11 Of The Most Fun Beach Bars In San Diego

Is there anything more satisfying than kicking back at one of the San Diego’s buzzing beach bars with an ice-cold drink in your hand? It will instantly make you feel like you are on vacation and puts in you in relax-mode. 

There’s no hiding the fact that San Diego is bursting with inviting seaside watering holes open all day and night, serving up your favorite drinks.

We’ve rounded up some of the best-loved San Diego beach bars throughout the city’s beachside neighborhoods. These are well worth checking out next time you need to quench your thirst by the ocean.

Read on for the best beach bars in San Diego.

Looking for more bar ideas in San Diego? Check out our additional guides below:

Top Sports Bars In San Diego
San Diego Speakeasies You Should Try
Fun Tiki Bars In San Diego

Beach Bars in San Diego: Pacific Beach

Lahaina Beach House

Address: 710 Oliver Ct, San Diego, CA 92109
Phone: (858) 270-3888
Website

Lahaina Beach House has been a favorable meeting point for over 40 years, and it’s only getting more and more popular as time goes on. 

Around sunset, you’ll catch locals and tourists scrambling to snag a seat on the patio at Lahaina Beach House, so prepare yourself.

Pitchers of beer are the order of the day at Lahaina, while they’ve also gained a reputation for serving tasty burritos and tacos. 

With locally brewed pints starting from as little as $3, this is definitely one of the most reasonably priced beachside haunts in Pacific Beach.

You’ll easily understand why sunset-lovers have been grabbing a drink here for years.

PB Shore Club

Address: 4343 Ocean Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
Phone: (858) 272-7873
Website

Pacific Beach Shore Club near Crystal Pier has everything you’d expect from a quintessential beach bar.

Here, you’ll find a lively outdoor terrace with sea views from every angle, filled with beach-goers and surfers in search of happy hour cocktails. 

Grab your friends and tuck into one of their famous Game Day platters, or sample some delicious Mexican classics. You can’t leave without trying out the Red Bull vodka slushies. Thank us later! 

It’s a bit pricer than some of its counterparts but totally worth it.

Baja Beach Cafe

Address: 701 Thomas Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
Phone: (858) 230-6315
Website

A surf shack right on the sand with colorful decor and a thatched roof, Baja Beach Cafe is the place to be when the heat gets to be a little too much.

As the name suggests, this spot takes its inspiration from Baja California. Get ready for frozen margaritas in every flavor, spicy quesadillas, and massive plates of nachos.

What sets this beach bar apart is its two happy hours. One in the late afternoon and another late into the night. 

Relax on the patio or boogie the night away on the dance floor inside. You’ll get the best of both worlds at Baja Beach Cafe.

Waterbar

Address: 4325 Ocean Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
Phone: (858) 888-4343
Website

Waterbar is a beachside haunt close to the famous Tower 23 hotel.

It’s a little more upscale than other bars along the Pacific Beach boardwalk, although it still encompasses the laid-back SoCal vibe. 

You’ll find a mix of long tables for big groups and cozy corners for more intimate affairs.

Wine lovers will be in for a treat due to the bar’s extensive wine menu, while their cocktail list is as impressive.

If you’re feeling peckish, fill up on the lobster rolls, oysters, or sweet and spicy wings. 

Beach Bars in San Diego: Mission Beach

Cannonball

Address: 3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109
Phone: (858) 228-9304
Website

A beachside bar with stunning views and incredible sushi?

It’s no wonder Cannonball is one of the seaside pubs along Mission Beach that’s receiving a lot of eyes lately.

Head up to their funky rooftop and try their fresh sushi rolls and sashimi. Be sure to wash it down with draft beers or some Japanese sake.

Stop by from Thursday to Sunday to catch some live music as the sun goes down.

You can expect mid-range prices and high-quality eats.

Beach House Tequila & Taqueria

Address: 3125 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109
Phone: (858) 228-9283
Website

Beach House proves you don’t have to wait until after dark to get the party started. It’s a huge beachside bar that’s more like a glamorous day club with relatively reasonable price points.

Pick up a cocktail or tequila of choice at one of the tropical tiki bars and sit around the fire pits overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

If you’re visiting Mission Beach on the weekend, plan to dance until sunset.

Beach House regularly hosts local and international bands and DJs. 

Draft House Belmont Park

Address: 3125 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109
Website

Less than a minute away from the Belmont Park location, Draft South Mission is all about sea views, beer on tap, and hearty food.

Walk in right from the boardwalk and take your pick from an impressive range of IPAs, pale ales, and stout. Brews and Views is the mantra of Draft House, which perfectly sums up the experience you can look forward to here. A must-visit for beer drinkers, Draft House serves up countless local craft beers.

Refreshing draft beers are available for as little as $7 during happy hour, where you can also enjoy reduced appetizers like wings and loaded fries.

No need to worry if beers aren’t your thing, as craft cocktails and wine are also in plentiful supply. Treat yourself to their signature burgers and salads for less than $20.

Anyone in town hoping to catch the next football game can rest assured that Draft House will have you covered. It’s no wonder this is a favorite among beach bars in San Diego.

Coaster Saloon

Address: 744 Ventura Pl, San Diego, CA 92109
Phone: (858) 488-4438
Website

Coaster Saloon is an all-American sports bar with a vibrant outdoor seating area, blending Texas BBQ with California beach vibes.

Smoked pulled pork, BBQ ribs, and heavenly mac and cheese make for a mouthwatering dining experience, and that’s before we even get to the drinks.

On the agenda are draught or bottled beers and unique cocktails.

Prices start at $6, an absolute steal when it comes to drink prices in San Diego.

Beach Bars in San Diego: Ocean Beach

OB Surf Lodge

Address: 5083 Santa Monica Ave #1f, San Diego, CA 92107
Phone: (619) 955-5475
Website

OB Surf Lodge encapsulates everything you imagine when picturing 1960s California.

This casual restaurant is the place to go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a seaside view.

Though they’re best known for their happy hour cocktails and beers, OB Surf Lodge is more than a typical beach bar.

They also serve up fancy cold brews and flavored ice coffees.

If you’ve saved any room after filling up on crab cakes and burgers, you have to try their drool-worthy cookie sundae.

Wonderland Ocean Pub

Address: 5083 Santa Monica Ave Suite 2B, San Diego, CA 92107
Phone: (619) 255-3358
Website

Oversized windows and communal tables make Wonderland a great place to catch the sunset with family and friends.

It’s a perfect spot along the beach with ocean views. Get here early for golden hour or if there’s a big game you want to catch.

Spanish-style gin and tonics, sharing cocktails, bowls, and locally brewed beers are all the rage here.

They also have an eclectic mix of Asian, Mexican, and American favorites for anyone feeling hungry. 

South Beach Bar & Grille

Address: 5059 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
Phone: (619) 226-4577
Website

For over 30 years, locals have been flocking to this classic, low-key bar to taste the iconic Mahi fish tacos and sip on award-winning tequilas. 

This is an incredibly affordable beach bar. Plan to stop by during happy hour midweek and enjoy half-priced starters and mimosas for just $4.

Their Patron-based cocktails and slushies are to die for, not to mention a superb accompaniment to a San Diego sunset. 

San Diego’s beach bars are excellent for taking in jaw-dropping vistas and savoring some classic Californian dishes complemented with fresh Micheleda.

A quick search for ‘beach bars near me’, and you’ll have your pick of buzzing coastal pubs to choose from.

The post 11 Of The Most Fun Beach Bars In San Diego appeared first on San Diego Explorer.