San Diego’s 70 miles of coastline aren’t just packed with the touristy hotspots you see plastered across every travel guide. While visitors flock to Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, locals have been quietly enjoying their slice of paradise for decades.
These hidden gems offer everything from secret tide pools to uncrowded surf breaks, and the best part is that many of them are just a short walk from the more popular spots. The locals guard these beaches like family recipes, but don’t worry—they’re not completely secret. Here is a list of 20 beaches where you can escape the crowds and experience San Diego’s coast the way the people who live here do.
Windansea Beach
This La Jolla gem sits tucked between residential streets, accessible only by a steep staircase that keeps most casual beachgoers away. The dramatic rock formations create perfect photo opportunities, especially during sunset when the golden light hits those weathered boulders.
Surfers have been riding the waves here since the 1940s, and the famous Surf Shack still stands as a testament to the beach’s deep roots in local culture.
Black’s Beach
Getting to Black’s requires a bit of adventure—you’ll need to hike down a cliff trail beneath Torrey Pines. The effort pays off with one of the most secluded stretches of sand in all of San Diego, where clothing is optional and the vibe is completely laid-back.
This isn’t a beach for families with small kids, but it’s perfect for those seeking solitude and some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in California.
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Sunset Cliffs Hidden Coves
Locals use colorful nicknames for the small rocky coves tucked within Sunset Cliffs, and while the names might not sound appealing, these hidden spots are pure magic. You’ll need to scramble down some rocks to reach them, but the reward is your private tide pool wonderland with incredible cliff-side views.
The dramatic cliffs and secluded nature make these coves perfect for those seeking adventure off the beaten path.
Swami’s Beach
Named after the Self-Realization Fellowship temple perched on the bluffs above, this Encinitas spot has a spiritual vibe that matches its world-class surf. The beach is accessible only by a steep staircase, which keeps the crowds to a minimum and offers a more exclusive experience.
The combination of consistent waves, shaded picnic areas, and stunning sunsets makes this a local favorite for both surfers and families looking for a peaceful day by the water.
Cardiff Reef
This family-friendly surf spot offers something rare in Southern California—waves that break slowly enough for multiple generations to enjoy together. This is one of the few beaches where you’ll see multi-generations of families all hanging out in and out of the water, together.
The reef creates predictable, mellow waves perfect for longboarders and beginners, while the sandy beach area provides plenty of space for non-surfers to relax.
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Beacon’s Beach
Also known as South Leucadia State Beach, this hidden surfing paradise requires a trek down a steep trail to reach the sand below. Beacon’s Beach, also known as South Leucadia State Beach, is a hidden surfing paradise.
The access keeps it quieter than neighboring beaches, and the consistent surf breaks make it a favorite among local wave riders who prefer their sessions without the crowds.
Marine Street Beach
Located at the end of Marine Street in La Jolla, this spot offers more sandy real estate than many of the area’s other beaches. Known for rough surf, Marine Street beach is not the spot for leisurely swimming, but it is a great spot for sunbathing.
The relatively easy access combined with the expansive sand makes it popular with locals who prefer space to spread out.
D Street Beach
This Encinitas access point leads to a mile-long stretch of beach that locals call Boneyards, running from Moonlight Beach down to Swami’s. Located between Moonlight Beach and Swami’s Beach, this secluded beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming during the crowded peak season.
The rocky cobblestone entry makes it less appealing to casual beachgoers, which means more space for those willing to navigate the terrain.
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Shell Beach
Tucked just south of La Jolla Cove, this small beach lives up to its name with an abundance of shells scattered across the sand. Shell Beach is a lovely little cove filled with character and adventure.
The tide pools here are fantastic for exploration, and the intimate size makes it feel like your own private beach, especially during weekday visits.
Fletcher Cove
This Solana Beach gem combines the best of both worlds—a legitimate beach experience with park amenities like playgrounds and picnic tables. Locals sometimes call it ‘Pillbox’ due to a WWII gunnery position that once stood on the bluff above.
The grassy area above the sand provides a perfect spot for families to set up camp, while the beach below offers gentle waves suitable for kids and adults alike.
