Beach Amenities and Regulations
Lifeguards
Lifeguards are staffed year-round at the permanent lifeguard stations in San Diego (Ocean Beach, South Mission Beach, Mission Beach, North Pacific Beach, Pacific Beach, Children's Pool, La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Shores). In summer, additional lifeguards are staffed in seasonal lifeguard towers.
Lifeguards are generally on duty from 9 a.m. to dusk. Check with lifeguards for specific staff hours.
It is a misdemeanor to fail to follow the lawful order of a lifeguard or to provide false information to a lifeguard. Any person who intentionally injures a lifeguard in California may be convicted of felony battery.
Swimming
Never swim alone. Always swim near a lifeguard. Water areas off the major beaches are divided into swimming and surfing zones.
A black and yellow checkered flag will normally be posted between swimming and surfing zones. Check signs or ask a lifeguard for the proper zone for your activity.
Surfing
Water areas off the major beaches are divided into swimming and surfing zones to separate these users. A black and yellow checker flag will normally be posted between zones. Check signs or ask a lifeguard for the proper zone for your activity.
Regardless of the area of use, it is unlawful to use any water recreational device (surfboard, boat, etc.) in a manner that endangers others.
Scuba
If you're planning to dive, telephone the lifeguard beach information line at 619-221-8824 for surf information before coming to the beach. Always check with lifeguards before diving.
Fire Pits
Where fire pits are provided during the summer months, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Open beach fires outside containers are prohibited at all San Diego beaches. Fires are not allowed between midnight and 5 a.m.
The burning of rubbish is prohibited. Only wood, charcoal or paper products may be used as fuel. Fuel for the fire may not exceed a height of more than 12 inches above the upper edge of the fire container.
Before leaving the beach, the fire must be extinguished, and the coal must be removed or deposited in hot coal containers.
Fishing
Where fishing is permitted from the pier, a fishing license is not required, but catch regulations are enforced.
Boat Launch
La Jolla Shores has the only beachfront boat launch within San Diego City limits. This is an unimproved boat launch. Vehicles are allowed to drive on the sand in a very limited area at 5 miles per hour or less. Four-wheel drive is highly recommended.
Small vessels can be launched directly into the surf at the foot of Avenida de la Playa, approximately 300 yards south of the lifeguard station.
Restrooms
Public restrooms are available at the following beach locations: Children’s Pool, La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Shores, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, North Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach and South Mission Beach.
Showers
Public outdoor showers are available at the following beach locations: Children’s Pool, La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Shores, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, North Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach and South Mission Beach.
Parking
Public parking lots are available at the following beach locations: La Jolla Shores, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach and South Mission Beach.
Playground
Public playgrounds are available at the following beach locations: La Jolla Shores and Mission Bay.
Picnic
Public picnic areas are available at the following beach locations: La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Shores, Mission Beach and South Mission Beach.
Volleyball
Sand volleyball areas are available at the following beach locations: La Jolla Shores, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach.
Pier
Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach is currently closed for repairs. The Ocean Beach Municipal Pier is currently closed to the public and planned for replacement.
Public Transportation
Visit the Metropolitan Transit District’s website for routes, schedules and other information for buses and trolleys.
No Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are NOT allowed on the beach, cliffs, walkways, park areas or adjacent parking lots. To read the full ordinance and for more information, visit the City Attorney’s Office website.
No Glass Containers
Glass containers are NOT allowed on the beach, cliffs, walkways, park areas or adjacent parking lots.
No Smoking
Smoking is NOT allowed on the beach, cliffs, walkways, park areas or adjacent parking lots.
No Littering
Littering is NOT allowed on the beach, cliffs, walkways, park areas or adjacent parking lots.
No Disturbing Noise
Disturbing noise is NOT allowed on the beach, cliffs, walkways, park areas or adjacent parking lots.
No Overnight Camping
Overnight camping, sleeping or parking is NOT allowed on the beach, cliffs, walkways, park areas or adjacent parking lots.
No Dogs
Dogs are NOT allowed on the beach, boardwalk or adjacent parks between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., from Nov. 1 through March 31.
Dogs are NOT allowed on the beach, boardwalk or adjacent parks between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., from April 1 through Oct. 31.
At all other hours, dogs must be on a leash. Owners are expected to pick up after their dog.
Dogs are allowed at Dog Beach (adjacent to Ocean Beach) and Fiesta Island (in Mission Bay).
These restrictions do not apply to service animals, as defined by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. For more information about rules regarding dogs and beaches and Mission Bay, visit the City's Parks and Recreation Department website.
Large Groups
Any gathering of more than 50 people requires a permit from the City's Parks and Recreation Department.
A permit is also required for:
- A wedding;
- Water event;
- Athletic event;
- Voice and/or music amplification; or
- Use of special setup equipment (such as an inflatable party jump, dunk tank, canopy, etc.).
For permits or further information, contact:
City of San Diego
Parks and Recreation Department
Developed Regional Parks Division
2125 Park Blvd.
San Diego CA 92101
619-235-1169
Boardwalk Speed Regulations
On the Mission Beach/Pacific Beach boardwalk, the maximum speed limit is 8 mph (13 kph).
For other questions or concerns, call 619-221-8899 or email SDLG@sandiego.gov