Pacific Beach

There’s a colorful, bubbly vibe in Pacific Beach that draws a dedicated surfing crowd to its beautiful shore, and residents find their dream homes here on palm-lined streets. In Pacific Beach, widely known as simply “PB,” you can walk to the ocean, stroll the boardwalk, launch your paddleboard, catch a wave and cast a line. All over the neighborhood, whether at the beach or inland at the store, you’ll see a menagerie of ocean-themed murals, featuring everything from mermaids to sea life to sunsets. You can sometimes catch local artists deep in their craft outdoors or selling freshly painted creations at the park. As one of San Diego’s oldest suburbs, PB also features a historic pier, as well as a lively boardwalk peppered with beach-gear kiosks.

Homes include waterfront high-rise condos with striking views of Mission Bay, as well as chic condos built above retail shops on Mission Boulevard. Steve Springer, local resident and Realtor with Compass, says, “It’s a pretty eclectic mix of classic beach cottages, mostly single-level, and some are expanded. There’s also been some modern infill development that’s a bit grander in scale. Lots are fairly sizable and the streets are laid out in a grid. They’re named after gemstones, such as Diamond Street, Garnet Avenue and Sapphire Street.”

Within the streetscapes, you’ll see accessory dwelling units (ADUs) intertwined with single-level stucco homes in soothing sky and earth tones. Multi-story homes with pastel siding and white-rail balconies share the landscape with dreamy bayfront homes with massive balconies. Custom homes are found near Crown Point Park in Pacific Beach, some positioned on corner lots for wide sunset views. Sophisticated 1940s remodels on interior streets average around $2 million, and homes in legacy neighborhoods can ask more than $3 million.

Public-school students can start out at several elementary schools including Pacific Beach Elementary and move on to Pacific Beach Middle. They then continue to Mission Bay High. Pacific Beach Elementary, Pacific Beach Middle and Mission Bay High all receive an A- grade from Niche.

Locals relax on the hilltop green space along Palisades Park or walk down its slope to the lifeguard-supervised beach. At the historic Crystal Pier, built in 1920s, you can get in a day of fishing. At night, however, it’s private for guests staying in cottages on the pier. And if you’re into surfing, you’ll find the best place in PB is Tourmaline Surf Park. At the Pacific Beach Recreation Center, adorned with a massive art installation of flowers made from surfboards, you can enjoy pickup basketball on multipurpose outdoor courts. And if golf is your passion, PB is home to the night-lit, 18-hole Mission Bay Golf Course and Practice Center.

You’ll have no shortage of eateries to enjoy in PB, whether along the oceanside boulevard, or in neighborhood shopping malls. You can step off the beach into the cash-only Lahaina Beach House for burgers and beer on the deck. On Mission Boulevard, the ocean-theme Taco Surf is a hip place to stop for lunch, and Bare Back Grill is a local favorite for artisanal New Zealand style fare. Springer says, “You’ll for sure want to eat at The Fishery on Cass Street. They have this amazing macadamia-crusted halibut. They also have a fish counter where you can buy fresh seafood and take it home. Ambrogio15 on Turquoise Street is another one that PB’s proud to claim. They’re constantly rated the top pizza in San Diego.”

Much like its neighbor, Mission Beach, PB maintains a relaxed vibe. And all your essentials, from Vons supermarket to Trader Joes and CVS are close by in community shopping plazas. “The neighborhood streets are quiet and walkable,” says Springer, “and it’s all very accessible. So, it doesn’t take a ton of time to get in and out of PB. It’s truly a pleasant, family-friendly community.”

In easygoing Pacific Beach, residents value their comfortable and active waterfront lifestyle.

Written By

Lia Girard

Photography Contributed By

Stephen Cammell

Video By

Matthew Link