Pacific Beach, or “P.B.” as it is known by the locals, is a popular neighbourhood in San Diego, California, on the west coast of America, full of young energy and activity, surfers, students and beautiful views over the Pacific Ocean. It is part of the city’s Mission Bay and Beaches region, an indented section of land where the ocean infiltrates into the city and creates a unique combination of urban and nature, with beautiful beaches surrounding its streets. Its local culture is as inviting as its natural beauty as Pacific Beach is known for its wild nightlife, independent shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, all of which are particularly popular with young people.
Being half surrounded by water, one of the best features of the neighbourhood is its coastline and more specifically, its beach, which is lined by a five-kilometre boulevard, popular with cyclists, joggers and people rollerblading. The beach area is also a busy shopping district with small and local atmospheres and also contains numerous bars, restaurant and hotels, which offer both experience of the local scene and stunning sunset views. Pacific Beach is a particularly great place to go surfing, and visitors can hire boards and wet suits from local shops to enjoy the Californian pastime, or for a more relaxed activity, visitors can go fishing on the edges of Crystal Pier, or simply walk the sandy beach. In addition to surfing, visitors can enjoy water sports like kayaking, jet skiing, wake boarding or boating, and cruise tours of the waters surrounding San Diego also leave from the Pacific Beach area.
Visitors travelling San Diego by car can reach Pacific Beach along Garnet Avenue, which connects directly to the 5 Freeway, and park within the neighbourhood at local car parks and along Tourmaline Street. Public transport in San Diego also serves Pacific Beach, and various buses travel through the neighbourhood from downtown and the old town. Within the area, many locals roller skate, walk or cycle, and visitors can rent bikes or skates from nearby rental shops.
The suburb of Pacific Beach was established in 1887 and started to develop its city streets, naming them after precious gemstones by 1900. Although the neighbourhood was rather non-lively during its first 50 years, it eventually became recognised for its ocean view housing and recreational possibilities, and by the end of WWI, it guided the city towards a strong population growth.