San Diego Beaches with Bathrooms & Showers: Complete 2025 Guide

San Diego Beach Review
4 days ago
7 min read

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Planning a beach day in San Diego? One detail that can make or break your experience: knowing which beaches have bathrooms and showers. Whether you’re taking the kids, hitting the waves, or enjoying a romantic sunset walk, easy access to clean facilities matters.

This guide covers all the major San Diego beaches with restrooms and showers, plus insider tips on parking, accessibility, and nearby amenities.

Quick Comparison: San Diego Beaches with Bathrooms & Showers

Beach	Bathrooms	Showers	Parking	Lifeguards	Accessibility
Coronado Central Beach	✔ Yes	✔ Yes	Paid Lots & Free Street	Yes	ADA-friendly
Mission Beach	✔ Yes	✔ Yes	Free Lots & Street	Yes	ADA-friendly
Pacific Beach	✔ Yes	✔ Yes	Paid Lots & Free Street	Yes	ADA-friendly
La Jolla Shores	✔ Yes	✔ Yes	Free Lots & Street	Yes	ADA-friendly
Ocean Beach	✔ Yes	✔ Yes	Free & Street	Yes	ADA-friendly
Torrey Pines	✔ Yes	✔ Yes	Paid Lot	Yes	Limited
Silver Strand	✔ Yes	✔ Yes	Paid Lot	Yes	ADA-friendly
Carlsbad State Beach	✔ Yes	✔ Yes	Paid Lot & Free Street	Yes	ADA-friendly
Moonlight State Beach	✔ Yes	✔ Yes	Free Lot & Street	Yes	ADA-friendly
Swami’s Beach	✔ Yes	✔ Yes	Free Lot & Street	Seasonal	Limited
Del Mar City Beach	✔ Yes	✔ Yes	Paid Lots & Free Street	Yes	ADA-friendly
Fletcher Cove	✔ Yes	✔ Yes	Free Lot & Free Street	Yes	ADA Ramp

Best San Diego Beaches with Bathrooms & Showers

Coronado Central Beach

Bathrooms: Multiple, at Central Beach and North Beach
Showers: Outdoor showers at major access points like Central and North Beach.
Parking: Free street parking (can be tough) along Ocean Blvd and nearby residential streets + paid lots and metered spots.
Good For: Families and couples looking for a clean, upscale vibe.

Local Tip: Arrive early, as Coronado is one of San Diego’s most popular beaches.

Check out more on Coronado Beach as well as Things to Do on Coronado Island to make the most of your visit.

Mission Beach

Bathrooms: Yes, surrounding Belmont Park and at South Mission Beach.
Showers: Outdoor showers near Belmont Park and South Mission Beach.
Parking: Several large free lots and free street parking on Mission Boulevard.
Good For: Families, groups, solo travelers, activities

Local Tip: If you're able to wander to a spot on the beach about half a mile north of Belmont Park, you'll find that it's less crowded.

Learn more about Mission Beach and also check out our Mission Bay Guide for more information on the area and things to do when nearby.

Pacific Beach

Bathrooms: Available along the boardwalk near Grand Avenue, Diamand St., Law St.
Showers: Outdoor showers close to beach entrances and restrooms
Parking: Paid lots + limited street parking.
Good For: Young adults and surf enthusiasts.

Local Tip: Avoid swimming by the pier, as the currents are strong and it's dangerous. Also, be sure to walk onto Crystal Pier as the view of the surfers and coastline is beautiful from atop the pier!

Check out our full beach review of Pacific Beach for more information on parking, crowds, amenities, activities, safety, and more.

La Jolla Shores

Bathrooms: Large restroom building near the main lot by Kellogg Park.
Showers: Multiple outdoor showers by restrooms at Kellogg Park.
Parking: Large (but fills fast) free parking lot and free residential street parking.
Good For: Families, beginner surfers, kayakers.

Local Tip: This beach is known for its calm, gentle waves. If you have young kids, or are a beginner surfer, this is a great place to go! However, it can get quite crowded in the water, so always be aware of your surroundings. Check out these private and group surf lessons to learn or fine tune your skills on some waves!

You can also book a La Jolla kayak & snorkel tour to make the most out of your time here. Also, be sure to check out our beach review of La Jolla Shores for more information on visiting one of San Diego's most popular beaches.

Ocean Beach

Bathrooms: Yes, near parking lots.
Showers: Outdoor showers by beach entrances and restrooms.
Parking: Free public lots + street parking.
Good For: A laid-back vibe, or visiting nearby dog beach.

Check our beach review of Ocean Beach.

Also, take a look at other dog beaches in San Diego. For Ocean Beach Dog Beach, there is a free parking lot right next to the beach as well.

