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Silver Strand State Beach features extensive beaches on both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. Combined with the area's mild climate, the beaches make Silver Strand one of the area's finest recreation destinations. Camping, swimming, surfing, boating, water-skiing, volleyball, and picnicking are popular activities. Anglers can fish for perch, corbina, grunion and yellow-fin croaker.
Park facilities include four large parking lots, which can accommodate up to 1,000 vehicles. Restroom and cold showers are available on each side of the park. Beach restrooms are for day-use visitors. Per Coastal Commission regulations, campers must be in fully self-contained vehicles. Fire rings for cookouts are available on the beach during summer. It is always a good idea to call ahead regarding operating hours, fees, and conditions, which can change.
The bay side of the park offers views of San Diego Bay. Three pedestrian tunnels lead from the parking lots under the highway to the bay side of the park. (The bay side of the park is restricted to pedestrian traffic only. No vehicles are allowed in the tunnels or on the bay side.) The water in the bay area is usually warmer and calmer, perfecting for swimming and sailing. Ramadas, tables, barbecue pits, and fire rings are available in the area. South of the developed area, there are one and a half miles of ocean and natural preserve. Strolling along the beach, visitors may see moon snail shells, cockle shells, and an occasional sand dollar in the sand.
California State Park Foundation member discounts are available for this park. If you are a member, sign in to see the discount here.
Park News Alert
Service Reductions
California State Parks is implementing service reductions in order to meet Department budget cuts this fiscal year. Service reductions include closing all bayside restrooms except the fully accessible restroom at the Aquatic Center and 1/2 of the beach-side restrooms on weekdays. All beach-side restrooms are open during weekends. Please be aware that some areas of the beach are posted "No Lifeguard on Duty"; swim where lifeguards are present. Service reductions do not pertain to park concessions.
Service Reductions
California State Parks is implementing service reductions in order to meet Department budget cuts this fiscal year. Service reductions include closing all bayside restrooms except the fully accessible restroom at the Aquatic Center and 1/2 of the beach-side restrooms on weekdays. All beach-side restrooms are open during weekends. Please be aware that some areas of the beach are posted "No Lifeguard on Duty"; swim where lifeguards are present. Service reductions do not pertain to park concessions.
Getting There
The beach is located 4.5 miles south of the city of Coronado on Highway 75. The park is located on the sand-spit that forms the outer edge of San Diego Bay between Coronado and Imperial Beach. The entrance to the park is from Highway 75, which serves as a divider between the ocean side of the park and the bay side.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The beach is located 4.5 miles south of the city of Coronado on Highway 75. The park is located on the sand-spit that forms the outer edge of San Diego Bay between Coronado and Imperial Beach. The entrance to the park is from Highway 75, which serves as a divider between the ocean side of the park and the bay side.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
The weather at Silver Strand is characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Summer fog is part of the Mediterranean climate here. Extremes of heat or cold are rare, with average maximum temperatures ranging from near 65 degrees in January to nearly 78 degrees in August.
The weather at Silver Strand is characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Summer fog is part of the Mediterranean climate here. Extremes of heat or cold are rare, with average maximum temperatures ranging from near 65 degrees in January to nearly 78 degrees in August.
Operating Hours & Contact
The front gate opens year-round at 8am. It is always a good idea to call ahead regarding operating hours, fees, and conditions, which can change.
Telephone: 619-435-5184
The front gate opens year-round at 8am. It is always a good idea to call ahead regarding operating hours, fees, and conditions, which can change.
Telephone: 619-435-5184
Camping
Camping is available for self-contained vehicles, motor-homes, or trailers. Per Coastal Commission regulations, vehicles that are not fully self-contained will be turned away.
Make Campground Reservations
Camping is available for self-contained vehicles, motor-homes, or trailers. Per Coastal Commission regulations, vehicles that are not fully self-contained will be turned away.
Make Campground Reservations
Activities
Fishing: Perch, corbina and yellow-fin croakers are prolific here, and during the summer, spawning grunion may be caught on the sand. Anglers must carry a valid California sport fishing license.
