Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach: From Railroad Dream to Surf Town

Pacific Beach wasn’t supposed to become one of California’s most iconic surf towns.

When Pacific Beach was founded in 1887, its developers envisioned an elegant seaside resort connected to downtown San Diego by rail. Investors purchased oceanfront land, streets were carefully laid out, and a grand hotel was planned to attract wealthy visitors seeking fresh ocean air. But like many ambitious real estate ventures of the era, the timing couldn’t have been worse. The Southern California land boom collapsed, the grand hotel never became the centerpiece its founders imagined, and the young community struggled through its early years.

Ironically, that slow start may have been the best thing that ever happened to Pacific Beach.

Instead of becoming an exclusive resort, Pacific Beach gradually evolved into a relaxed beach community where surfers, students, families, and lifelong locals all found a place. By the middle of the twentieth century, surfing culture had firmly taken hold, and “PB,” as locals affectionately call it, had earned a reputation as one of Southern California’s quintessential beach towns.

As you walk through Pacific Beach today, you’ll notice that its personality changes every few blocks. Garnet Avenue buzzes with restaurants, cafés, and local shops. A short walk away, the famous boardwalk follows miles of coastline where cyclists, joggers, dog walkers, and beach cruisers share the path. Continue north toward Tourmaline Surfing Park and the pace changes once again. Here you’ll often find surfers patiently waiting for the perfect wave while pelicans skim just inches above the water—a reminder that nature still sets the rhythm of the day.

Our walk begins with coffee on Turquoise Street, then a walk west to the beach at Tourmaline, south along the shore to Crystal Pier, and back again for wine. Along the way you might pass the little house on Diamond Street where the Urban Wine Walkers met. She was a sexy cavewoman and he was…well he was Butthead of “Beavis and Butthead” fame. Thank god she could see past the red shorts, black shoes, and AC/DC t-shirt!