THE HOOD

Playtime in San Diego’s Pacific Beach

By Janine Goldberg Photography by Haley Hill

WE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIANS ARE A BIT SPOILED WITH OUR BREATHTAKING COASTLINE THAT CONNECTS A MYRIAD OF BEACH COMMUNITIES FROM SANTA BARBARA DOWN PAST SAN DIEGO  EACH ONE OFFERING ITS OWN UNIQUE BEAUTY AND PERSONALITY TO AREA RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ALIKE.

“Pacific Beach – or PB as locals refer to it, is the ideal locale for those wanting to vacay at the beach, either with friends or the entire family.”

CHRIS STONE

It’s no surprise that during the pandemic we have all been searching for a variety of outdoor experiences more than ever. Nestled between upscale La Jolla and Mission Bay (home to Sea World) is one relaxed beach community that offers some of the best water activities and hotel choices. Pacific Beach – or PB as locals refer to it, is the ideal locale for those wanting to vacay at the beach, either with friends or the entire family.

PB’s Ocean Walk boardwalk stretches for 3.2. miles and gives you the perfect lens from which to take in the trendy bars and cafes this community is known for. Whether you are riding a bike, roller skating, jogging, skateboarding, or meandering at a leisurely pace, the boardwalk is a place for every age. You’ll undoubtedly want to venture down to the sand and dip your toes in the beautiful Pacific or catch the waves on a boogie board. The braver athletes bring their boards and head surfing near Crystal Pier and up toward La Jolla. At sunrise the local surfing community comes out with the early morning fog as they enjoy top-notch surfing.

When looking for a hotel in PB, be sure to check out the newly renovated Ocean Park Inn. Location is everything and this property is perched on the boardwalk, steps away from Crystal Pier, and offers direct access to the beach. Despite its enviable location, the rooms at Ocean Park Inn don’t come with a dealbreaking price tag. Family owned since 1967, the third phase of renovations (completed in March) included a fresh exterior, pool deck and lounge, and renovated lobby that showcases contributions from local artists. The fourth and final phase, scheduled to be finished in May 2022, will include a guest-only surf and tikiinspired cocktail bar. The hotel will be solar by the end of this year.

All of the rooms are suites and most offer either a pool or ocean view, and some offer a small kitchenette as well. The sound of the waves will transform you from your early morning coffee until you bid sweet dreams. Each freshly remodeled suites reflects a mid-century meets beach vibe. The sophisticated and streamlined furniture and vintage local photography in the rooms are paired with crisp hues of cool mint green, black, white and sun-drenched yellow. All of these elements help to create the pared-down elegance and chic retro luxe. All suites have a 55” LCD TV, pod dock, hair dryer, iron, refrigerator and coffee machine. Microwaves are available upon request. Guests can take in the California sunshine while relaxing on the oceanfront pool deck which encompasses an abstract mid-century pattern. The modern aesthetic continues with the white lounge chairs that offer teak accents. When you

“For those travelers who want a break from the sand, head to Ray’s Rentals to rent a bike to tour around PB and surrounding areas.”

OCEAN PARK INN 710 Grand Avenue San Diego, CA 92109 (858) 483–5858 frontdesk@oceanparkinn.com www.oceanparkinn.com want a break from the sand, take a dip into the heated pool.

Guests are a stone’s throw from some delicious food and bar options. After catching a look at the early morning surfers and fishermen, you can take a short walk on the boardwalk to Kona’s Surf Club Café for a hearty breakfast – it’s where the locals gather for good grub and coffee first thing in the morning. If you want more of a grab and go cup of jo, you can walk a couple blocks from the Inn to the popular Better Buzz Coffee. For lunch and dinners, Waterbar is located on the boardwalk and offers a more upscale menu and has large open windows so that guests can take in the ocean views. Other popular choices nearby include PB Alehouse, Backyard and Firehouse (literally located next to the local fire station). Farther down the boardwalk is the famous Lahaina Beach House, a cash-only beachfront bar that has been a staple in the community for years.

For those travelers who want a break from the sand, head to Ray’s Rentals to rent a bike to tour around PB and surrounding areas. It’s also worth the short trip to Kate Sessions Park. Here you can catch beautiful views of the city and San Diego Bay. There’s a large grassy area for friends and family to play frisbee, throw a kite or to enjoy a picnic from. There’s also boutique shopping, yoga studios and surf-inspired stores close to Ocean Park Inn, on Mission Blvd. Or you can venture to Prospect Street in La Jolla for some upscale designer shopping.

Once the sun creeps down, PB’s nightlife hits its stride. With three universities and colleges nearby, a younger population ventures in to PB to enjoy the abundance of nightlife options. If you’re staying in one of Ocean Park Inn’s ocean-view rooms, it’s worth sitting on your balcony to watch the night-time passerby’s and street performers. To witness some of the most beautiful sunsets, fishing, surfing, sunbathing, jogging, beach volleyball, top-notch people watching and much more, hop in your car and steer to Pacific Beach. v