Pacific Beach California, just north of San Diego, for those who never heard of it, is a true beach town with year-round sunshine, blue azure seas and a long, long boardwalk. This colorful small community blends a mixture of surfers, college students, professionals, families and just plain beach bums. The architecture is varied with 30's style beachfront cottages, large upscale, earth-toned hotels and condos.

One of the unique type of accommodations found here is the Crystal Pier Cottages, where guests drive right onto the pier and park next to their cottage, which sit on the pier over the surf. The cottages come with bedroom, living room, kitchen, private patio and beautiful ocean views with spectacular sunsets. The cottages date from 1936, the Pier from 1927. The cottages have been renovated over the years and are well maintained, they are non-smoking, with a gated key-entry and night security, and a bring-your-own beach towel requirement.

There are a variety of modern hotels, but due to the popularity of Pacific Beach, it is recommended making reservations a few months in advance.

With nearly 3 miles of bike paths, a wide beach that stretches for miles and warm azure waters, activities abound. One can bike, skate, jog and even walk along the paths that wind toward Mission Bay, just four blocks south. For those who prefer the ocean activities there is kayaking, surfing, body boarding and swimming. Families can enjoy basket-ball games, picnics and kite flying. On the wide stretch of beach Kids can spend endless hours building sand-castles, then watch the waves take them away.

Shoppers will find dozens of funky, eclectic surf shops, clothing stores, smoke shops, and craft galleries.There is a variety of restaurants, from take-out food to sit-down dining. There are shops near Crystal Pier that rent surfboards, body boards, rollerblades, and bicycles. Lifeguards are stationed on the beach year-round. Pets are permitted during the day. but must be on a leash. Unmetered street parking is available but fills up fast, arrive early to get a good spot.

The nightlife caters towards a younger crowd than in nearby downtown San Diego, but with the variety of restaurants and bars, there is always some place that will appeal.

Visitors, who wish to see something of the area nearby, can visit the many attractions in San Diego, or even in nearby Orange County, which is less than 2 hours away.

Mona Graham, A Way To Travel - http://www.cruznow.wordpress.com