The Best Beach Bites in San Diego
San Diego is well-known for two things: being a beachside city with miles of coastline, and having a reputation as a food-lovers paradise. Plus, thanks to our habit of grabbing food to go and heading to the beach to enjoy it, some of the best eateries in the state are just steps from the water. You don’t have to settle for prefab sandwiches after a long surf sesh — satisfy your cravings for both exceptional eats and waterfront views with this guide to the best San Diego snacks and beach bites.
Oscar’s Mexican Seafood (0.1 miles)
(Photo: @oscarsmex)
The chow from our neighbors at Oscar’s is one of the best-kept secrets in Pacific Beach, but we’re not good at keeping something this delicious all that hush-hush. Their fantastic Surf & Turf taco — served with a skirt steak and shrimp combo — is a sure-fire favorite. The signature smoked-fish taco is also a unique offering we haven’t found anywhere else in the city. If you really want to go for some mixed-grill magic, try the Taco Especial, which is brimming with the aforementioned smoked fish, as well as shrimp and scallops. Grab a taco to-go and enjoy it while you watch the surf!
746 Emerald St, San Diego, CA 92109
Baked Bear (0.3 miles)
(Photo: @thebakedbear)
Anytime is a good time for ice cream, especially when it’s served as creamy and delicious as the folks here serve it up. Baked Bear specializes in no-holds-barred create-your-own ice cream sandwiches, so you’re only limited by your imagination — and your appetite! We’re such big fans of their seriously sweet frozen treats that we’ve partnered with them on our Fun in the Sun Package, which also includes bike and boogie board rentals, a pair of tickets to ride Belmont Park’s Great Dipper, and much more!
4516 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
Board & Brew (0.3 miles)
(Photo: @boardandbrew)
This beachfront bistro is the place to go for killer sandwiches, ice-cold beverages, and a heaping helping of the sort of SoCal surf vibes that San Diego has made her trademark. Everything they serve is made fresh daily, using the best local ingredients from just up the beach a bit. Their specialty is the Turkado — a generous pile of poultry on west-coast sourdough, topped with fresh avocado spread. It’s the flavor of California in your hand.
4516 Mission Blvd, Pacific Beach CA 92109
The Sandbox PB
(Photo: @sandboxsd)
When you’re in the mood for pizza, nothing else will truly do. And if you’re in our neck of the woods, The Sandbox is synonymous with everyone’s favorite meaty, cheesy, crunchy favorite. Whether you opt for house specialties like the BBQ Betty (featuring chicken, bacon and tangy barbecue sauce), the Hot Chester (with Hot Cheetos crumbled on top), or opt to build your own, one thing’s for sure: you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better pie. Then add some wings, crab poppers and oversized meatballs to REALLY do it right.
1466 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
The Taco Stand (3.4 miles away)
(Photo: @letstaco_)
This La Jolla favorite is notable for its modern surroundings and daily scratch-made salsas. Here you’ll find classic favorites like carne asada and al pastor sharing space with spicy shrimp, mahi mahi, and cactus. Don’t miss out on diving into the rest of the menu during your visit, as the quesadillas, burritos, and even breakfast offerings are all top-notch. And while they may not exactly be traditional, the Mar y Tierra fries (loaded with grilled shrimp, steak, and guacamole) are an experience you shouldn’t pass up.
621 Pearl St, La Jolla, CA 92037
It’s Raw Poké Shop (5.2 miles)
(Photo: @itsrawpokeshop)
This family-owned fish-forward stop offers poké fans an endless amount of variety with a heaping helping of laid-back Hawaiian vibes. In addition to the traditional ahi poké, you’ll also have an opportunity to sample spicy varieties, a soy-sauced version that packs a big umami punch, and a wasabi variant that’s sure to awaken the senses. The rest of the menu also includes a deep range of island favorites like Kalua pork, furikake salmon, and kimchi shrimp. You simply can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, so dig in!
4991 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach Farmers Markets
(Photo: @officialoceanbeach)
The farmers market scene in San Diego is as fresh and vibrant as the produce you’ll find when you go. Stop by the PB market on Tuesday to discover fresh fruit and vegetables, smoothies, gourmet tamales, and even on-tap kombucha. OB’s market is just as chock-full of fresh-picked goodies every Wednesday throughout the year. Each offers specialty ready-to-eat hot food as well as raw ingredients. You’ll also find a selection of the city’s best food trucks right nearby regardless of which you choose to visit. So grab whatever looks good, and head for the beach to enjoy it!
Pacific Beach Tuesday Market: 900 Hornblend St, San Diego, CA 92109 (0.5 miles)
Ocean Beach Farmers Market: 4900 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107 (5.1 miles)
Plan Your Tasty Trip With Pacific Terrace
Heading to the beach to dig into some delicious dishes? You’ll want to book your stay at Pacific Terrace. Our beautiful beachfront location is just moments away from every stop on the list. We also offer exceptional accommodations, guest-first amenities, a stunning location overlooking the ocean, and some very tasty options right on-site. Check Out our Special Offers Page for all the latest San Diego travel deals.