Ocean Beach, known affectionately as “OB” to the locals, is situated between the San Diego River and the hills of Point Loma in the community of Ocean Beach.
Aside from the scenic beauty and white sandy beaches we expect of anywhere in San Diego, its main draw is the long Ocean Beach Municipal Pier, which is located at the south end of the beach at the foot of Newport Avenue. You can fish off the pier without a valid California fishing license, although catch regulations are enforced, so know what the rules are. There is a restaurant and bait shop on the pier.
At the north end of the beach is Dog Beach where dogs can roam without a leash at all hours of the day. Dog owners are of course responsible for control and clean-up of their dogs.
Numerous restaurants, surf shops, and other commercial establishments are available near the south end of the beach. The north end of the beach is primarily bordered by residential properties.
Beach Information
- Lifeguard Protection:
- Lifeguards are staffed daily, year round at the main lifeguard station at 1950 Abbott St. In summer, additional lifeguards are staffed along the beach in seasonal lifeguard towers. Lifeguards are generally on duty from 9:00 a.m. to dusk; but check with lifeguards for specific staff hours.
- Rip Currents:
- Most California beaches experience strong rip currents. Ocean Beach experiences particularly strong rip currents which necessitate more than 1,000 water rescues by lifeguards each year. The safety tips section on the government’s website provides an explanation of rip currents and some methods of freeing yourself if caught in a rip current. The best advice is to swim near a lifeguard.
- Regulated Water Activity Zones:
- This beach has separate water areas reserved for swimming and surfing. Check with lifeguards for details.
- Surfing:
- Surfing is permitted at this beach in designated areas.
- Scuba:
- This beach is not recommended for scuba diving due to lack of undersea life, heavy water activity, and surf.
- Restrooms and Showers:
- Public restrooms with showers are located adjacent to the main lifeguard station at 1950 Abbott St. and adjacent to the parking lot on the north end of the beach at the west end of Brighton Avenue.
- Disabled Accessibility:
- There is wheelchair access along the walkways at the south end of the beach and on the Ocean Beach Pier. A temporary rubber walkway is often available beside the main lifeguard station at 1950 Abbott St. to allow limited access over the sand. A special beach wheel chair, which requires an attendant, is generally kept at the main lifeguard station and available on a first come, first served basis at no charge.
- Beach Fires:
- Containers for beach fires are generally provided during summer months and available on a first come, first served basis. The burning of rubbish is prohibited. Only wood, charcoal, or paper products may be used as fuel. Fuel for the fire may not exceed a height of more than twelve inches above the upper edge of the fire container. The fire must be extinguished before leaving the beach. Open beach fires outside containers are prohibited at all San Diego beaches.
- Regulations:
- Standard San Diego beach regulations apply with the following modifications. Please check the government website for a full regulation list.
- Dogs are permitted on the north end of the beach (Dog Beach) at all hours without a leash. Owners are responsible for control and clean-up of their pets.