Surfing: The two miles of beach break with white sandy beaches are best at medium to high tide on a mixed swell. Surfers should stay north or south of the swimming area.
Swimming/Sailing: The calmer and slightly warmer water in the bay is ideal for swimming and sailing.
Kiteboarding: This is a natural place for kiteboarding. The wind is always five to ten degrees higher than at San Diego area beaches. Intermediate to advanced kiteboarders use the area daily. Kiteboarding is only permitted at parking lot #1, the southernmost open parking lot, downwind of people on the beach or in the water, and north of the Silver Strand State Beach Natural Preserve. Kites must not cast shadows over the beach or any other protected bird habitat.
Picnicking: Ramadas and tables are avail¬able at the beach and bay side picnic areas, with fire rings on the beach during summer. Pedestrian tunnels under the freeway allow access to the bay side picnic area and views of San Diego Bay.
Aquatic Center: Crown Cove Aquatic Center is a collaborative effort between California State Parks, Southwestern Community College and the California Department of Boating and Waterways. The facility is located on the bay side of Silver Strand State Beach and offers classes in boating safety, leadership training, CPR, first aid, swift water rescue, lifeguard training and more.
Fishing: Perch, corbina and yellow-fin croakers are prolific here, and during the summer, spawning grunion may be caught on the sand. Anglers must carry a valid California sport fishing license.
Surfing: The two miles of beach break with white sandy beaches are best at medium to high tide on a mixed swell. Surfers should stay north or south of the swimming area.
Swimming/Sailing: The calmer and slightly warmer water in the bay is ideal for swimming and sailing.
Kiteboarding: This is a natural place for kiteboarding. The wind is always five to ten degrees higher than at San Diego area beaches. Intermediate to advanced kiteboarders use the area daily. Kiteboarding is only permitted at parking lot #1, the southernmost open parking lot, downwind of people on the beach or in the water, and north of the Silver Strand State Beach Natural Preserve. Kites must not cast shadows over the beach or any other protected bird habitat.
Picnicking: Ramadas and tables are avail¬able at the beach and bay side picnic areas, with fire rings on the beach during summer. Pedestrian tunnels under the freeway allow access to the bay side picnic area and views of San Diego Bay.
Aquatic Center: Crown Cove Aquatic Center is a collaborative effort between California State Parks, Southwestern Community College and the California Department of Boating and Waterways. The facility is located on the bay side of Silver Strand State Beach and offers classes in boating safety, leadership training, CPR, first aid, swift water rescue, lifeguard training and more.
Tips & Rules
Dogs are not allowed on the beach, in the tunnels, or on the bay side.
Dogs are allowed only in the day use and camping area parking lots.
All dogs must remain on a leash no longer than six feet in length.
Dogs are not allowed on the beach, in the tunnels, or on the bay side.
Dogs are allowed only in the day use and camping area parking lots.
All dogs must remain on a leash no longer than six feet in length.
Landscape
The type of vegetation here is called coastal strand, though much of it has disap¬peared due to development. Coastal strand consists of bare, wind- and spray-whipped sand and an inland section with only sparse growth. East of this area, along the highway, scattered vegetation includes golden bush, lemonadeberry and sage.
Coastal strand habitat is home to Brandt’s cormorants, gulls, terns, sanderlings and loons. The ocean beach and the bay mud¬flats are rich feeding areas for shorebirds and other water-oriented birds. The south¬ern end of the bay is a perfect bird-watch¬ing area, with hundreds of thousands of birds feeding, nesting or just resting up for the next leg of their migrations.
Offshore, California sea lions and an occasional school of porpoises may be seen. On the strand, mammals include striped skunks, brush rabbits and California ground squirrels. Worms, bivalves and sand crabs are among beach species.
The type of vegetation here is called coastal strand, though much of it has disap¬peared due to development. Coastal strand consists of bare, wind- and spray-whipped sand and an inland section with only sparse growth. East of this area, along the highway, scattered vegetation includes golden bush, lemonadeberry and sage.
