Silver Strand State Beach is nestled along the slender sandspit. This sandspit connects Coronado to Imperial Beach in San Diego County, California. It is a sun-drenched escape. Here, ocean waves meet calm bay waters. It offers a rare dual-coastal experience framed by silver-hued shells and gentle dunes.
What Makes This Park Unique
Silver Strand State Beach spans both the Pacific and San Diego Bay sides of the Strand. It delivers a refreshing blend of energetic surf and serene paddling conditions. Named for the silvery oyster shells that line its sands, this beach is celebrated for its rare coastal dunes. It also has a sensitive wildlife habitat. The setting is beloved by RV campers seeking beachside sunsets. Its seamless mix of vibrant recreation and protected coastal ecology makes it a standout destination along the Southern California coast.
Top Activities and Amenities
Beach Access & Swimming
Enjoy easy access to a broad stretch of ocean beach ideal for long walks, surfing, sunbathing, or watching rolling waves. On the bay side, three pedestrian tunnels beneath Highway 75 lead to calmer water perfect for paddling and swimming—ideal for families or newcomers to the water.
Picnic Areas, Restrooms & Showers
Comfortable picnic spots with tables, ramadas, and barbecue pits dot the bay side, creating shady oceanfront gathering places. Restrooms and refreshing outdoor showers are conveniently located near both ocean and bay areas.
Camping & RV Sites
The park hosts a large RV-only campground. It offers around 120–130 full-hookup sites. These sites include water, electric—including 30 A/50 A—and sewer. A dump station is also available. Tent camping is not permitted; RVs must be fully self-contained and up to 40 ft for entry. Bookings fill up quickly—reservations are available up to six months in advance through ReserveCalifornia.
Fishing, Boating & Water Sports
Surf anglers can cast from the ocean beach for species like perch, corbina, grunion, and yellow-fin croaker. On the bay side, paddling activities—including kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding—thrive in calm waters suitable for newcomers and seasoned paddlers alike.
Hiking, Biking & Wildlife Viewing
The paved Bayshore Bikeway traces Highway 75 along the length of the Strand, inviting scenic walks, runs, or bike rides toward Coronado or Imperial Beach. The dunes and bay fringes offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, with shorebirds, intertidal life, and migratory species often visible.
Interpretive Programs & Visitor Services
Though no formal visitor center exists, interpretive signage highlights dune ecology and coastal dynamics. During summer, lifeguard towers are active on the ocean side. Seasonal concessions such as beach chair and towel rentals are available via Loews Coronado Bay Resort, typically from June through September.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Parking fills early—four large lots accommodate around 1,000 vehicles—arrive before mid-day for best access.
- Campsites must be reserved through ReserveCalifornia; rigs must be self-contained by regulation.
- Day-use vehicle entry fees apply; annual state park passes are accepted.
- Pets are only allowed on-leash in the parking and campground areas—not on the beach.
- No fires or alcohol on the beach; public fire rings may be available during summer on designated areas.
- Use the pedestrian tunnels to cross safely between ocean and bay sides—avoid cutting across Highway 75.
- Be aware of water quality advisories—the ocean or bay may close temporarily if health thresholds are exceeded.
Local insight: Plan your visit around low tide. This timing allows you to explore the silver-shelled plains on the ocean side. It’s perfect for shell-collecting and shoreline photography. For warm, calm paddling, head through the underpasses to the bay at dawn—often serene and virtually empty. Stay into twilight to watch the skyline of San Diego light up across the bay—nothing pairs better with the Strand’s soft breeze.