Soaking in sunny days and lounging beachside is more than just a way to spend time in San Diego: It’s a central part of the culture here. Imperial Beach is especially known for this, and summertime in Imperial Beach is about sun and sea, with little else getting in the way. Here’s why Imperial Beach is one of the best places to call home in Southern California.

Historical Parks

Coronado Island / shutterstock

Imperial Beach connects two very distinct geographical features. The Silver Strand is the piece of land that adjoins Imperial Beach to neighboring Coronado Island (also known as the Coronado Peninsula). It’s in between the cities of Coronado and Imperial Beach although locals often pinpoint the exact location as being in Imperial Beach instead of Coronado. The Silver Strand has opportunities for camping, swimming, surfing, water skiing, sailing, or fishing.

Imperial Beach also connects the U.S. to Mexico. Parts of the city limits include a beachfront park that borders Mexico called the Border Field State Park which is part of the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve. The area is especially known for horseback riding and bird watching as many birds frequent the Tijuana River and surrounding wetlands.

Family-Friendly Events

Sandcastle competition at the Sun and Sea Festival / Shutterstock

Family- and kid-friendly events are at the epicenter of the Imperial Beach community.

The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve hosts a Jr Ranger program on Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. where local children can learn more about the wildlife and wetlands. The program is completely free and open to locals or park visitors. 

The famous sandcastle competition attracts neighbors and onlookers from all over the country. The annual “Sun and Sea Festival” happens one weekend a year. This year, it’s on July 13th and 14th. This event also has a Kids n’ Kastles portion of the competition.

Wild Animal Watching

You can find many different types of birds like the snowy egret in Tijuana Estuary / shutterstock

Many wild animals make their home in the wetlands of Imperial Beach, giving onlookers several opportunities to observe them. In addition to the two parks mentioned above, Imperial Beach is also home to the largest saltwater marsh in Southern California: The Tijuana Estuary, which is home to over 370 types of birds and other wildlife.

Bird watching is very popular in Imperial Beach. Bird talks are held on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays of the month at 3 p.m. at the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve. Who knows what you might see during one of those talks. Perhaps your bird watching could involve a flamingo, as it did back in February of 2018 when a flamingo was spotted in the marshes near an Imperial Beach park.

Fishing and Organic Roots

Make sure to check out the Imperial Beach Farmers Market for fresh produce / Shutterstock

There are several spots to fish within Imperial Beach, with the most popular being the pier. The community also hosts grunion runs seasonally for participants of age with the proper license.

The Imperial Beach Farmers Market happens every Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the winter and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the summer. As the site lists, there seem to be only two seasons in Imperial Beach: summer and winter. Summer season is April through September, while the winter season is October through March. There are special events that are also happening during the winter season.

Beachside Sports

Imperial Beach is a great place to catch some waves / Shutterstock

Bodyboarding, jet skiing, boating, and surfing are common in Imperial Beach. Imperial Beach is especially known for surfing due to its famous big wave break “Tijuana Sloughs.” A word of caution: These waves are not for beginners. The waters that showcase these renowned waves can be accessed in Imperial Beach. They have cobblestone reef which makes the waves even more treacherous. Sharks have also been seen in the area, so hang ten with caution.

Beer

Photo courtesy of Coronado Brewery

What San Diego piece would be complete without beer? Thankfully there are a few breweries local to Imperial Beach. Coronado Brewery is one of a few spots to check out that’s local and true to the area, even sharing a name with the adjacent city.