 Heading to the Beach? • Information on Imperial Beach • Imperial Beach restaurants • Four-day tide report • Forecast | UV index | |
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Most of the beach activity and the easiest beach access are between Palm Avenue and the Imperial Beach Pier at Evergreen Avenue.
The public park at Seacoast Drive and Daisy Avenue has restrooms with showers, a playground, picnic tables, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, and off-street parking.
The beach south of the pier is fronted by densely packed condominiums and apartment buildings, so parking and beach access are more limited. At the south end of Seacoast Drive there are public parking spaces and beach access as well as access to a viewing platform from which to watch the many species of birds in the Wildlife Refuge.
Imperial Beach extends approximately a half mile south from the southern end of Seacoast Drive and is a good place for a quiet walk away from the crowds. Be sure to obey the signs and stay on the beach and out of the Wildlife Refuge.
Imperial Beach has a few basic beach regulations. Dogs are prohibited north of Imperial Beach Boulevard and must be leashed at all times south of the boulevard. Keeping dogs leashed near the refuge is especially important to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
Fires, alcohol, glass beverage containers and camping are prohibited anywhere on the beach. During busy times of the year the lifeguards may designate water activity zones for surfing and swimming. Look for flags and signs designating activity zones or ask the lifeguards.
Possibly the only negative aspect of Imperial Beach is its proximity to the mouth of the Tijuana River. Many of Tijuana's colonias (suburban communities) lack adequate public services and urban runoff from these hillside communities carries heavy pollutants into the river, which in turn carries pollutants out to sea.
Depending on ocean currents the waters off Imperial Beach may be unsuitable for human contact. Call ahead, look for beach closure signs, or ask the lifeguards about water quality.
Food/dining: There are several small, affordable delis, taco shops, pizza shops and other restaurants scattered along Palm Avenue for several blocks inland and along Seacoast Drive between Palm Avenue and Evergreen Avenue. In addition, there is a reasonably priced seafood grill located at the end of the pier.
Restrooms: There are restrooms at the public park at Seacoast Drive and Daisy Avenue, at the pier entrance at Seacoast Drive and Evergreen Avenue, and on the pier about two-thirds of the way to the end.
Along Seacoast Drive, from two blocks north of Palm Avenue to about ¾-mile south of Imperial Beach Boulevard [Map It]
Accessible 24 hours a day; no camping
Free in a small public lot at the foot of Daisy Avenue and on the street
619/423-8328
FACILITIES: [Legend]
Beach Information
Special Comments: Nestled between the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge to the south and restricted U. S. Navy property on the Silver Strand to the north, Imperial Beach maintains a small coastal-town ambiance generally reserved for Central and Northern California beach communities. Imperial Beach features some of the newest, best maintained public facilities found anywhere in the county.