Located on the far South point of California, San Diego is a picturesque paradise. With huge sprawling beaches, great food, nightlife, shopping, and world-renowned attractions like Legoland and the San Diego Zoo, this city has it all. But not everyone loves living in a big city. San Diego is a growing city with a growing population, which may not be ideal for everyone. Some people want to live somewhere a little quieter but still have proximity to all the city offers.
There are a lot of places surrounding San Diego that fit the bill. Because of the city’s incredible coastal location, it is surrounded by stunning beach towns that are a little quieter and only a short drive away from the big city. Let’s look at nine of these beautiful beach towns that people looking to move outside San Diego should consider.
Carlsbad
Within a quick drive of both Los Angeles and San Diego is Carlsbad. With a significant population over 100,000, this suburban city is known for its beaches, surf, and some of the best attractions in California. There are tons to do in Carlsbad with Legoland, Sea Life Aquarium, and tons of family-friendly, nature-oriented activities. It is an affluent suburb that is consistently ranked one of America’s best cities to live in.
Coronado
Coronado is a small town on a peninsula just off San Diego that is accessible by ferry. It has a permanent population of just over 20,000 but has a booming tourism industry due to its great beach, surf, and views of the San Diego skyline. Coronado is a great place to live, with boardwalks, biking, ice cream shops, and more. It is considered a wealthy town with great housing options and unparalleled ocean access.
Del Mar
Del Mar is a quieter refuge from busy San Diego. Known for its upscale living, this beach town has a small population but a lot to do. With incredible natural scenery, including quieter beaches with some of the best surfing in the state, and a well-known racetrack bustling throughout the summer, Del Mar has a lot to offer. Real estate here is expensive, but it is home to some of the most beautiful houses in the area.
Encinitas
Just 25 miles north of San Diego is Encinitas, yet another stunning beach city in an area full of them. With a population of about 60,000, this small city has a dense suburban feel. Cost of living and real estate are pricy, well over the California average. But Encinitas has a lot to offer. Encinitas is a perfect slice of small-town California with incredible beaches, great viewing spaces to walk through nature, and tons of trendy restaurants and coffee shops.
Imperial Beach
Imperial Beach is the southernmost point on the West Coast and is a place of perpetual sunshine. It is a small town of just over 30,000 but has a massive beach from which it takes its namesake. Imperial Beach is an incredible place to put down roots with a great pier along the beach, a small-town feel, and proximity to San Diego and Mexico. While housing prices have risen in recent years, there is still comparatively affordable real estate to be found in this small beach town.
La Jolla
La Jolla is one of the best-known places in the San Diego area, and for good reason. This seaside area has some of the most incredible ocean scenery imaginable. Sparkling turquoise waters, jaw-dropping coves, and incredible wildlife are all par for the course in this area on the outskirts of San Diego. It is where many of the city’s wealthiest reside, and beyond the natural splendor, has great golf, restaurants, and shopping to boot.
Oceanside
If you could picture the most classic small coastal California city possible, it would likely look a lot like Oceanside. Oceanside is just north of Carlsbad, and is covered in palm trees, has ocean-front piers, and sandy beaches galore. The city is known for unbelievable surfing and is the site of the California Surf Museum. It is on the more affordable side for real estate compared to many other areas in San Diego County, and the beachfront homes are to die for.
Solana Beach
Solana Beach is a small city with a population under 15,000 and was recently voted “the friendliest beach town.” It is an affluent area located along the Pacific Ocean bluffs, with year-round mild temperatures. Solana Beach has a ton of culture for a small town, including the Cedros Design District, which has numerous trendy shops, galleries, and cafes. Real estate won’t come cheap, but it is worth it for this uniquely California city.
Ocean Beach
While not quite removed from San Diego, Ocean Beach is still so distinct that it feels very much like its own place. It is a vibrant and bustling area complete with farmers’ markets, food options galore, and some of the most open ocean access points around, making it extremely popular for surfers and fishers. Ocean Beach is the perfect spot for young people, with a bohemian feel and great nightlife. Its urban-suburban blended vibe makes it the perfect place to make a home.
