MORE REASONS TO STAY...AT PACIFIC VIEW INN
Start your morning at beautiful Pacific Beach before going to all the famous locations in San Deigo.
Beaches - Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach has several distinct areas. Directly in frontof the hotel is North Pacific Beach, a calmer stretch of beach with lifeguard-supervised swimming areas. That flows under the Crystal Pier to a busier strip of Pacific Beach with a popular walking and biking strand dotted with beach-front bars and dining.
Tourmaline Surfing Park, North of Pacific View Inn, is a surfing-only beach, popular for beginners. When the wind comes up, you will see windsurfers and kiteboarders taking advantage of the conditions.
Belmont Park
The historic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster makes Belmont Park a favorite for many! San Diego's only beachfront amusement and entertainment center, Belmont Park is an admission-free spot to enjoy waffle cones and corn dogs after mini-golf, rock climbing and rides. From simulated surf machines to ocean-view dining, Belmont Park has fun for all.
San Diego Zoo
Located in Balboa Park, the world-famous San Diego Zoo offers sanctuary to more than 3500 rare and endangered animals and a botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants. Stroll among animal habitats, view wildlife and take part in educational activities that expand learnings of nature and conservancy.
In a separate location, about 30 miles North, is the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, originally named the San Diego Wild Animal Park. An expansive 1800-acre wildlife sanctuary, the Safari Park is home to species from all continents, including Africa, Asia and Australia.
Balboa Park
One of the most popular urban parks in the United States, this bucolic paradise is packed with an array of attractions, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Museums, performing arts venues, lovely gardens and recreational activities are also contained in the 1200 acres of this must-see destination. The Balboa Park Golf Course features a challenging par-72 and a nine-hole executive course, driving range and practice putting greens with views to Downtown San Diego, Point Loma and the Pacific Ocean.
WATER ADVENTURES
From kayaks and paddle-boards to Duffy Boat rentals and dining on a riverboat, water adventures await in San Diego. Sales and rentals of equipment are available all along Pacific Beach and neighboring Mission Beach. Many have lessons and local tours to help you get out or in the water during your stay. Surfing and swimming are great options
OLD TOWN SAN DIEGO
Created in 1769, Old Town is the historic heart of San Diego. Enjoy authentic Mexican food and freshly made tortillas, listen to the strolling mariachis and shop in the many specialty stores for unique souvenirs. Tour haunted buildings, reflect in the fountains at Fiesta del Reyes and in the Bazaar del Mundo and explore lush gardens. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park has admission-free entrance to its museums to learn about the history and culture of Old Town San Diego.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do near Pacific Beach, San Diego?
Pacific Beach puts you within reach of some of San Diego's most popular attractions without needing a car for everything. Right outside the hotel you've got the sand, boardwalk, and surf, while a short drive opens up Belmont Park's historic rides, the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park's museums and gardens, and the shops and cantinas of Old Town. Whether you want a lazy beach day or a full day of sightseeing, the area gives you both without much travel time in between.
Which beach area near the hotel is better — families or surfers?
It depends on what you're after. The stretch of sand right in front of Pacific View Inn is North Pacific Beach, a quieter, lifeguard-watched area that's well suited to families and casual swimmers. Head north instead and you'll hit Tourmaline Surfing Park, a surf-only beach known for being beginner-friendly, plus solid windsurfing and kiteboarding when conditions pick up. Both are an easy walk from the hotel, so you can try either depending on the day.
How far is the San Diego Zoo from Pacific Beach?
The main San Diego Zoo sits inside Balboa Park, a fairly short drive from Pacific Beach and an easy add-on to a Balboa Park visit for the museums and gardens. If you're after a bigger wildlife experience, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a separate, much larger property about 30 miles north — worth planning as its own half-day trip rather than pairing it with the main zoo in one outing.