Coastal strand habitat is home to Brandt’s cormorants, gulls, terns, sanderlings and loons. The ocean beach and the bay mud¬flats are rich feeding areas for shorebirds and other water-oriented birds. The south¬ern end of the bay is a perfect bird-watch¬ing area, with hundreds of thousands of birds feeding, nesting or just resting up for the next leg of their migrations.
Offshore, California sea lions and an occasional school of porpoises may be seen. On the strand, mammals include striped skunks, brush rabbits and California ground squirrels. Worms, bivalves and sand crabs are among beach species.
Park History
In 1885, the Coronado Beach Company was formed to develop the resort potential of the area. The first recorded development of the area was a road graded across the strand in anticipation of eager buyers.
In 1889, the Coronado Railroad Company placed a steam train in the area connecting the Coronado Hotel with the Coronado Pier. The train circled the bay over the strand on to Coronado Heights (Imperial Beach), the South San Diego Saltworks, National City, and on to San Diego. Passengers and freight were transported, as was the hotel's garbage, which was taken to a nearby "hog farm," where hogs, chickens, and produce were raised for the Coronado Hotel's restaurants.
The railway line was acquired by the San Diego and Arizona Railways Company shortly after World War One. The rail line is now abandoned.
Following the financial crash of 1888, the Coronado Beach Company was sold to the J.D. and A.B. Spreckels Investments and Securities Companies.
In 1931, the Spreckels holding companies gave the land that became Silver Strand State Beach State Park to the California State Parks Commission.
In 1936, the California Department of Parks and Recreation purchased 32 acres at the north end of the bayside from the U.S. Army. The U.S. Navy took over the bayside parcels during the later summer of 1941 and, during the war, dredged the original parcels of land almost out of existence, creating a larger parcel of above-water property in the tidal flats. The ocean-side 40-foot strip remained in state ownership and, in fact, grew as bay dredging for naval purposes dumped millions of tons of sand onto the beaches on both sides of the highway, creating an extensive "new" beach.
During World War II, the State Parks Commission acquired additional property from the Spreckles and the Coronado Development Company (successor of the Coronado Beach Company.)
In 1955, the State Lands Commission gave the California Department of Parks and Recreation all of the "artificially accreted lands and tide and submerged lands," creating a large addition to Silver Strand State Beach.
In 1959, the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the U.S. Navy settled a dispute over the ownership and use of land at Silver Strand State Beach. The Navy retained the original bayside parcels (altered and enlarged by dredging) and now leases a portion of the northern part of the property.
In 1885, the Coronado Beach Company was formed to develop the resort potential of the area. The first recorded development of the area was a road graded across the strand in anticipation of eager buyers.
In 1889, the Coronado Railroad Company placed a steam train in the area connecting the Coronado Hotel with the Coronado Pier. The train circled the bay over the strand on to Coronado Heights (Imperial Beach), the South San Diego Saltworks, National City, and on to San Diego. Passengers and freight were transported, as was the hotel's garbage, which was taken to a nearby "hog farm," where hogs, chickens, and produce were raised for the Coronado Hotel's restaurants.
The railway line was acquired by the San Diego and Arizona Railways Company shortly after World War One. The rail line is now abandoned.
Following the financial crash of 1888, the Coronado Beach Company was sold to the J.D. and A.B. Spreckels Investments and Securities Companies.
In 1931, the Spreckels holding companies gave the land that became Silver Strand State Beach State Park to the California State Parks Commission.
In 1936, the California Department of Parks and Recreation purchased 32 acres at the north end of the bayside from the U.S. Army. The U.S. Navy took over the bayside parcels during the later summer of 1941 and, during the war, dredged the original parcels of land almost out of existence, creating a larger parcel of above-water property in the tidal flats. The ocean-side 40-foot strip remained in state ownership and, in fact, grew as bay dredging for naval purposes dumped millions of tons of sand onto the beaches on both sides of the highway, creating an extensive "new" beach.
During World War II, the State Parks Commission acquired additional property from the Spreckles and the Coronado Development Company (successor of the Coronado Beach Company.)
In 1955, the State Lands Commission gave the California Department of Parks and Recreation all of the "artificially accreted lands and tide and submerged lands," creating a large addition to Silver Strand State Beach.