Hospital Point
Named for the nearby Scripps Memorial Hospital, this La Jolla spot offers some of the best tide pooling in the county. Hospital Reef is right above Culver Park and is a very popular spot for photographers due to the unique reef formations, especially when the light hits just right during sunset.
The rocky reef formations create natural aquariums filled with sea life, making it a favorite among locals who know to visit during low tide.
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Torrey Pines State Beach
While the state park above gets plenty of visitors, the beach below remains surprisingly uncrowded considering its pristine condition. Torrey Pines City Beach is in La Jolla, just north of San Diego. This stunning private beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists due to its long, expansive shoreline and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
The four-mile stretch of sand beneath 300-foot cliffs offers plenty of room to spread out, even during peak season.
South Ponto Beach
This Carlsbad favorite sits just south of the more crowded Ponto area, offering the same great surf with significantly fewer people. Located near Carlsbad, South Ponto is one of the quieter beaches up north that often flies under the radar.
The high dunes provide natural windbreaks, creating cozy spots for beach lounging while surfers enjoy some of the most consistent waves in North County.
Seascape Beach
Tucked below the bluffs in Solana Beach, this spot—also known as Cherry Cove by some locals—attracts people who appreciate good surf conditions without the attitude of more famous breaks. The overall serene environment and fewer crowds enhance the beach’s appeal, making it a perfect spot for a quiet retreat.
The long sandy stretch provides plenty of space for both surfers and families, while the dramatic cliffs create a stunning backdrop.
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Stan’s Beach
Located south of the main Coronado Beach area, this spot offers the same silver sand that made the Hotel del Coronado famous, but with a fraction of the crowds. Stan’s Beach shares the silvery white sands the island is famous for, sans the throngs of beachgoers.
Named after a local surfer and ‘Ambassador of the Sea,’ this beach also features the remains of the SS Monte Carlo, a concrete-hulled gambling ship that wrecked on New Year’s Day 1937 and becomes visible during low tides and after storms.
Scripps Beach
Adjacent to the famous Scripps Institution of Oceanography, this beach offers a unique combination of natural beauty and scientific significance. The pier creates interesting wave patterns for surfers, while the protected cove areas provide calm water for swimming and snorkeling.
Marine biologists from the nearby research facility often conduct studies here, making it an educational experience as well as a beautiful one.
South Imperial Beach
Situated near the Mexican border, this wide stretch of sand feels worlds away from the typical Southern California beach scene. This wide sandy beach is perfect for long walks and beachcombing, with the natural dunes providing a beautiful backdrop.
The adjacent Tijuana Slough provides excellent birdwatching opportunities, making this a favorite among nature lovers who appreciate unspoiled coastal environments.
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Little Point Beach
This small La Jolla cove hides behind an unassuming neighborhood entrance but opens up to reveal something for everyone. Known by various informal names among locals, this spot features both sandy areas for lounging and rocky sections with tide pools.
The variety of terrain—from sandy lounging spots to rocky tide pools—makes it perfect for groups with different interests, and the intimate size keeps it feeling like a hidden discovery.
Mission Point
Located in Mission Bay, this spot offers a completely different vibe from the ocean beaches—think calm bay waters instead of crashing surf. Families with small children love the calm waters for swimming, sunning, and picnicking, with bike paths and playgrounds rounding out the appeal.
The green park space and gentle bay waves make it ideal for families with young kids who aren’t ready for ocean conditions.
Boneyard Beach
Accessible only by walking from neighboring beaches, this secluded spot below the bluffs in Encinitas rewards those willing to make the journey. When the conditions are right, this beach is very popular with surfers because of its seclusion below the bluff.
The name comes from the bleached driftwood scattered across the sand, creating an almost artistic landscape that photographers and beachcombers love to explore.
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Where Locals Still Go to Breathe
These hidden beaches represent something increasingly rare in Southern California—places where you can still hear the waves over the crowd noise. While San Diego continues to grow and attract visitors from around the world, these local favorites remain relatively untouched, preserved by their challenging access or simply their distance from the main tourist corridors.
The next time you’re fighting for parking at Mission Beach, remember that just a few miles away, locals are enjoying their piece of paradise, where the biggest decision is whether to surf or just soak up the sun. That’s the real San Diego beach experience.
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