Imperial Beach beach vacation rentals

Just over the US-Mexico border in San Diego’s South Bay, Imperial Beach is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California, four miles of golden sand offset by a long, wooden pier — the perfect place for surfing, horseback riding, and fishing. In fact, the beach is so close to Mexico that you can see Tijuana from the 1,500-foot-long pier. Hispanic culture looms large in Imperial Beach, with Mexican grocers, bakeries, and some of the best authentic Mexican food in San Diego County.

Along the city’s waterfront, you’ll find Dunes Park, featuring public art, a playground, and great views of the pier jutting out into the ocean. While there, head to the Plaza to see the humorously named Surfhenge, Imperial Beach’s colorful version of the famous British landmark. There is a great variety of mom-and-pop eateries lining the beach where you can grab lunch and dinner or an ice cream cone to take with you on a sunset stroll on the sand.

Thanks to the beautiful southern California climate, Imperial Beach has dry, temperate weather all year round, making any time a good time to secure an Imperial Beach vacation rental. Summers offer hot, sunny days that are perfect for enjoying the beach and estuary. In August, the city hosts the Sun & Sea Festival, which showcases sandcastle art made by some of the best sculptors in the world, and includes community parades, farmer’s markets, and international food fairs. Spring and fall are nice times to visit as the summer crowds have gone home, and you may find yourself exploring Imperial Beach all on your own. It gets quiet during the winter, and although it’s still possible to paddleboard and kayak, you may want to put on a wetsuit as the ocean can be chilly.

Tijuana River National Estuary

Located at the meeting point between the freshwater Tijuana River and the Pacific Ocean, this estuary is one of the largest saltwater marshes in Southern California. The reserve is one of the best places to view endangered birds as it is home to a whopping 370 species. While here, you can also take a walk along the accessible North and South McCoy Trails.

The Imperial Beach Pier

With sweeping views of the Los Coronado Islands and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, the Imperial Beach Pier is one of the best places in the city to go for an evening stroll or watch the sunset. Anglers are known to cast off the side of the pier for corbina, croaker, or even halibut.

Silver Strand State Beach

This seven-mile-long isthmus lies between San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean connecting Imperial Beach to Coronado Island. It is a fantastic spot for swimming, kayaking, and surfing from its isolated, shell-covered beaches, and for biking; the beach lies along the 24-mile long Bayshore Bikeway.