Imperial Beach
WHO will love living in Imperial Beach?
A beach bum who believes the millionaires and tourists shouldn’t have all the beach fun. You’re looking for a laid-back beachside abode, a place you can wake up to cool breezes and the sound of seagulls and crashing waves – all without the hefty price tag.
WHAT will you see?
Four miles of mellow, sandy beachfront. Imperial Beach (known as IB to the locals) isn’t like any other San Diego beach. First, you’ll notice the lack of chaotic crowds and the lack of commercial development, which makes its beach charm even more appealing. From the Imperial Beach Pier, you’ll get sweeping views of Mexico’s Los Coronados Islands and the Pacific coastline.
WHERE will you eat?
IB has a smattering of tasty coastal eats. A quintessential beachfront spot, Katy’s Café dishes up home-style breakfasts and lunches that fuel the local lifeguards and surfers. You’ll take your visitors to SEA 180 Coastal Tavern at the chic Pier South Hotel. Here they serve up a modern fusion of Mexican and California flavors, paired with gorgeous Pacific Ocean views. No day is complete without stopping by City Tacos for fresh seafood (mariscos). To wash those tacos down, quench your thirst at Salty Frog, IP Public House, and the new Mike Hess Brewery.
HOW will you spend your time?
Soaking up every inch of San Diego’s least crowded beach town. You’ll start your morning strolling the Imperial Beach Pier and watching surfers. Afterwards, you’ll hop on your bike and pedal the Bayshore Bikeway to Coronado, a flat and stunning nine-mile ride along Silver Strand. At night, cruise over to South Bay Drive-in, San Diego’s last remaining drive-in movie theatre for double features.
WHY you’ll love living here?
Perhaps it’s because it is the most southern of all California beach towns. Or, maybe it’s often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Coronado. For whatever reason, Imperial Beach is the most tranquil and untouched of San Diego’s coast. No partying beachgoers. No overcrowded streets. Few tourists are vying for parking spots. And, the locals love it that way. If the serene, sunny shores don’t get you, then the surprisingly affordable housing prices surely will.
