Classic Southern Cal

Just 12 miles south of Downtown San Diego and bordering Mexico, you will find Imperial Beach, the last untouched beach town commonly referred to as Classic Southern California or IB. 

With miles of uncrowded beaches, it is a good place to swim, surf, sunbathe or enjoy a beach picnic with the family any time of the year. It is also surrounded by 4,000 acres of protected habitats that are home to dozens of bird species and native vegetation. Both the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve are bird watcher havens. 

There are also plenty of dining options centrally located on or around the pier as well as ample hiking and biking trails. In August, San Diegans and tourists flock to IB for the largest sandcastle building competition in the nation, which takes place over the course of a weekend and includes live music and a street festival.

For detailed information and a calendar of events, visit www.cityofib.com.