Pacific Beach

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Description - The beach area south of Crystal Pier is known as Pacific Beach. This beach continues south for over two miles. North Pacific Beach continues to the north, but is visually separated by Crystal Pier, a publicly accessible fishing pier. A somewhat narrow cement boardwalk parallels the entire beach. Walking, biking, bicycling, and related activities are permitted on the boardwalk, but speed is regulated and must be kept to eight miles per hour or less. Cycles with more than two wheels are not permitted except for use by the disabled. At all times, people must use caution and courtesy in using the boardwalk. Various shops, restaurants, and beach rental outfits can be found bordering the north end of Pacific Beach, north of Pacific Beach drive. The southern end is predominately residential, with commercial areas a block or so from the beach on Mission Boulevard.

Lifeguard Protection - Lifeguards are staffed daily year round at the main lifeguard station at the foot of Grand Avenue. 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. The best advice is to swim near a lifeguard.

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 and showers are located at the foot of Grand Avenue at the lifeguard station and in the median of Pacific Beach Drive between the boardwalk and Mission Boulevard. There are no public restrooms between Pacific Beach Drive and Mission Beach.

Disabled Accessibility - The boardwalk is accessible to wheelchairs and provides an excellent view of the beach.

Parking - Parking is essentially limited to on-street parking on with a few designated spaces in the median at the foot of Grand Avenue and along adjacent Ocean Boulevard.