I think it depends on what your trying to accomplish...

Swimming, tanning, surfing, boogie boarding, people watching, volleyball, etc.

What's your favorite San Diego beach & why?

My top 3 beaches in San Diego are:  

La Jolla Shores is my favorite when I’m with families, or friends with kids.  It’s just overall a family friendly beach.

Coronado Beach: I like the scenic views, very relaxed every time I go here, and having the Hotel del Coronado as a backdrop.

Torrey Pines State Beach: Less crowded with coastal cliff trails. Best for nature and hiking.

Get to the bottom of the Gliderport and look up.  There are beautiful cliffs, paragliders swooping around and hopefully a beautiful blue sky.
  The beach is beautiful and big depending on the tide.  Go one way and its a clothing optional and the other way is a great family friendly beach.

I love Torrey Pines!! I really enjoy exploring all the trails and the views. I’ve seen a lot of whales from up there. And then yeah, walk down to such a wonderful beach. Last time I was over there the whole area was closed for some reason. I was bummed.  

 
Call me crazy but I also like Silver Strand State Beach. Maybe I’ve just been lucky but I’ve never seen it crowded there. You can fish from right on the beach. I’ve often seen little rays in the water there. I like to watch the sunset there (if I’m not at sunset cliffs) and then after dark, it actually gets dark out there. You can still see all the twinkling lights from the hustle and bustle areas up the beach though. Coronado and the DT area. I like the solitude out there.  

 
I get what you’re saying about Coronado beach, and the Hotel Del is really cool. Honestly though, unless you’re staying at the Hotel Del or somewhere else on Coronado with guest parking, I don’t know how you even get there. Even in the off season when I try to go to Coronado Beach, by the time I find someplace to leave my car I’m almost closer to Silver Strand 🤣

Tamarack beach in Carlsbad is really nice, and convenient to good restaurants.

Solana Beach!  

I also, love Del Mar!  

I spent so much time at these two specific beaches. I have great memories snorkeling with the sea lions in La Jolla cove way back when it was allowed. Mission Beach is fun to people watch.