Just a bit rowdier than most of San Diego County's beach communities, Pacific Beach is a favorite of the city's wilder, younger generation. It also supports a booming tourist industry, with rentals available for rollerblades and beach bikes and a long boardwalk that meets Mission Beach to the south.

Crystal Pier, built in 1927, is the focal point of Pacific Beach, but the neighborhood stretches far to the east with some of the most affordable beach area housing in the region. PB's Kate Sessions Park offers views of the area and is great for watching Fourth of July fireworks.