The best of Ocean Beach

Jamie Eddy | FEATURE EDITOR | THE USD VISTA |@jamieddyy

San Diego is known by many for having some of the best food, live music, outdoor activities, and holiday happenings. Each of these characteristics contribute to the aesthetic and appeal of the many areas and neighborhoods of San Diego. Some of these places include Coronado, North Park, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Mission Beach, and Birdrock. A favorite among the locals and even visitors, is the infamously eclectic and lively Ocean Beach.

Ocean Beach, located just across the jetty from Mission Beach, south of Pacific Beach, and more coastal than North Park, offers locals and visitors a unique cultural feel. This is easily noticeable from simply walking around Newport Avenue, Cable street, and along the coastal, beach front.

There are many individuals, including college students, who perceive Ocean Beach as grimy and stricken with homeless people.

However, the many restaurants, hidden beaches, live music joints, Wednesday farmers market, bars, and the unique individuals who reside in this area all make for a fun and interesting neighborhood.

No Surf Beach along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard is a hot spot for people looking to swim, run around with their dogs, and get away from the chaos of a larger beach area. No Surf is a little alcove of sand and water that you have to climb down to, but once you make it, there is plenty of space to spread out. Also, it is adjacent to the famous cliff jumping spot, which attracts many younger individuals.

The OB Farmers Market is one of the main attractions, which brings people out to Ocean Beach. Every Wednesday between 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. locals and visitors can purchase fresh produce, shop homemade products, listen to live music, and eat delicious food unique to the market. This is an awesome opportunity to mingle with locals, get to know shop owners, and experience the relaxing vibes of Ocean Beach.

Another attraction of Ocean Beach is the OB Dog Beach. This is sacred land for dog owners, bringing in many people from outside the area because of how few beaches allow dogs all hours of the day. Dog Beach is where dogs are allowed to run free without leashes, swim in the water, and socialize with other dogs. The only rule is owners must watch their dogs fervently, making sure to pick up after them once they’ve done their business and keeping them out of possible trouble or fights with other canine friends.

Ocean Beach is often overlooked and misunderstood. This area represents a culture of individuals who enjoy a leisure lifestyle, good food, tasty waves, and community gatherings. It is important for USD students to explore areas that they may not necessarily be familiar with because there are always takeaways and memories that can be shared.

Best of Ocean Beach Cuisine

The cuisine found in Ocean Beach is some of the best in San Diego. There are countless delicious restaurant choices, making it almost impossible to choose and go into detail about just one or two. There is a great variety, offering people a range of food choices such as vegan, Indian, Mexican, Japanese, American, and gluten free meals. Because there are limitless options and so many great spots, here is a list of the top 10 food places put together by your peers who frequent the area. We encourage you to get to Ocean Beach and try out some of these spots.

1. Raglan Public House     6. South Beach Bar & Grille

2. OB Noodle House           7. Wonderland Ocean Pub

3. Hodad’s                           8. Ranchos Natural Foods

4. The Joint                         9. Nati’s Mexican Restaurant 

5. Pizza Port OB                 10. Sundara Indian Cuisine