In the San Diego area, there are almost no limits to what you can do in the spring. April showers are rare, leaving bright, blue, sunny skies and up to 13 hours of daylight every day. Beach crowds are moderate during the week and most local attractions are already on their summer schedules. 

While you could go to the Carlsbad Flower Fields or head over to SeaWorld, why not check out the gem that is Imperial Beach? One of the last untouched beach towns of Southern California, the city offers so many great things to do. If you’re looking for a new place to explore this spring, here are seven reasons you should spend some time in Imperial Beach.

The Beach

The namesake beach here offers over three-and-a-half miles of space for recreational activities. You can hit the water to do some surfing or boogie boarding, or you can lounge and look out on Coronado and Downtown San Diego. You’ll see people doing all sorts of things here, including playing volleyball, fishing, and even horseback riding. Don’t just sit there — join in on the fun. 

Imperial Beach Pier & Portwood Pier Plaza

Imperial Beach Pier photo by Shutterstock

A stop here isn’t complete until you’ve visited Imperial Beach Pier, a classic wooden boardwalk that extends 1,500 feet into the Pacific Ocean. Popular for both walking and fishing, the pier gives you a unique view of the briny deep, where you might just see a school of dolphins come up for air. If you’re hungry, stop by the pier’s restaurant Tin Fish, which offers wrap-around views of the ocean and fresh seafood meals. 

When you return to the mainland, take a stroll through Portwood Pier Plaza just off the pier. In addition to its shops, sitting area, and outdoor eating spots, the plaza also boasts plenty of colorful local art, including four massive surfboard shaped arches dubbed Surfhenge. There is also a children’s playground, picnic area, gazebo, exercise stations, bike parking, and an entertainment stage.

Imperial Beach Sports Park

Photo courtesy of Imperial Beach Sports Park

If you want to find a place to stay active, check out the multipurpose grass fields at Imperial Beach Sports Park. This public space offers several amenities for recreation, including volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and a recreational center with a dance center, music room, game room, gym, and cafe. In addition, there are playgrounds and barbecues as well as classes available for Zumba, yoga, kickboxing, and tai chi. 

Imperial Beach Skate Park

Photo courtesy of SoCal Skateparks

Grab your skateboard or bike and head over to Imperial Beach Skate Park, a gated, concrete skate park full of ramps, grind rails, stairs, benches, bowls, and a variety of obstacles for skaters and bicyclists of all ages. Don’t forget to bring your helmet and knee and elbow pads, as they’re required within the park.

Tijuana River Estuary

Photo courtesy of Tijuana River Estuary

If you visit the Tijuana River Estuary, you’ll find the largest saltwater marsh in Southern California. There you can ride horseback along the beach — the only place in San Diego County where that’s permitted — with expert guides leading the way. If you’d prefer to explore on foot, take in the wildlife with a park ranger on a guided nature tour or bird walk. When you stop at the visitor center, you can borrow a pair of binoculars and check out some nature exhibits as well.

Outdoor Surfboard Museum

Photo courtesy of San Diego

Learn about the history of surfing and surfboard design at the outdoor surfboard museum along Palm Avenue. Starting at 3rd Street and finishing at Seacoast Drive with the Spirit of Imperial Beach sculpture, this interpretive journey memorializes generations of designers, surfers, and shapers of surf culture, and many of the pieces on display were made by Imperial Beach locals. The surfboards along the way create a visual representation of time, spanning from ancient history to 1985. 

Bayshore Bikeway

Photo courtesy of San Diego

Travel through the city on Bayshore Bikeway, a safe route enjoyed by experienced riders and casual cyclists alike. A 24-mile circuit with about 13 miles of car-free trails, the bikeway encircles the entire San Diego Bay and offers outstanding views. This is a great way to spend the day for an active date or an outing with the kids. Consider making a stop in Imperial Beach for lunch or a post-ride drink.