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Explore Apartments for Rent in Pacific Beach, CA
Many people love the classic California beach lifestyle, and if you’re moving to San Diego, that dream may be closer than you think. The city’s Pacific Beach neighborhood captures the surfer's way of life — you can hang 10 at the shore all day and then boogie with friends at a trendy local nightclub.
But Pacific Beach is more than just a party neighborhood that attracts college students and young professionals. Its laid-back vibe is perfect for anyone who thrives in the great outdoors. While the area’s primary draw is the sand and surf of Pacific Beach, the district is known for various activities on and off the water.
Walk or bike the 3.2-mile Ocean Front Walk boardwalk to the border of Mission Beach. Then, explore Crystal Pier and the restaurants on Garnet Avenue. And if you’re tired of the sand, head to pet-friendly Kate Sessions Park for a picnic.
To get away from the neighborhood a bit, take a day trip to San Diego attractions like Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and La Jolla Cove. Plus, enjoy primo surfing at Ocean Beach or the tranquil shores of Crown Point, all within a short drive from your apartment in Pacific Beach.
With help from Apartment List, finding the perfect rentals near Pacific Beach, CA is simple. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store, then complete the Renter Quiz. Our AI-powered algorithm will use your answers to create a curated list of apartments that suit your needs.
Decide which apartments for rent in Pacific Beach interest you, book a tour, and the search is over. You’ll have the keys to your dream rental in Pacific Beach, San Diego in time to rest up for dawn patrol.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Pacific Beach is a neighborhood in San Diego, CA. The district is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and La Jolla to the north. To the east, it stretches to Interstate 5 and Clairemont, while to the south, it reaches Mission Beach and Mission Bay.
Places to rent in Pacific Beach are typically cheaper than downtown. There’s a good mix of studios, two-bedroom apartments, and beach condos to suit different budgets. But beach apartments often come at a premium.
The median rent for a downtown San Diego apartment is $2,308/month. Depending on the floor plan, you can expect to pay:
- - 1BR: $1,967/month
- - 2BR: $2,465/month
These prices are similar to Pacific Beach rentals.
Pacific Beach is one of the most popular areas in San Diego, CA. It attracts large numbers of tourists, especially on summer weekends and holidays. And its easy access to nearby cities makes it a great hub for renting or vacationing.
Tucked between La Jolla and Mission Bay, Pacific Beach is a lively beachfront neighborhood that’s a hit with young renters. Whether you’re active outdoors or after dark, Pacific Beach is a fun place to rent an apartment that’s just a short walk from plenty of entertainment.
Transportation
- I-5
- Grand Ave.
- Mission Blvd.
Demographic
- Single renters
- Young professionals, college students, retirees
Contains:
- Kate Sessions Park
- Tourmaline Surfing Park
- Ocean Front Walk
Close to:
- Mission Bay
- La Jolla
- Belmont Park
- SeaWorld San Diego
Pacific Beach in three words: active, fun, scenic
Pacific Beach has long been considered San Diego’s biggest party neighborhood. Renting in Pacific Beach is a rite of passage for many college-aged singles who want to walk to the beach by day and stumble home from bars at night. But if you journey a few blocks away from the wild Garnet Avenue, you’ll find luxurious bayside apartments or peaceful condos near the La Jolla hills. Pacific Beach is no longer just a 24-hour frat house on the beach; you’ll also find an interesting mix of young families and retirees renting Pacific Beach apartments. Whether you want late-night parties, top-rated surfing, or scenic mountain views, your lifestyle can dictate which part of lively Pacific Beach is best for you.
Pacific Beach condos and apartments are filled with renters. Very few people own real estate here, so you’ll be in good company in a Pacific Beach apartment. Most available apartments are small, with very few options having more than 2 bedrooms. Rents are reasonable and lower than downtown and other beach communities, so the rental market is just right for college students, young professionals, and retirees. Of course, with a lively boardwalk and SeaWorld just around the corner, it’s a popular choice for tourists too. If you’re renting near Mission Bay in southern Pacific Beach, make sure your apartment isn’t surrounded by short-term rental properties. But if you can find the right Mission Bay apartment, you can enjoy easy access to Belmont Park, Ocean Beach, and the bayside trails that are perfect for a morning jog.
If you’re renting in Pacific Beach because you want to fully embrace the nightlife, start your apartment hunting on Garnet Ave. Located right in the center of Pacific Beach, Garnet is lined with popular bars and college-aged partygoers. You can rent an apartment in the alleys behind the bars; just be prepared for late-night noise and the occasional unwanted guest in your yard. If tequila shots and beer pong aren’t your thing, you can still rent in beautiful Pacific Beach. Just look for apartments in North Pacific Beach between Diamond St. and Turquoise St. There’s a nice mix of small studios, 2-bedroom condos, and small beachfront apartment complexes to choose from. You can avoid the bars when you want and save your Garnet Ave trips for daytime visits to Trader Joe’s, Vons, and popular restaurants like Broken Yolk Cafe and The Patio Lamont Street. And when the urge to celebrate strikes, you’re still a cheap cab ride away from all the late-night fun.
Even renters who have no interest in the Pacific Beach party scene find no shortage of fun things to do. If you’re moving to Pacific Beach, you might as well learn to surf, and Tourmaline Surf Park is one of the best beaches for beginner surfers. It’s a popular beach, so you won’t be alone as you learn to ride the waves (there’s a lifeguard watching too!). And if surfing is a bust, you can turn it into a spectator sport before enjoying a beautiful sunset. For people watching, you can’t beat the 3.5-mile boardwalk that runs from South Mission Beach to North Pacific Beach. You can walk or bike the concrete path, and you’ll see big attractions like Belmont Park and Crystal Pier as well as eclectic shops and restaurants. Away from the water, Kate Sessions Park is the top pick for picnics, frisbee, and some fun in the sun for kids and fur kids. Sessions Park offers panoramic views of the ocean, downtown San Diego, and even the mountains in Tijuana.
As rents start to increase in Pacific Beach and older professionals are moving in, the neighborhood is shedding its party-hard reputation. You can make the most of your Pacific Beach apartment by planning ahead and choosing the right part of town for your lifestyle. Pacific Beach is a beautiful place to enjoy nature, nightlife, or even your commute on foot or by bike. It’s more than just a laid-back beach: Pacific Beach has something fun for everyone and it’s the perfect place to rent in San Diego.