So You Want to Take a Dip in San Diego's Ocean? Hold Your Horses (Unless They're Made of Seafoam)!
Ah, San Diego. Land of sunshine, stunning beaches, and...well, some not-so-sunny beach news lately. If you're planning on splashing around in the Pacific, you might want to hold off on that new swimsuit (or speedo, no judgement here). Here's the down-low on why some of San Diego's beaches are currently resembling giant swimming pools marked "DO NOT ENTER."
What Beaches Are Closed In San Diego |
The Great Swim-scapade Stopper: Bacteria Boogaloo
Yep, you heard that right. High levels of bacteria have been chilling (pun intended) in the water at a few popular spots, thanks to some recent...uh... "unpleasantries." We're talking about sewage contamination, folks, and that's a recipe for a swimming experience you probably won't post about on Instagram.
The affected areas are currently sporting some serious closures and advisories, meaning it's best to admire the view from dry land for now.
Here's the rundown of the beach bummer zones:
QuickTip: Use CTRL + F to search for keywords quickly.
- Tijuana Slough, Silver Strand, and Imperial Beach: These beaches are currently closed to swimming due to the aforementioned bacteria bonanza.
- La Jolla (Children's Pool), Mission Bay (North Bonita Cove & Vacation Isle North Cove), Ocean Beach (Dog Beach), and Coronado (Coronado ocean shoreline): While not completely closed, there are advisories in place for these spots. Entering the water is not recommended.
Basically, if you see signs saying "water quality advisory" or "beach closure," take heed, my friend.
Don't Despair! There's Still Fun to be Had (Just Not in the Water)
Okay, so swimming might be a no-go in certain areas, but San Diego beaches still offer a ton to do! Here are some ideas to keep your beach day bumpin':
- Build sandcastle empires worthy of Game of Thrones.
- Perfect your beach volleyball skills (minus the volleyball part for now).
- Work on your tan (just be sure to slather on that sunscreen!).
- Grab a frisbee and have an epic catch session (with a friend, not a seagull...those guys are jerks).
- Pack a picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery (and maybe even some people-watching).
FAQ: Beach Bum on a Budget Edition
How to find out if a San Diego beach is closed?
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
The County of San Diego Beach Water Quality website (https://www.sdbeachinfo.com/) is your best friend! It has up-to-date information on beach closures and advisories.
How long will the beach closures last?
That's a tough one. It depends on how quickly the bacteria levels go down. Stay tuned to the County website for updates.
QuickTip: Treat each section as a mini-guide.
How can I avoid disappointment when planning a San Diego beach trip?
Check the beach water quality website before you head out. That way, you can adjust your plans if necessary.
What if I reaaaallly want to go swimming?
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
Look for a public pool or head to a beach with good water quality reports. There are plenty of beautiful options out there!
Are there any beaches in San Diego currently safe for swimming?
The best way to find out is to check the County website. Conditions can change, so it's always best to have the latest information.
So there you have it, folks! While some San Diego beaches are currently on swimming hiatus, there's still plenty of fun to be had. Stay safe, stay sun-kissed, and we'll keep you posted on when the swimming ban is lifted!