The beach is more than a boundary dividing land from sea, more than a place to swim or sunbathe. In San Diego, the beach is a way of life, a source of pride and joy, a defining influence in people's lives. For some, the mere memory of a mid-summer sunset melting into the Pacific is reward enough. Others have a more intimate relationship with the sea: surfing and sailing, biking and running, swimming and diving along San Diego's many coastal beaches and bays.  First-time visitors and life-long residents are regularly awestruck and appreciative, you will be too.

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Coronado Carmel Valley La Jolla Mira Mesa Miramar Mission Bay Mission Beach Ocean Beach

Pacific Beach Point Loma Scripps Miramar Scripps Ranch Sorrento Mesa Sorrento Valley Torrey Pines University City

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Coronado is an internationally renowned tourist destination, made famous over the years by its rich history, idyllic setting, and unique ocean village atmosphere.  Located across the bay from San Diego, this 13.5 square mile community is home to three world-class resorts, training facilities for the Navy’s elite SEAL corps, and one of Southern California’s most desirable residential communities. 

Coronado, often called “Coronado Island,” is actually a peninsula connected to the mainland on the south via the six-mile Silver Strand scenic highway.  The 2.5 mile Coronado Toll Bridge also connects the community to San Diego providing quick access to San Diego International Airport and an abundance of cultural and spectator sports events.

Coronado is a uniquely enchanted village enjoying a near-perfect climate. The village provides a stable and secure setting for residents and businesses alike. It’s a great place to live and work with an unsurpassed quality of life. The quiet tree-lined streets, friendly neighborhoods and healthy economy are truly deserving of the name: Coronado - the Crown City.

Primarily as family/residential community consisting of various tract home projects, Carmel Valley has established itself as an ideal place to raise a family. Boasting great schools, parks, and shopping centers, it has grown significantly in the last twenty years, now filling the entire 92130 zip code.

Located 15 minutes from downtown San Diego, La Jolla features gorgeous beaches, upscale restaurants, a modern art museum, galleries, and "Prospect Street" (which is often compared to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills). Considered one of the most affluent communities in the United States, La Jolla translated in Spanish means, "The Jewel". Home to 8,200 residents, it also features the world famous Scripps Institute of Oceanography, Stephen Birch Aquarium and Museum, and UCSD. La Jolla offers the beauty of the beach, the economic success of the many biotech and software companies that call La Jolla home, and an upscale community that is associated with the name.

Conveniently located in the heart of San Diego County is Mira Mesa.  Residential neighborhoods are well planned, with major shopping areas.  Home styles reflect comfort and livability.  Miramar College offers a specialized curriculum of fire science, police science and aeronautics.  Both San Diego State and U.C. San Diego are located within a 30-minute drive.

Located in the center of San Diego County, in between the 805 and 15 freeways, Miramar houses many businesses (especially home improvement/furniture stores), car dealerships, Miramar College, and the annual, “Blue Angels Air Show”, presented on the Marine Air Base Miramar.

Mission Bay is busy year-round, offering a playground for jet skiers, windsurfers, and sailors. The annual, "Over-the-Line Tournament", takes place every summer, where teams of three play against each other in a softball-style game. Sea World is situated along the Bay, and the communities of Fiesta Island and Crown Point consider Mission Bay part of their backyard.

Considered one of San Diego's ultimate beach towns, Mission Beach boasts 45,000 residents, mostly young and single. Belmont Amusement Park holds the historic roller coaster, "Giant Dipper", along with the Boardwalk, that connects Mission Beach to Pacific Beach (which also is lined with restaurants and clubs).

This small community of 25,000 is located a few miles from downtown San Diego; but is composed of surfers, families, and residents whose views of life have a much more casual feel. There is great pride surrounding living in Ocean Beach, or "OB", as the locals call it. "Newport Avenue", is the main attraction of this seaside community, filled with locally owned stores, eateries, and bars. Dog Beach is a popular place to take your pets and the Ocean Beach Pier is a prime place to fish.

Located between Mission Beach and La Jolla, Pacific Beach is a bustling beachside community filled with over 44,000 residents, mainly students and young professionals. The boardwalk is always busy, filled with runners, bikers, roller bladders, and people watchers. Garnet Avenue has become a popular night spot, with bars, clubs, and restaurants, giving visitors plenty to do. Pacific Beach, or "PB", as referred by locals, features street fairs, such as the annual, "PB Block Party", a "Taste of Pacific Beach Festival", and the weekly, "Farmer's Market".

First discovered by Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo while sailing for Spain in 1542, Point Loma is an historical part of San Diego. The peninsula is a prime location to watch the 15,000 California gray whales migrating south between the months of December and March. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park surrounds the point's secluded coves, and Point Loma features the Cabrillo National Monument and the Old Loma Lighthouse. The community of 64,000 offers wonderful views of downtown San Diego, Shelter Island, Coronado, and Harbor Island.

Sorrento Mesa is located just west of Mira Mesa, north of La Jolla, and sits east of Sorrento Valley. The area is dominated by telecommunications, wireless, and biotechnology research industry leaders, offering vast employment opportunities. Businesses operating in Sorrento Mesa including industry giants such as Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, Fujitsu, Cingular Wireless, and Gen-Probe. The community is integral part of San Diego's economy. Many hotels in the community provide plenty of choices for visiting families or travelers in town on business.

Sorrento Mesa developers use the concept of Smart Growth for commercial and residential expansion. Neighborhoods located throughout the area are in close proximity to businesses, making the commute to work a breeze. The area offers different housing options including middle-class homes, condominiums, and townhouses.

Sorrento Valley lies west of Interstate 5 and is home to San Diego's burgeoning telecommunications and wireless technology industries. Bio techonolgy research firms and support companies have also located in this area. Residential neighborhoods close-by provide homes for employees who want to live close to their jobs. The Mira Mesa neighborhoods also provide housing for workers.

Recreational areas nearby include Del Mar and La Jolla beaches, Torrey Pines State Reserve and several lagoons noted for bird watching. The Del Mar Fairgrounds are also nearby offering exhibitions, the Del Mar Fair and the Del Mar Racetrack.

Barbeques and picnic tables are readily available at Miramar Lake year around. This scenic 180-acre lake is tucked into the hills, and makes for spectacular views. Available to the public, this recreational spot includes boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking.

Home styles are diverse and range from adult living on Miramar Reservoir to large single-family homes set around green belts and parks.

Developed in 1976, Scripps Ranch is an oasis in the desert-like sagebrush area north of downtown San Diego. Home styles are diverse and range from homes overlooking Miramar Reservoir to large single-family homes set around green belts and parks. Miramar College, a two-year institution, is located in Mira Mesa.  United States International University is located in Scripps Ranch; U.C. San Diego is 20 minutes west via Miramar Road and San Diego State University is 30 minutes to the south.

Torrey Pines is located between Del Mar and La Jolla and covers five miles of beach; perfect for strolling, surfing, and swimming. Take a look at the tide pools or walk through the Torrey Pines State Reserve; which covers 2,000 acres of land. Home to the rare Torrey Pines tree and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the reserve is also a great place to hike and watch the hand-gliders.

University City is located 10 miles north of downtown San Diego, comprised of mostly residential houses with some condominiums and originally gained the name because of close proximity to the University of California at San Diego.  University City is on the south side of the “Golden Triangle,” an area created by the junctions of I-5, I-805 and Highway 52.  The name “Golden Triangle” describes complex high-rise buildings with high-tech occupants, medical research and educational facilities, the University Towne Center (also called “UTC” area) and the Marriott Hotel.