Why we love Imperial Beach
• Its untouched, under-the-radar attractions
• Its classic SoCal-cool vibes
• Its ability to melt away your cares
Imperial Beach is the end. Or the beginning, depending on how you look at it.
This sandy stretch is the southernmost beach in California, just five miles from the U.S. and Mexico border. It’s a diminutive destination that could easily fade into obscurity. But Imperial Beach is anything but a wallflower. It’s a place for making memories, leaning into the last stretch of SoCal cool, and chasing endless adventures—all packed into just 4.4 square miles.
“It’s really an old-school, kind of quirky, funky beach town. The kind that don't really exist anymore,” resident Serge Dedina shares. Dedina moved to Imperial Beach in 1971, when he was just 7 years old, and he has dedicated his life to the mellow community he loves, first working as an area lifeguard, then starting the conservation group Wild Coast, and—oh yeah—serving as the city’s mayor, too.
Mayor Serge Dedina
As Dedina notes, Imperial Beach, technically a part of greater San Diego, has long been a favored spot for outdoor activity enthusiasts. It’s a place you can wake up to paddle out for a dawn-patrol session with other surfers (and maybe a dolphin or two), then head back to the sandy shores to lay out, or join in a friendly game of beach volleyball with welcoming locals (and look out onto the Los Coronados Islands just offshore). But for birders, the Tijuana River National Estuary is where it’s at. This park sits at the exact point where the freshwater Tijuana River meets the Pacific, making it a prime spot to see birds hunting for the perfect prey.
“It's considered one of the greatest birding areas in the United States,” Dedina proudly shares. “Especially in the winter when you get all the shorebirds.”
And while the annual sandcastle-building Sun and Sea Festival is long over (scheduled to return in July 2023), Imperial Beach is a place where you can bask in the last vestiges of California sun, even as other West Coast spots launch into full-blown sweater weather.
“It’s not pretentious. It's fun, and funky, and it's just real,” Dedina says. “It's what beach towns are supposed to be like.”
In this edition of The WeekEnder, we’re taking you to the very end of the nation to spend time along Imperial Beach, where you can see all the beautiful natural sites, dig into more than your fair share of tasty treats, and spend a weekend like you live there.
—Stacey Leasca, SoCal’s Senior WeekEnder Guide
Map of the area
1. Imperial Beach Pier
2. Tijuana River National Estuary
3. I.B. Outdoor Surf Museum
4. Surf Hut
5. The Bayshore Bikeway
6. Imperial Beach Art Walking Tour
7. Katy's cafe
8. The Tin Fish
9. Big Kahuna's
10. Brigantine Seafood Restaurant
11. Cow-A-Bunga Ice Cream & Coffee
12. Pier South Resort, Autograph Collection
13. Sand Castle Inn and Suites
Things to do
Explore Imperial Beach without ever having to leave the seaside view behind.
 Imperial Beach Pier
Get an elevated seaside view on the Imperial Beach Pier: After spending the day digging your toes in the sand and splashing around in the water, take some time to walk down the Imperial Beach Pier to see it all from a different perspective. The classic wooden pier extends nearly 1,500 feet into the ocean, providing plenty of elbow room for everyone to come to watch the sunset; cast a line for fishing (with the proper permit, of course); or grab a bite at Tin Fish, the restaurant located at its very edge (see below).
Go bird-watching at Tijuana River National Estuary: Serious birders, hikers, and animal lovers with a soft spot for fluffy and feathered creatures will all love the Tijuana River National Estuary as it’s both a place to catch sight of a few rare birds and a destination where visitors can walk or bike for miles through its easy paths. See how many birds you can check off its extensive bird list: endemic loons, rare boobies, and even a few impressive predatory flyers like falcons and vultures.
Learn a little swell history at the I.B. Outdoor Surf Museum: Thanks to its impeccable swell (i.e. perfect waves), Imperial Beach is known for its surfing scene. Come honor its hang-10 way of life with a visit to this low-key outdoor surf museum. The museum consists of 25 steel surfboards made to resemble the boards of famed shapers, including nine from the greater San Diego area. These boards span the history of surfing, with one dating back to a board meant to resemble a 1930s shape found in Waikiki Hawaii. Pro tip: Start the walk from 3rd Street so you can view the boards in chronological order, and end it at Imperial Beach City Beach.
 Tijuana River National Estuary (L), Surf Hut (R)
Or get out on your own board with Surf Hut: What’s better than appreciating surf history? Actually getting in the water to paddle after a few waves yourself. Pay a visit to Surf Hut, where you can book a surf lesson, which go for $80 per person and includes a rental board and wetsuit, and instruction by a local coach. You can also browse this Imperial Beach institution to shop all the gear you’d ever need to be a surfer (or at least look like one).
Take a ride down the Bayshore Bikeway: Imperial Beach is super-duper close to San Diego. So close you can actually bike there by pedaling along The Bayshore Bikeway. This 24-mile route connects the two spots, starting at the Coronado Ferry Landing, then down to the Silver Strand, through Imperial Beach, onto Chula Vista, and back into Downtown San Diego. Didn’t bring your 10-speed? There are a ton of bike shops in the area ready to assist, including Wheel Fun Rentals, which carries both traditional bikes and e-bikes for those who want a little assistance with their pedal power.
Admire some stellar pieces on the Imperial Beach Art Walking Tour: You don’t have to stray far from the shoreline to get in a little culture. The city has set up a short .6-mile route showcasing six art pieces that highlight the city’s surf culture. Pieces include the "Spirit of Imperial Beach," a bronze statue of a surfer gearing up to head into the water by James Wasil, and "Surf Henge," a set of delightfully colorful arches meant to resemble the tips of surfboards, by Malcolm Jones.
