Top Places for Swimming in San Diego
Water and San Diego are practically synonymous due to the city’s well-known oceanside location. Divided into six beach regions, San Diego is also a perfect place to go swimming pretty much any time of year, although some locations only have lifeguards on duty during certain months. If you’re on the hunt for some great San Diego swimming destinations, the friendly team at Sunrise Inn San Diego, one of the most comfortable budget-friendly San Diego hotels you can find, recommend the spots listed below.
The Plunge San Diego
Home to one of the largest indoor pools in Southern California, The Plunge is a great place to swim for pleasure or exercise while visiting San Diego. It’s also a family-friendly spot where you can enjoy time in the pool with your kids. The Plunge is open as of May 2021.
Coronado Beach
Make your way to this gorgeous white sand beach and you’ll have no trouble finding a place to swim. This popular beach does get crowded, but it’s large enough to still allow you to find a fairly secluded spot to swim. A few free public parking places are nearby.
Pacific Beach
Swimming and surfing are the two most popular activities at Pacific Beach. Trendy bars and cafés line the nearby boardwalk. You’ll also find bathrooms here along with dedicated parking spaces on Pacific Beach Drive and Grand Avenue when visiting this swimming destination.
Ocean Beach
Swimming is one of the top activities here as well, along with sunbathing and surfing. This wide sandy beach has long piers and offers stunning views. It’s also one of the few local places where you can fish without a license. Shops and restaurants can be found on nearby Newport Avenue and Voltaire Street if you want something else to do when you’re not swimming.
South Mission Beach
Go about as far as you can go along the Mission Beach Peninsula and you’ll find South Mission Beach. Casually walk barefoot across the soft sandy beaches and enjoy a leisurely day of swimming. Nearby amenities include an amusement park, arcade, boardwalk, wave house, and grass park.
Playa Pacifica on Mission Bay
Leisure Lagoon is a perfect name for the cove here, since this is definitely a relaxing place to visit and swim. Nestled by a large grass park, the beach area is a top attraction for locals and visitors alike. Lifeguards are typically on duty here from the spring months through October.
Carmel Valley Swimming Pool
The pool here is outdoors and designed with an adjacent slide. The main pool area is set up so you can get your laps in or brush up on your swimming skills. The staff is friendly, and it’s usually not very crowded. Heated indoor and outdoor showers are available. As of May 2021, this pool is once again open.
La Jolla Cove
A 6,000-acre protected spot, La Jolla Cove is an excellent place to go for an ocean swim. This small picturesque cove is also home to an assortment of sea-dwelling creatures that include everything from sea stars and slugs to octopuses, harmless swell sharks, and large schools of fish.
When you visit San Diego, you’ll discover swimming is only one of the many fabulous ways to have fun in the sun. There’s so much to see and do that you’ll want to stay for several days, so book your room today at Sunrise Inn San Diego, one of the most affordable hotels near downtown San Diego. Our relaxing, inviting guestrooms feature plenty of space and contemporary décor, and our suites have balconies that offer amazing harbor views. Make your reservation today by calling (619) 223-5544.