It’s just about that time of year… The beaches are beginning to slow down and summer is officially coming to an end. We thought it would be a good time to highlight one of our beach neighborhoods, Pacific Beach, for its restaurants, shopping, bars and history. Pacific Beach incorporates so many amazing things, it’s no wonder this beach town is one of the coolest & most popular in the state. No matter if it’s summer, winter, fall or spring, Pacific Beach always has something new in store for its visitors.
Although there will be an upcoming post with the history of Pacific Beach, we thought it would be a good idea to highlight some of the most popular things to see, eat, and do in the area.
Did you know the Pacific Beach Post Office used to be a theater? Yes, it did! Until the early 1980s, Pacific Beach was the home of the Roxy Theater. Bands like the Police, Dire Straits, and Iggy Pop played there.
Image source: Quicksand Escape Games
Crystal Pier: If you’ve ever stepped foot in the sand in Pacific Beach, you should know what Crystal Pier is. It is considered the “San Diego Beach Hotel Over the Ocean”. The cottages, on the pier, were built in 1930 and give guests the opportunity to sleep over the ocean. How many time can you say you’ve done that!? Despite the history of changing ownership and disputes with the city, the Pier has endured and been family-owned since 1961.
Image source: Yelp by Sharon G.
A couple steps away from Crystal Pier is home to various amounts of bars and restaurants that locals and vacationers love to visit. All of them are very different from each other and make for a fine/fun time.
Izakaya PB: a modern Japanese tapas-style pub serving up some tapas plates to enjoy with all of your friends and family. If you’re looking for customizable ramen, sushi, hot dishes, cold dishes, or sake this place is for you!
Image source: Izakaya PB
Cass Street Bar and Grill: Cass Street Bar and Grill is definitely a local favorite. With fresh seafood, a full bar and pool tables and shuffleboard, this is the perfect place to enjoy a sporting event or a laid-back night out with your buddies. Not to mention it’s been voted Best Bar in PB by the locals.
Image source: Yelp by Liz R.
Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream: I’m sure you’ve heard of beer flights or wine flights, but have you heard of ICE CREAM FLIGHTS? Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream mini ice cream cones give you the option to enjoy over 100 flavors of Tropical Dreams premium ice cream in a cute, bite-sized cone.
Image source: Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream
The Mad Beet: A stop for everyone who wants to incorporate a healthy lifestyle into the mix! The Mad Beet serves up some delicious smoothies, fresh salads, fruit bowls and wraps. You’ll definitely be coming back for more!
Image souce: Yelp by Jay O.
Sandbox Pizza: This is pizza lover’s paradise. Sandbox Pizza serves up delicious pizzas any way you like them. Create your own or try one of their unique San Diego-inspired creations. On top of that, grab a drink and relax. Don’t forget to catch trivia on Thursday nights!
Image source: Yelp by Leah J.
Maybe the men like to eat and drink and the women like to shop…no problem!
The shopping in Pacific Beach is unique because it incorporates a lot of local businesses. Aside from the usual Urban Outfitters and Brandy Melville (which we still love), the possibilities are endless.
Check out some of the neighborhood shops, such as Luv Surf, where you can “wear the California dream” and promote an active lifestyle. Grab some clothing or a souvenir at the Pangaea Outpost, where you can find a number of different items such as flip flops, jewelry, beach towels, decorations for the house or children’s toys. If you’re looking for a bathing suit stop in Sun Splash Swimwear or Anna Brazil. Even if you’re in the market for a new, rad pair of socks, the California Sock Company has exactly what you need!
Image source: Luv Surf
**Don’t forget to check out the local surf shops because it’s hard to find them in any other part of the country!
Looking for a good way to discover the history in Pacific Beach and get a “taste” of what this neighborhood is all about? Join us on a Bite San Diego Pacific Beach walking food tour! We love sharing our love for food with others!
Surf’s up!
