This is SoCal, so you've gotta have a few beaches on your to-see list. In our humble opinion, here are a handful of the best.

Cardiff State Beach
Locally known as George’s, swimmers, sunbathers, and surfers alike flock to Cardiff’s bevy of beaches. Check out Pipes, Cardiff Reef, and San Elijo. You can enjoy the sunset from a gourmet restaurant or rough it at a beachfront campground.

Coronado Island
Cruise over the arching bridge into Coronado, and its golden-flecked shores will beckon you to lay down your towel. The sandy shoreline stretches about a mile. At the centerpiece attraction, the famed Hotel Del Coronado, beachside decks are popular for afternoon bites and drinks. Dogs are welcome to frolic leash-free further north at Dog Beach.

Imperial Beach
Explore a surf city where its beaches spawned some serious surf heritage. Sample local seafood at the end of the IB Pier after a day of swimming, surfing, and bodyboarding. In July, the U.S. Open Sand Castle Competition draws thousands of spectators from around the world to watch competitors create fanciful masterpieces.

La Jolla Shores
The bejeweled waters of La Jolla lap sea caves, where families in rented kayaks can discover San Diego from offshore in calm waters. The long, sandy beach is popular for snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. And, Birch Aquarium at Scripps is just up the hill.

Pacific Beach
Looking for true California dreamin’? PB features an endless boardwalk, funky beach bars, and three hot spots: Tourmaline Surfing Park, North Pacific Beach, and Pacific Beach.

San Onofre State Beach
This local fave is known for its virgin coastline, thick surf history, and beachside camping. And it offers three unique beach areas: Trestles, Old Man’s, and Trails.

Solana Beach
The coastline at this North County beach is literally convoluted with cliffs and features staircases descending to the sea. Check out the five main spots: Seaside, Tide Beach, Fletcher Cove, Seascape Beach, and Del Mar Shores.

Torrey Pines State Beach and Park
Here, you’ve got a few ways to go. At Torrey Pines State Beach, you’ll find traditional beach activities like swimming to the north, while the southern section is for the non-traditionalists (a.k.a. nudists). And at Torrey Pines State Park, you can explore 1750 acres dedicated to preserving its namesake, the Torrey Pine tree.

For more information on the hottest beaches throughout San Diego, visit sandiego.org.