Pacific Beach History

Pacific Beach was developed during the boom years of 1886-1888 by D.C Reed, A. G. Gassen, Charles W. Pauley, R. A. Thomas, and O. S. Hubbell. It was Hubbell who "cleared away the grainfields, pitched a tent, mapped out the lots, hired an auctioneer and started to work". The 1887 map included more than two square miles of territory, about half of it subdivided into city blocks and lots with streets designated, the other half divided into small acreages with few streets. The tract ran approximately two and a half miles east from the ocean, and a scant mile north from the northernmost curve of False Bay (now Mission Bay) to present-day Loring Street. To attract people, they built a Race Track and a San Diego College of Letters, neither of which survive today. A railway also connected Pacific Beach with downtown San Diego, and was later extended to La Jolla.  A massive advertising and public relations campaign finally linked  the East Coast to sunny San Diego by railroad.  This began the migration of Americans into San Diego. By the year 1886, thousands of people were traveling into San Diego each month.  Eager to make a fortune, land speculators began to move into the areas known today as Del Mar, El Cajon, La Jolla and Pacific Beach.

Lots went on sale in December of 1887. Word of mouth and advertisements which ran in the San Diego Union newspaper. This is when the big Real Estate boom began. Pacific Beach began to take root as a farming community of primarily lemon groves.  It once claimed the title of "Lemon Capital of the World" due to the numerous lemon groves once planted there. The town slowly grew and a  pier was built in 1927, with a developer hoping to turn it into an amusement attraction such as existed in Los Angeles.  The  pier officially opened on the weekend of July 4th, 1927 with all of San Diego flocking to see the new Crystal Ballroom located at the end of the pier.

Pacific Beach Today

Pacific Beach, a neighborhood within the city of San Diego, rests snugly between the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay Park, a 4,500-acre water recreation area.

Various shops, approx. 86 restaurants, 8 or so bars and beach rental outfits can be found bordering the north end of Pacific Beach, north of Pacific Beach drive. The southern end is predominately residential, with commercial areas a block or so from the beach on Mission Boulevard.

Take a stroll or cruise along the boardwalkand visit the many shops and restaurants. A great place for tourist and locals to come together.

Things to do in Pacific Beach and Mission Beach

Pacific Beach is one of the main centers of nightlife in San Diego. Garnet Ave between Ingraham St and Mission Blvd is where many bars and restaurants are located. The nightlife in Pacific Beach caters towards a younger crowd than the nightlife in downtown San Diego.

           Hotels near Pacific Beach                                      

 Education

Pacific Beach public schools are part of the San Diego Unified School District. They include Mission Bay Senior High School, Pacific Beach Middle School, Pacific Beach High School, and several elementary schools.

Buy Local San Diego Produce

Farmers Markets are certified by the County Agricultural Commissioner, ensuring that the produce is being sold by the grower, is grown in California and meets all California quality standards. These criteria ensure that you receive the freshest produce for the right price.

Pacific Beach Certified Farmers' Market

Saturday: 8 am - Noon

4150 Mission Blvd between Reed & Pacific Beach Blvd
Pacific Beach, California 92109
Map

Manager: Mary Hillebrecht
Phone: (760) 741-3763