Imperial Beach, the southwesterly most city in the continental U.S., is located a 15 minute drive from downtown San Diego and is south of Coronado. Imperial Beach is five miles from Mexico and is separated from the border by the Tijuana River and Border Field State Park. Imperial Beach has changed quite a bit and now offers much of what travelers seek in a destination. Public art, a pier, a beach and ocean waters clean enough to meet quality standards most days of the year are putting it back on the map and returning it to a potential contender for the tourist dollar. The only thing missing at this point is more hotels.
What is there to do at a this quaint, scenic beach community? Surfing, boogie boarding, fishing from the pier, day trips to Tijuana, sunbathing and bird watching at Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center are a few attractions. Looking south from the beach, you can see the Plaza De Monumental, Tijuana's famous "Bullring by the Sea" just across the International border with Mexico. In contrast to San Diego's beach liquor policy, alcoholic beverages are not allowed at Imperial Beach.
Annual events include the U. S. Open Sandcastle Competition every summer. Claimed by some to be one of the best beaches for sandcastle building, this event attracts around 300,000 spectators who come to enjoy the Sandcastles and Street Fair. There's a parade, fireworks show and lots of fun things stretching over three days. 150 vendors and arts and crafts booths line Seacoast Drive and a dozen bands or so, perform on two stages.
Imperial Beach Triathlon & Duathlon held usually in August at the Pier. It includes a Triathlon with a 1 K swim/20 K bike/ 5 K run and a Duathlon with a 5 K run/20 K bike run. Sponsored by Imperial Beach Chamber of Commerce Other events include Chili & Jazz Festival Festival Festival and Symphony on the Sand.
