Pacific Beach has about 40,000 residents and 1,200 businesses. You will find surf shops, beach equipment rental stores, more than 20 affordable hotels and motels, some of the best restaurants in San Diego and many clubs featuring nightly entertainment, ranging from rock to jazz.

For some however, the best attraction is the Pacific Ocean. You can swim, surf, boogie board, beach comb, sun bathe, snorkel and of course watch the sunset. Roast marshmallows over a beach bonfire in one of the city-provided fire rings.

If you prefer the quieter side of life, stroll across Mission Boulevard to Sail Bay, a calm and picturesque inlet. Here visitors can rent windsurfers, paddle boats and sail boats or ride the Bahia Belle, an old-fashioned sternwheeler.