2.  San Onofre State Beach.  North San Diego County just south of San Clemente.  3,000 acre coastal park including the San Onofre Buffs, San Mateo Campground, and San Onofre Surf Beach.  Offers camping and day use.  Surfing is legendary at Trestles Beach.

3.  Mission Trails Regional Park.  At 5,800 acres it is one of the largest urban parks in the US.  Park activities include hiking, mountain biking, camping, and horse trails.  Some trails within Mission Trails Park was used by settlers with horse drawn wagons moved to West coast during the 1800s.  Dogs permitted on-leash.

4.  Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.  La Jolla, San Diego.  2,000 acres of park in La Jolla dedicated to preserving the natural environment of San Diego before it was developed.  Hike one of Torrey Pines State Park trails on 8 miles of trail within park, walk on the beach, explore history and park information at the visitor center, or take guided tour over the weekend.  Day use only.  Hike to an overlook of the Pacific Ocean, take a stroll on the beach, photograph rare Torrey pine trees, or observe the birds in the lagoon located within Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

5.  Mission Bay Park.  Largest man made aquatic park in the US at 4,235 acres with 19 miles of sandy beaches.  The area was originally a marsh but was altered by man to create a popular tourist destination for San Diego.  Enjoy popular water sports in Mission Bay including jet skis, wave riders, boating, and sailing.  Fiesta Island, a peninsula inside Mission Bay, is a favorite for bike riders and home of the famous San Diego Over-the-Line Tournament.  Stay overnight on the beach at Campland on the Bay, a section of Mission Bay Park.  Dogs are allowed on-leash in certain areas of the park as well as off-leash on Fiesta Island.

2.  SD Surfing – Blacks Beach.  There is no wonder why UCSD has the best surf team in the country, they are next to Blacks Beach.  At Blacks nudity is allowed so be warned.  Layout as you watch the parachute gliders over the cliff and surfers or test out your own surfing skills.  Waves can be huge here and are some of the best in the US.

3.  With your dog – Dog Beach, Ocean Beach. Dog Beach is a section of Ocean Beach where your dog is allowed to run around off the leash.  Dog Beach is a large sized area for your pet to exercise in or out of the water.  Dog Beach, OB is usually crowded so your beloved dog will have plenty of opportunities to socialize with other dogs and people.

4.  With the family – Coronado Beach Considered the best family beach in San Diego.  Coronado Beach is on many review lists as one of the 10 best beaches in the country.  Ride the ferry over for spectacular postcard worthy shots of downtown or drive across the Coronado bridge.  Parking can be tricky so expect to walk a distance from your car.  When it gets too hot on the beach run inside the Hotel Del Coronado for some ice cream at Moo Time Creamery.

5.  A romantic sunset – Sunset Cliffs Park Beach. There is a little known park located at the end of Sunset Cliffs.  You get there by driving to the end of the cliffs where the stairs lead down take the road leading to the left and enter the dirt road a few hundred feet up on the right into the parking lot.  Hike to the top of the cliffs or go down to the beach below.  If you unchain your dog here no one will bother you about it.

2.  Sunset Cliffs, Point Loma.  A hidden gem and never frequented by tourists.  When paddling in and out be sure to avoid the rocks.  I have seen fins snap on brand new boards by beginners not on their toes.

3.  Trestles, just south of San Clemente.  The Upper and Lower sections are about one mile apart and are some of the best swells in SD.  Be prepared to walk a good distance and fight for your wave from as many as 6o+ surfers.  This is well worth it because on a good day Trestles will reward you with consistent long rides.

4.  Wave House at Belmont Park, Mission Beach.  Okay, Wave House is not a beach but a restaurant and bar.  Wave House has two artificial waves in an outdoor restaurant & bar setting.  Show your stuff on the big waves Sundays during the summers in San Diego as all the girls in bikinis and high heels cheer you on.

5.  La Jolla Shores, La Jolla. Beginners surf here to learn on gentle waves.  This is one of the most popular beaches in San Diego.