Where to eat and drink
Keep it chill at these easy-breezy dining venues.
 Brigantine Seafood Restaurant
Start the day at Katy's Cafe: How do you like your breakfast? Are you all about the light bites and a healthy start? Or do you go for full-on indulgence? Both camps will be happy at Katy's Cafe, a laid-back eatery, located just steps from the sand. For a lighter morning, try the smashed avocado sandwich or the acai bowl. Or go for a more badass bite like Hammerhead Mike's Deluxe Bedhead, which comes stacked with double the meats, two eggs, and cheddar on a toasted bagel.
Get a mid-day break with a view at The Tin Fish: Remember that walk along the pier? Time it for midday so you can stop at the end for lunch at The Tin Fish. The restaurant is a satisfying, no-frills spot serving seafood like fish and chips, mahi sandwiches, and fish tacos galore. Pair it with a side salad if you’re craving something green.
 The Tin Fish (L), Cow-A-Bunga Ice Cream & Coffee (R)
Have a low-key dinner at Big Kahuna's: Keep the chill vibes going by digging into dinner at Big Kahuna’s, a funky diner serving Hawaiian favorites. If the restaurant’s tiki-style interior doesn’t make you smile, a bite of coconut shrimp with sweet chili sauce definitely will. Follow that up with favorites like the Big Kahuna Burger, made with a half-pound beef patty, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, tomato, red onions, fine-cut cabbage mayo, with ketchup and mustard as a finishing touch.
Or splurge on date night at Brigantine Seafood Restaurant: While Imperial Beach is known for having plenty of easy-going dining spots, it knows how to do it up, too. Go upscale at Brigantine Seafood Restaurant, which offers ocean views thanks to a prime location just across the street from the pier. Snag an outdoor seat if you can to watch the spectacular sunsets as you dine on freshly prepared calamari and raw bar goodies. Stick to light bites or let that be the opening act for larger plates of jumbo bay scallops, blackened salmon, or decadent date night-worthy dishes like macadamia crusted ahi ahi.
Get a sweet treat at Cow-A-Bunga Ice Cream & Coffee: End your day on a sweet note with a visit to Cow-A-Bunga for a scoop…or two…or three…or maybe an entire sundae. (Hey, you are on vacation.) This ice cream shop, located right off the beach, has all the classic flavors you’ve loved since childhood, from chocolate to rocky road, plus colorful offerings like rainbow sherbert and birthday cake. Add a jolt of caffeine by ordering the “house special,” a scoop of any flavor topped with an espresso shot, whipped cream, and chocolate coffee beans.
Places to stay
Live like a local, even for a night, at these comfy spots.
 Pier South Resort, Autograph Collection
Find a little luxury at Pier South Resort, Autograph Collection: Explore the finer side of Imperial Beach with a stay at the Pier South Resort. The resort sits just steps from the Imperial Beach Pier and comes with bright and airy rooms with light wood floors and deep, plush beds, with just a touch of powder blue accents echoing the environment outside. Resort amenities are equally ritzy with a full-service spa offering signature treatments like the D'ames California Massage that combines Swedish-style strokes with hot stone therapy, plus loaner paddle boards, rental bikes, kayaks, and boogie boards for guests. It’s also a stay you can feel good about as the hotel is LEED-Certified and outfitted with solar heating and cooling technology.
Keep the beach front and center at Sand Castle Inn and Suites: Those looking for a no-frills stay can find just that at Sand Castle Inn and Suites. This venue may not have the same glitz and glamour as Pier South Resort, but it does come with everything you need for a stellar stay. That includes comfortable, and spacious rooms, some of which include kitchenettes for those looking to extend their visit just a little longer. It also offers guests a few outdoor spaces to gather. But its convenient location just down the block from the beach means you’re only minutes away from the warm, sandy shore—the ultimate hangout spot.
Sand Castle Inn and Suites (L), Beach Break Five (R)
Secure the perfect place for two at this nautical-inspired condo: Bring your first mate down to Imperial Beach for a stay at this nautical condo. Located just across from the beach, this two-bedroom home is as adorable as they come thanks to its ocean-inspired decor, from the art to the deep blue carpet, matching walls, and a smattering of sailing paraphernalia. Pelican sculptures, oars, mini lighthouses, and sailor-knot wall art add to the fun. Don’t miss having coffee on the balcony to feel the ocean breeze, too.
Or invite your entire travel entourage to this three-bedroom condo: What’s better than a beach vacation? One with all your friends. Book this three-bedroom spot known as Beach Break Five that sits at the foot of the Imperial Beach Pier. This home can comfortably sleep up to eight guests in oversized bedrooms. There’s also plenty of common space to gather, including a living room, which features a fourth wall that completely opens up to the patio. Step outside to check the waves for potential surf, or crack open a bottle of wine to toast to a vacation well spent.
Getting there
Make your way from Downtown L.A. to Imperial Beach in about 2 hours and 15 minutes (sans traffic, of course), by jumping on the US-101 S for just one quick mile before turning onto the I-5 S toward San Diego. Stay on it all the way before getting off at exit 5A, and you’re there.
Watch
OK, we typically tell you to listen to something on the way, but Imperial Beach has something special you need to watch before you go—the single season of the HBO series, “John from Cincinnati.” Those who’ve watched the show know that this surfing drama, set and shot in Imperial Beach, deserved way more than one season. Stream the few episodes, and jot down any must-visit spots you see. But if you need company on your road trip, download the audio book, “Tijuana Straits,” a surfing thriller that takes place along the U.S./Mexico border, written by Kem Nunn, who also helped create the “John From Cincinnati” series. |
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