Fun Things To Do In Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach Photo

Ocean Beach, in a Nutshell
Article written by Kristel Boe
Life seems to move a little slower in OB and the “Obecians” like it like that. Fast-food restaurants and big named shops are nearly prohibited by the OB Town Council and the community strives to attract businesses that mesh well with the bohemian roots of the neighborhood. The people, the places, and the scenery in OB are unlike any other. Please take time to explore the core of Ocean Beach.

Ocean Beach Restaurants & Best Places for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Best Places for Breakfast
This is a toss up. Come Saturday and Sunday morning, the streets are usually lined with hungry stomachs just waiting to get inside a breakfast joint and curb their appetite. Thank goodness Ocean Beach has selection. If you’re looking for potato’s (delicious ones) and good portions, pick O-Bee’s on Newport. It has lots of seating room and there usually isn’t a wait. If you’d like to get a good view of the ocean while chowing down, you may opt for Shades (and you won’t want to forget them) if you choose outside seating. Located on Santa Monica Blvd., it has a great view of the water and pier. If you’re not really into the breakfast thing but could use a caffeine jolt, Java Jungle (Newport) can whip up just about any concoction and their outside seating surrounded by plants is calming if you have the jitters.

Other noteworthy selections: New Break Coffee Co. (Abbott St.), Old Town House Restaurant (Newport) Huge line, but worth the wait.

Hodad's in Ocean Beach

Best Places for Lunch
On a regular day it is guaranteed that Hodad’s (Newport) will be packed, and that is simply because the food is delicious! The menu basically consists of burgers, and entire slew of them. With just about every option from certain condiments to burgers without meat, Hodad's has it covered. The portions are enormous and the staff can be a little quirky, but it truly is the best place to absorb a delicious meal and the OB environment. If you’ve got Italian on the mind, check out Poma’s on the corner of bacon and Niagara. It is a family owned and operated business that has become a local OB favorite. They take cash only, but, man do they bring in big bucks. The place is always packed; I have never seen them have a slow day. This is definitely not a dine in restaurant but an excellent choice if your craving an Italian dish to take out.

Other noteworthy selections: Theo’s (Newport), Nico’s Taco Shop (Newport) made famous by being the song focus for local band, Slightly Stoopid.

Best Places for Dinner
For Mexican there really is no beating Rancho’s Mexican Cantina which has already received rave reviews by the super guide. Located on busy Sunset Cliffs Blvd., it is hard to find a parking spot to access the restaurant, but it is definitely worth the wait or the walk. The menu is authentic as well as organic Mexican. It offers great vegan and vegetarian options but has plenty of meat dishes if that suits your fancy. The atmosphere at night can be romantic with table top candles, but also just a great place to sit and enjoy delicious meals.

To mix things up a little bit you may opt for Portugalia. It is a different, but delicious Portuguese restaurant on the end of Newport and the menu consists of traditional Portuguese dishes. On occasional nights they feature great acoustic performances upstairs and have a well stocked bar. If you aren’t into beer, try the Portuguese wine, it has great flavor and a nice kick.

Other noteworthy selections: Little Sicily (Voltaire St.)

Don’t Forget Dessert
Dessert is a must have, and it is a one stop shop at The Lighthouse. Located at the beach side end of Newport, it has become a local favorite. Their ice cream is good, but the sugar cone is the part that makes it worthy! There are a few tables inside as well as a pair outside if you want to people watch.

Ocean Beach Nightlife & Best Places to Smoke & Drink

Best Place for Smokers
Sunshine Company on Newport has an open ceiling in one section, as well as a deck upstairs with plenty of room. Even if you aren’t a smoker this is one of the hottest bars in OB and always draws an interesting crowd. It is cash only so don’t flash your plastic, but for convenience an ATM is tucked in the corner.

Pacific Shores in Ocean Beach

Best Place for People Who Don’t Like to Dance
Pacific Shores on Newport has a “no dancing policy” because they don’t have permits for a dance club. In fact, if you are caught dancing, you may be eighty six-ed because they can actually be fined for it! The bar usually pumps alternative and punk music so the desire to dance is kept low. It is a narrow dive bar with a couple of booths for seating and chairs along the bar. The drinks are priced low and have a high alcohol content, which should please just about every bar fly.

Best Place to Sit and Have a Drink
South Beach Bar and Grill (Newport) is the place to be! With a more restaurant style setting you’ll feel comfortable sitting back and having a drink without having to push your way up to the bar. The staff is courteous and the food is quite delicious. I recommend the tacos and I hear the shark is tasty!

Ocean Beach Shopping, Farmer's Market & Antiques

Best Place to Shop for Antiques
If you're looking for something antique, vintage or just used and well loved, the Newport Avenue Antique Center is the place to go. Located in Ocean Beach, this antique emporium is more than you can ask for with over 18,000 square feet outlet to over 100 vendors. If you're looking for an Elvis picture, Mickey Mouse ears, retro furniture or anything vintage, you've got to check out these antique shops.

Ocean Beach Farmer's Market

Best Place to Shop for Fresh Produce
A palm tree lined corridor, the sun setting over the pacific and salty ocean air is the backdrop for the Ocean Beach Farmer’s Market. Every Wednesday throughout the year, except for Christmas and New Year’s weeks, you can throw on your flip-flops and stroll up Newport Street. From 4-7 in winter and 4-8 in summer, the block between Bacon and Cable, is closed to traffic and open for the Ocean Beach Farmers Market. You can sample and buy a wide variety of freshly picked fruits and vegetables at prices cheaper then you will find in your local grocery store.

Best Guys Clothing Store
There are some options in OB, but there is one that simply blows the rest out of the water. If you are a local, a surfer, or a tourist, you are bound to stop into South Coast to buy some threads. Obviously, the shop sports mostly surf and skate brands, but their collection is good and the staff has great suggestions in the style department. They also are just about the best place to purchase a surf board and get extra points because their boards are make locally and signed by the creator.

Best Girls Clothing Store
Knowing girls, it truly depends on what you are looking for. But when it comes to sheer profit, The Closet and Dream Girls (both on Newport) bring in the bucks. They specialize in hip girl clothing in a boutique like setting. If you are looking for style on a budget, opt for the Closet over Dream Girls, which is often more pricey yet feature up and coming designers.

The Best Place to Get Shwag and Sixties Memorabilia
No shoes, no shirt, no problem! The ultra-hippie chic store, The Black, on Newport has a great collection of everything odd. From sixties inspired insence holders, posters, and drug paraphernalia, to sex toys, t-shirts and mood rings, the black has it covered!

Ocean Beach Recreation & Best Places for Surfing and Dogs

Best Surf Spots
This depends on who you ask, and what board they are riding on. Long boarders often flock to the cliffs after sunset for a smooth ride and an unbelievable view. Access in and out of the water is sketchy and only recommended for advanced surfers. Short boarders are often spotted near the pier where there is definite competition for waves. A popular surfing location is also south of the jetty by dog beach. Be prepared to compete for a good ride at both locations.