IMPERIAL BEACH

 

 

In Imperial Beach, the sun shines most days of the year, and the soft sandy beaches span four miles and create an idyllic setting for lazy afternoons and stellar surfing. Known to have one of the nation’s best surf breaks, Imperial Beach is a haven for surfers and beachgoers. While the Pier South Resort is a major draw, Imperial Beach retains its sense of residential bliss, and locals appreciate the warm, welcoming community and tranquil streets.

 

The culinary and cultural scenes here are informed by the town’s proximity to Mexico, and the community enjoys eclectic bistros and a thriving nightlife. Imperial Beach real estate is designed with sweeping ocean views in mind, and the result is a lesson in unpretentious yet upscale estates. Indoor-outdoor conversion walls and full-length windows let in views of the sparkling water and brilliant sunshine, while outdoor entertainment spaces invite residents to soak up every bit of that gorgeous weather.

 

The breezy, beachside atmosphere in Imperial Beach makes this an ideal spot for relaxed days and quiet nights. With excellent schools and a peaceful residential feel, Imperial Beach sets the tone for idyllic family life set against a stunning backdrop.

Nearby parks and soft beaches provide a beautiful playground for both kids and adults, and the prime surf conditions mean Imperial Beach is an exciting destination for those eager to spend their days out on the water.

The dining scene in Imperial Beach reflects the laid-back seaside sensibilities residents adore. Here you will find decidedly low-key eateries and cafes, many of which are perched on the coastline and serve sweeping ocean views along with menus of fresh seafood. SEA180 sports wide windows, all the better to see the waves crashing, and a refined New American menu. Just five miles away from the border of Mexico, Imperial Beach enjoys a bevy of authentic Mexican restaurants, and El Tapatio is considered one of the town’s hidden gems.

For those seeking a dash of glamor with dinner, nearby Downtown San Diego is home to Michelin-star bistros and celebrity chef-driven menus. Brian Malarkey’s Herb & Wood celebrates refined, wood-fired fare and creative cocktails, while Michelin chef Jason McLeod dazzles the palate with his fresh, elevated seafood fare and champagne at Ironside Fish & Oyster.

 

Imperial Beach’s sun, sand, and surf are exceptional and provide endless ways for residents to enjoy the active lifestyle permeating this breezy place. Imperial Beach Pier extends almost 1,500 feet into the Pacific and delights visitors with views of the Los Coronados islands, as well as opportunities to fish, stroll, and snack. Border Field State Park sits south of the pier and stretches past the Mexican border. This beach and expansive greenspace is also a wildlife sanctuary protecting more than 370 species of birds. The beach here is where you can surf the incredible Boca Rio surf break, considered one of the best in the nation.

Summer brings the IB Sun and Sea Festival, where residents can celebrate the season by building sand castles, ogling the unbelievable creations of world-renowned sand sculptors, and indulging in epicurean treats from local restaurants. Perhaps one reason residents are so well educated in surf history is the whimsical Imperial Beach Outdoor Surfboard Museum. While not a brick-and-mortar institution, this is an integral part of Imperial Beach culture just the same. On Palm Avenue, between Seacoast Drive and Third Street, you can find surfboard sculptures detailing the history and evolution of the sport since surfing’s origins in Hawaii through 1985.