In 1959, the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the U.S. Navy settled a dispute over the ownership and use of land at Silver Strand State Beach. The Navy retained the original bayside parcels (altered and enlarged by dredging) and now leases a portion of the northern part of the property.
Accessible Features
Camping
Self-contained vehicles may camp in the lot on the (ocean) beach side, but there are no hook-ups. Only outdoor rinsing showers are available on both bay and ocean side.
Beachside Restroom#1 Restroom and dressing room modified for access. Two outdoor rinsing showers installed.
Beachside Plaza Area Entrance to lifeguard office was made accessible, picnic tables replaced with accessible models, benches replaced with accessible models.
Beachside Restroom #3 Restroom floors were modified for access. This accessible restroom services the campground and day use.
Bayside Restroom #’s 4 and 7 Entrances modified for access. Outside rinsing showers modified for access.
Bayside Restroom #5 Restroom modified to provide one accessible toilet room.
Picnic Area
Ocean or "beach" side: Several small picnic areas include accessible tables under shade structures. Restrooms: Accessible restrooms and restrooms with showers are dispersed through the park. Outdoor rinsing showers are now accessible. Parking: Accessible spaces are available in all three ocean side lots. Routes of travel: Paths from parking to beach activity areas are generally level and accessible.
Bay side: Many shaded accessible picnic tables are available. Tunnels under the freeway from each ocean side parking lot lead to the Bay side picnic and beach areas. Routes of travel through the tunnels are paved and mostly accessible. Tunnel 3 has some 10% slopes for short distances. All visitors should exercise caution when moving along park roadways. With park staff permission, visitors with disabilities may be dropped off at the bay side. Restrooms: Restrooms on the Bay side are accessible. An outdoor rinsing shower is also accessible.
Trails
Crown Cove Trail is a loop trail that roughly parallels the Cove and offers some nice Bay views. It is accessible for its .8 mile length. The trailhead is opposite parking lot 3, and an accessible restroom is nearby.
Beach/Shore Access
Beach wheelchairs are available. Call or check at entry station for information. Beach mats are also available to provide some limited firm path access to the beaches.
Be the first to add a trip in this destination!Camping
Self-contained vehicles may camp in the lot on the (ocean) beach side, but there are no hook-ups. Only outdoor rinsing showers are available on both bay and ocean side.
Beachside Restroom#1 Restroom and dressing room modified for access. Two outdoor rinsing showers installed.
Beachside Plaza Area Entrance to lifeguard office was made accessible, picnic tables replaced with accessible models, benches replaced with accessible models.
Beachside Restroom #3 Restroom floors were modified for access. This accessible restroom services the campground and day use.
Bayside Restroom #’s 4 and 7 Entrances modified for access. Outside rinsing showers modified for access.
Bayside Restroom #5 Restroom modified to provide one accessible toilet room.
Picnic Area
Ocean or "beach" side: Several small picnic areas include accessible tables under shade structures. Restrooms: Accessible restrooms and restrooms with showers are dispersed through the park. Outdoor rinsing showers are now accessible. Parking: Accessible spaces are available in all three ocean side lots. Routes of travel: Paths from parking to beach activity areas are generally level and accessible.
Bay side: Many shaded accessible picnic tables are available. Tunnels under the freeway from each ocean side parking lot lead to the Bay side picnic and beach areas. Routes of travel through the tunnels are paved and mostly accessible. Tunnel 3 has some 10% slopes for short distances. All visitors should exercise caution when moving along park roadways. With park staff permission, visitors with disabilities may be dropped off at the bay side. Restrooms: Restrooms on the Bay side are accessible. An outdoor rinsing shower is also accessible.
Trails
Crown Cove Trail is a loop trail that roughly parallels the Cove and offers some nice Bay views. It is accessible for its .8 mile length. The trailhead is opposite parking lot 3, and an accessible restroom is nearby.
Beach/Shore Access
Beach wheelchairs are available. Call or check at entry station for information. Beach mats are also available to provide some limited firm path access to the beaches.
Nearby Community Trips
