Best and Closest Pacific Ocean Beaches to Phoenix Area

[goolsbyjazz]

Originally Posted by asufan

Only if you like the toilet paper between your toes while you're surfing

IB has less crowds because the TJ river dissects it and brings all of the TJ poop water to the Pacific. I avoid it at all times, but I would especially do so after a rain. That beach gets closed often for this reason.

Thanks for this information. I was not aware of the TJ river dumping waste into the ocean there? Aren't there some sort of environmental laws against that?

[ShampooBanana]

Originally Posted by goolsbyjazz

Thanks for this information. I was not aware of the TJ river dumping waste into the ocean there? Aren't there some sort of environmental laws against that?

Considering it's coming from Mexico, no.

I was just in San Diego. I've been several times and it's a 5 hour drive for me (from Ahwatukee). Might be four if you live in the West Valley, like south Buckeye. Yes the water is a shock at first (esp this time of year, though better around Labor Day and into late September), but once you are in it's not bad and really refreshing.

As for beaches in Cali, our favorites in and around San Diego are Silver Strand (Coronado), La Jolla, and further north Del Mar. Del Mar is probably our favorite. In LA/Orange County it's gotta be Newport, Huntington, Laguna, Hermosa, Venice (if you like the east coast boardwalks you'd probably like Venice), and Malibu. There are some nice secluded Malibu beaches further up north past Point Dume.

Never been to Rocky Point but have heard good things. Will try it one of these days.

[wilberry]

The way I drive Mission and La jolla beach are 4 hours away from west Phoenix ( Litchfield Park ). La Jolla is very nice

[Ghetto Geek]

We prefer the SoCal beaches Malibu down to Coronado Beach in San Diego. We love San Diego and in particular La Jolla beach and Pacific Beach (PB) there are many places to swim and yes the water can be cold (about 60- 72 degrees from May-September), but it's totally bearable. I know that I am responding to this very late, but I just wanted to chime in. Rocky Point is not a bad place and contrary to all the negativity that is spread through the media. It is both relatively safe and affordable. It was more affordable 10-15 years ago, but they have seen steady and rapid development of high rise apartments, condos and vacation homes by US citizens. If that is the case, Is it as bad as some people say? Of course not. This doesn't mean that it is ugly, actually the beaches and local bars are decent. This also depends on your age group. It's a party haven for college kids from Arizona, New Mexico and Southern California. Lastly, Puerto Penasco is in a foreign country and not the US. So with that there are certain precautionary steps that you take before and during your trip and a certain level of vigilance and common sense that you keep when travelling anywhere abroad.

[More Rock]

I like Imperial Beach, and I just got back. It is free of rich snobs, drunk college kids, and griping Zonies. I am glad it is maligned here; more peace and pleasure for me.

[DieselTrucking85]

Can’t go wrong with mission beach, pacific beach, and ocean beach in San Diego. Not a bad drive out there, either.

[asufan]

Originally Posted by More Rock

I like Imperial Beach, and I just got back. It is free of rich snobs, drunk college kids, and griping Zonies. I am glad it is maligned here; more peace and pleasure for me.

Most beaches are free of Zonies, I was just in Pacific Beach, much nicer and no crowds anymore. Anyway glad you enjoyed it, I'm too scared of the Tijuana sewage that dumps there personally.

[Prickly Pear]

I'm a fan of cold water, California waters never bothered me.

I prefer going to Huntington or Mission beach aka more "lively" beaches per say. Though the quiet beaches, like La Jolla, or nice on the occasion. You have to switch the beaches every now and then.

I want to visit Rocky Point at some point. Heard the water is warmer, so I'm curious.