Silver Strand State Beach Campground

When you imagine the perfect road biking path, what comes to mind? Now look up the Silver Strand Bikeway. Similar? If your answer isn’t yes, then touché, but nonetheless the Silver Strand Bikeway is a phenomenal way to experience the serenity of the surrounding bay and beach as well as get direct access to San Diego itself. With over 10 miles of bike path that extends from the strand to Coronado, this is an ideal bike path that is relatively straight and level most of the way, allowing riders to either push themselves or take a nice leisurely ride along the coast. The path is generally uncrowded and allows for a great mellow ride. If you aren’t trying to ride the track solo, there are also guided bike tours available in the area.

Boating is definitely allowed along Silver Strand State Beach, as many enjoy both the calm waters of the bay and the choppier open waters of the Pacific. Boating in the area is run by the Crown Cove Aquatic Center (CCAC), a collaboration between Southwestern College, California State Parks & Recreation and California Boating & Waterways. They offer educational resources for boating in the area and a bunch of great resources, including classes, safety, and many others.

Silver Strand is also a major spot for surf fishers, who cast their lines hoping to snag something in the likes of perch, corbina, or yellow-fin croakers. Those are the most common fish in the area, but if you head during the summer, you may be able to come across some spawning grunion that can be caught on the sand. Remember that all anglers have to have that handy-dandy CA Fishing License before casting.

Kiteboarders and windsurfers love hanging out on both the bay and Pacific sections of Silver Strand, as it is one of the most consistently windy areas in the entirety of San Diego County. The wind here is honestly higher than most other San Diego area beaches, and kiteboarding/windsurfing works best on NW and WNW winds in the Pacific section of the beach, while SE, S, and SW winds work here as well. We recommend that only intermediate to advanced riders take on these waters, as the winds can get pretty rough. You’ll find the best riding generally from October to January. A new law was passed recently restricting kiteboarding solely to parking lot #1 -- the southernmost section of the beach. Kite surfers now have a designated launch and land area that spans around 132 yards along the beach, with a designated mile area where surfing is permitted once in the water.

Silver Strand is a seriously coveted surf spot among many locals, so enter at your own risk. This “members-only” policy is in place for a reason, however, and that’s the amazing swell that comes in best at medium to high tide (specifically during October and March). The two miles of beach break consists of three main peaks: The Jetty (popular for longboarders, best size with a west swell), The Bowl (highly-coveted and considered the gem of the beach with 6-foot northwest swells), and The Ship (named after a dry-docked ship that created a flawless sandbar). Check out the surf report for more up to date information on the swells.

Plan on some great open water swimming during your stay? Well that’s good to know, because if you stick to the warmer and calmer San Diego Bay, you’re bound to have a great time wading through that water. Lifeguards are consistently on duty at both beaches, but we recommend you watch out for surfers and kiteboarders just to stay safe.

Wildlife in the Silver Strand State Beach Area mostly sticks to the the San Diego National Wildlife Reserve that covers some of the south portion of the area. It is a crucial spot for migratory birds as well as the protected nesting area for our favorite snowy plover. The area consists of varied habitats, ranging from coastal marshes to eel grass beds to rare vernal pool wetlands. There are several places where bird-watchers can observe to their hearts desire, and many great vantage points can be found along the bike path. You can find the site of the Reserve here.