What can make fall beach-going even better? Discovering San Diego’s lesser-known stretches of sand that offer serene basking and playing in the surf. It’s like owning your own private beach!
From beaches along the California border to the dazzling North San Diego County coast, “secret” sands beckon. Take a look:
BLACK’S BEACH
Secreted beneath the 300-foot bluffs of the Torrey Pines mesa in La Jolla is Black’s Beach – named after the Black family whose horse farm once overlooked the beach. It might be a bit challenging to reach via steep canyon trails, but worth every sandy step. The reward? A wide two-mile stretch of scenic, unspoiled beach awaits those who make the journey. A beloved surf spot for locals, who usually hang ten on the southern end, Black’s secluded location also attracts a few beach-goers who forgo their swimsuits.
STAN’S BEACH (AKA SHIPWRECK’S BEACH)
Located south of Coronado Beach and adjacent to the towering Coronado Shores condos, Stan’s Beach features the silvery white sands the island is famous for, sans the throngs of beachgoers. Ideal for sunbathing, swimming and boogie boarding, the beach – named for the late local surfer and “Ambassador of the Sea” Stanley Searfus – is home to the shipwreck of the SS Monte Carlo, a fascinating draw for curious onlookers during low tide when the outline of the ghostly wreckage of the 1930’s gambling ship appears—just one part of San Diego’s intrigue.
SUNSET CLIFFS
A mile-long, locals’ favorite on the Point Loma peninsula, Sunset Cliffs is a must-see with its spectacular sculpted sandstone cliffs, coves, arches and sea caves that are especially mesmerizing at sunset when a palette of fiery red and orange hues paints the coast. Part of the 68-acre Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, a small “secret” beach with tide pools can be found at the foot of the bluffs. Low tide is the best time to enjoy this uncrowded seaside sanctuary at the ocean’s edge.
TOURMALINE SURFING PARK
At the border of La Jolla and Pacific Beach, you’ll find a rocky beach that is primarily popular with surfers or beachgoers who walk dogs or jog. The small, fairly secluded beach is mainly a surfing spot; however, it is just a short walk down shore to better known Pacific Beach for swimming.
SOUTH PONTO BEACH
Located in Carlsbad just south of the Batiquitos Lagoon inlet on Historic Highway 101, South Ponto Beach is secluded backed by tall sand dunes; it is also wider and more laidback than its northern namesake. Visitors will find campers and day-use guests riding bikes, playing beach volleyball and body surfing on the uncrowded beach. Savvy surfers can hang ten at Ponto’s more well-defined peaks than the faster-closing surf breaks on South Carlsbad State Beach to the north.
SEASIDE STATE BEACH
The beaches in Encinitas are some of the best hidden gems in San Diego’s North County, especially Seaside Beach which runs parallel to Highway 101. Noticeably lower key than other beaches in the area, this long stretch of sand is great for families wanting to swim, surf or boogie board. Seaside is also a prime spot for beachcombing and exploring tide pools. Find more hidden treasures on San Diego’s North coast here.
BORDER FIELD STATE PARK
Sitting in the most southwestern corner of the United States along the Mexico-U.S. border, Border Field State Park is made up of beautiful sand dunes and the largest salt marsh habitat in Southern California. Along its scenic 1.5 mile-stretch of secluded sand, visitors enjoy sunbathing and great birdwatching, but they can also ride horseback on the only beach in San Diego where guests can go horseback riding.
For more information on San Diego’s offerings, from vacation packages and valuable coupons to attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority.
Images courtesy of www.sandiego.org
