Visit Imperial Beach
Imperial Beach, California, is the southwestern-most city in the continental United States. It is a shining example of the classic Southern California beach community, having remained largely unaffected by the rampant development and exclusivity characterized by beach cities up and down the California coast. Just a short 6-mile drive along one of the most scenic stretches of highway in the country, Imperial Beach offers visitors from Coronado and San Diego a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of daily vacationing.
Here visitors can stroll along some of the cleanest beaches in California or promenade out onto the Imperial Beach Pier and watch local fishermen try their luck. Have lunch at the Tin Fish restaurant at the end of the Imperial Beach Pier or rent some gear for the day and catch your own dinner. While you’re at it, throw a board in the water and hang with surfers from around the world as you wait for the perfect wave. Keep your eyes peeled though. Dolphins and sea lions are often just part of the experience on the Imperial Beach surf line. (Check out this video)
If it’s nature you are into, Imperial Beach has you covered. It is home to vast bird sanctuaries and a protected river estuary that attracts naturalists and bird watchers from around the globe.
Once home to the U.S. Open Sand Castle Competition, Imperial Beach is famous for a year-long schedule of beach events that attracts thousands of visitors a year. From a reconstituted sand castle event – the Sun and Sea Festival – to the world renown Surf Dog Competition the town celebrates coastal living as a way of life. There are always things to do in Imperial Beach.