7 Reasons to Embrace the Laidback PB Lifestyle

1) PB’s stress-free vibe is strong and distinctive.

Once you make your way west of I-5 at Garnet Avenue or cross over the Ingraham Street Bridge, the sense of community is powerful. More than 1,500 small businesses support local residents and cater to the tourists who visit from all over the world. Established in the 1880s, the community grew exponentially after WWII. You’ll still find smatterings of small beach bungalows on streets named after precious stones. PB’s iconic Crystal Pier opened in 1924 and it’s a great place to go fishing, watch a sunset and feel your stress just melt away.

2) It’s a mecca for those who love being active and outdoors.

Along with word-class beaches where fun-in-the-sun never ends, PB has miles of cycling, jogging, and rollerblading trails including the ever-popular Ocean Front Walk/Ocean Boulevard Boardwalk. You’ll find yourself competing with tourists especially on weekends, but it’s all part of the beach scene that makes up the unique sights and sounds of PB. Of course, surfing and the surf culture is always at the top of the list for what makes PB special. Tourmaline Surfing Park on the north end of PB is an ideal spot to catch some waves before you head to work. You’ll also find it’s a great place for windsurfing and kiteboarding and in the winter months, tide pooling along the shore.

If walking trails and birdwatching are more your thing, Rose Creek is a well-kept secret in PB. It’s a quiet and beautiful natural area that features wetlands and wide-open spaces that nature lovers adore. Rose Creek runs north and south and can be accessed off of Magnolia just south of Grand Avenue. There’s also a variety of community parks and busy playgrounds like the one at Fanuel Street Park to enjoy with your family and friends. A little further inland is Kate Sessions Park up on Soledad Drive that offers breathtaking views overlooking the bay.

3) It’s a dog-lovers paradise.

You’ll find most restaurants, coffee shops, and businesses like Downtown Works are extremely pet friendly. Some even offer separate menus for your furry friends. For real socializing and exercising off leash, locals love Capehart Dog Park in the heart of PB.

4) Health and wellness are the norm in PB.

Eating clean goes hand-in-hand with the physically fit, active and organic lifestyle here. Locals regularly support the Tuesday Farmers’ Market on Bayard Street between Garnet and Grand Avenues where they can purchase a wide variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables along with meats, cheeses and all kinds of prepared items. They also enjoy local eateries that offer a farm-to-table experience like Our Green Affair at 980 Garnet, one of Downtown Works’ favorites. Our Green Affair offers easy, affordable and authentically prepared fresh salads, bowls, soups, loaded potatoes and even desserts! It’s easy to stay in bathing suit shape all year long with the variety of fitness/health clubs, gyms and the Pacific Beach Recreation Center available for various classes and healthy activities.

5) PB Coffee Houses are some of the very best in San Diego.

And it’s not just about the excellent coffee they serve. Places like Ocean Café at 4426 Ingraham Street in the heart of PB are another one of Downtown Works’ favorites. Known as a juice, smoothie, and coffee destination, Ocean Café also offers an extended menu that customers keep coming back for more. They use an authentic Brazilian recipe for their truly fantastic Acai Bowls that are often paired with a variety of organic coffees, cappuccinos, or its famous Milky Way Mocha. Overall, people just love their organic menu, strong coffee, and relaxing, laidback environment. Another local coffeehouse favorite is Palmy’s at 976 Felspar St. The owners have refreshed a well-known, beautiful craftsman bungalow with a welcoming front porch and added great coffee and food served with a splash of Australian personality. Their big breakfast burrito is one of the very best in town, especially when you order an organic coffee or an espresso to go with it. The garden offers a shady respite where you and (you guessed it) your dog can relax as you enjoy your food and drink.

6) It’s home to some of the hottest nightlife in San Diego.

PB boasts a wide variety of bars and restaurants but the top of the list for destinations belongs to Maverick’s Beach Club at 860 Garnet Avenue. With more than 15K sf, it features six bars, 43 TVs, amazing ocean views and a variety of indoor/outdoor spaces to just chill. It’s also very dog friendly. Whether you stay for the sunset or dance the night away, it’s definitely the place to be and to be seen. Another really cool and popular bar is The Grass Skirt at 910 Grand Avenue. It’s actually a speakeasy where you enter from behind the counter of a small, Poke café storefront. Once inside, you’re transported to a tropical, Tahitian-inspired bar and restaurant that offers live music, indoor/outdoor seating, great food and a wide variety of exotic drinks. Locals know to always make reservations in advance.

7) PB Knows How to Have Fun All Year Long.

That’s right! From the Christmas Boat Parade in December, Independence Day in July to the annual Pacific Beachfest every October that features live music, craft beer, a kid’s zone, volleyball tournament and other beach sports, there’s always something fun to do in this tight-knit community. Let’s not forget that Halloween is considered a major holiday in PB with costume contests and a variety of parties. Celebrating is just part of the scene in PB that’s punctuated by the fantastic fireworks show seen nightly from nearby Sea World. How great is that? It’s just another reason why Pacific Beach is a one of the best places to live and work in Southern California!