The Local’s Edit: How We Spend 24 Hours in Pacific Beach

When we say we’re “Pacific Beach locals,” it isn’t a marketing tagline. It’s a lifetime of memories.

This isn’t a checklist from a generic travel guide; it’s the rhythm of a perfect day, the way we’ve lived it since we were kids. Forget the tourist traps—here is the unfiltered, local playbook for the best 24 hours in our backyard.

7:00 AM | The Caffeine Kick-Off There’s no better way to start a PB day than with the smell of salt air and a strong pour from Drift Cafe. It’s where the surfers and early risers gather. Grab an iced latte and walk one block west—you’ll hit the sand before you’ve taken your third sip.

Local Tip: Take a detour onto Crystal Pier. It’s one of the few historic wooden piers left in California. The view of the coastline stretching down to Bird Rock is exactly why we live here.

9:00 AM | Boardwalk Bound Now fueled, it’s time to roll. We recommend grabbing a cruiser from Bike Discovery, just three blocks from the hotel. Head south along the boardwalk toward “Mission Jetty.” This is sacred ground for us—it’s where we grew up surfing one of the best beach breaks in San Diego.

Local Tip: Skip the main streets on your way back. Cut through the alleyways to catch glimpses of classic beach bungalows and manicured succulent gardens.

1:00 PM | The Taco Ritual This is non-negotiable. If you want authentic PB, you need Taco Surf. Located just 1.5 blocks away, this spot is a true icon—we have fond memories of devouring tacos here after long surf sessions as kids. The line moves fast, so wait it out for their legendary California Burrito or a few Baja Fish Tacos.

3:00 PM | Surf & Soak The afternoon is for the water. If you aren’t paddling out, grab a towel and head to Tourmaline Surf Park. It’s a laid-back sanctuary where local longboarders hold court. It’s less about crashing waves and more about soaking in that slow, authentic SoCal surf culture.

6:00 PM | Sunset & Supper Clean up and get ready for the main event. The best sunsets—the kind where the golden hour sets the ocean on fire—are viewed from World Famous. The vibe is casual, but the view is unmatched.

9:00 PM | The Nightcap Finish the day where the locals finish theirs. We skip the mega-clubs on Garnet for the friendly confines of Thrusters Lounge. It’s a classic, low-key spot (owned by an old high school friend!) where you can hear the stories of the day over a cold drink.

Ready to live this day yourself? You handle the itinerary; let us handle the hospitality. Book your stay at Beach Haven and start your 24 hours in paradise.