Torrey Pines State Beach

Bathrooms: Located near the reserve entrance.
Showers: Located by restrooms and the north end of the beach.
Parking: Paid parking lots (often full). Free street parking along Highway 101 (typically fills up fast, but also has a lot of people coming and going). Arrive early for a spot on the weekends.
Good For: Nature lovers and hikers

Local Tip: When visiting the beach, maintain a proper distance from the bluffs as it can be dangerous due to landslides. Additionally, be aware of the tide, as it can come up to the cliffs and leave you trapped if you've ventured further down the beach.

See our Guide to Torrey Pines for more information on trails, access, and more.

moonlight state beach showers, bathrooms, and amenities in Encinitas

Silver Strand State Beach

Bathrooms: Multiple throughout the park.
Showers: Outdoor showers near access points.
Parking: Paid day-use parking.
Good For: Camping and long beach walks.

Local Tip: Monitor the water quality, as there are often advisories in this area from sewage and spillover from the Tijuana River. Check current advisors here.

Carlsbad State Beach

Bathrooms: Conveniently located by access points near Tamarack Avenue and Pine Avenue.
Showers: Outdoor showers available near restrooms.
Parking: Paid lots and street parking.
Good For: Families and long beach days.

Local Tip: Sometimes the beach can be rocky. Be aware when going in the water! Also, the area south of Tamarack Avenue can have poor water quality at times due to the outlet. Be sure to check water quality before getting in.

Check out our guide to Carlsbad State Beach.

Moonlight State Beach (Encinitas)

Bathrooms: Large facilities near the main entrance.
Showers: Multiple outdoor showers near main entrance.
Parking: Free parking lot right by and above the beach. Free residential street parking nearby.
Good For: Families, picnics, and safe swimming.

Local Tip: If you struggle walking up and down hills or steps, this might not be the best beach for you, as it can be quite steep getting down and back up to the beach.

Check out our guide to Moonlight State Beach here.

Swami’s Beach (Encinitas)

Bathrooms: Limited, small restroom facility at the top of the stairs
Showers: Located at the bottom of the stairs on the beach.
Parking: Small free lot (fills quickly). Free street parking also available nearby.
Good For: Surfers and tide pool explorers.

Local Tip: Be aware of the tide, as the water can come up to cliffs at high tide.

See our beach review of Swami's Beach for more information on visiting this absolutely stunning beach!

Del Mar City Beach

Bathrooms: Yes, near main access points by Powerhouse Park and 17th Street.
Showers: Outdoor showers by restrooms.
Parking: Paid lots + limited free street parking + metered street parking.
Good For: Families and dog walkers (north beach allows leashed dogs).

Local Tip: Check tides, as the beach gets much smaller with less room during high tides. Also, if the beach is crowded, Powerhouse Park is popular for laying out by the beach without having to touch the sand.

See our full beach review of Del Mar Beach for more information on parking, crowds, cleanliness, safety, activities, amenities, and more.

Fletcher Cove (Solana Beach)

Bathrooms: Public restrooms by the parking lot.
Showers: Outdoor showers nearby restrooms.
Parking: Free small lot (fills up fast) + street parking.
Good For: Families with young kids; there’s a playground and picnic space.

Local Tip: Keep in mind that accessing the beach requires walking down a long, steep hill.

See our guide to Fletcher Cove here.

Insider Tips for Using Beach Facilities

Arrive Early: Parking and facilities fill up fast, especially weekends.
Carry Hand Sanitizer: Restrooms are cleaned often, but not hourly.
Use the Buddy System: Lines for bathrooms can be long; go before you need to.

Shop quick-dry beach towels & waterproof beach backpacks to help keep you and your stuff dry!

Related Posts

san diego beach bathrooms — Bathrooms and Showers at Ocean Beach

FAQs: San Diego Beaches with Bathrooms & Showers

Which San Diego beaches have bathrooms open year-round?

Most major beaches like Coronado, Mission Beach, La Jolla Shores, and Moonlight State Beach keep bathrooms open year-round.

Are San Diego beach showers free?

Yes, the majority of outdoor beach showers are free. A few state-run beaches may have coin-operated warm showers.

What time do San Diego beach restrooms close?

Restrooms generally close around 10 p.m., but hours vary by location. State beaches like Torrey Pines may close earlier.

Do any San Diego beaches have changing rooms?

Yes, Moonlight State Beach and La Jolla Shores both offer changing areas near the restrooms.

Which San Diego beach is best for families needing bathrooms?

La Jolla Shores, Moonlight State Beach, Del Mar, Coronado, and Fletcher Cove are top choices thanks to easy parking, clean bathrooms, and family-friendly amenities.

Final Thoughts

From Coronado’s luxury stretch to Fletcher Cove’s cozy family spot, San Diego offers plenty of beaches with bathrooms and showers to keep your beach day stress-free. Bookmark this guide so you’ll always know where to find clean facilities, and check out our other guides for tips on parking on the San Diego coast and family friendly vacations in San Diego.

San Diego Beach Review