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Imperial Beach, California
San Diego Beach Vacation

Imperial Beach, the southwesterly most city in the continental U.S. is located a 15 minute drive from downtown San Diego, 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 is home to a beautiful 1,500-foot pier with popular Tin Fish restaurant located at the end.  "Pier Plaza" is an entryway to the Pier with a Wyland sculpture and colorful surf-themed and ocean decor.

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 200,000 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.  Upcoming dates for the event are:  July 15, 16 & 17, 2005.

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.  Contact the chamber for more information. Info:  619-424-3151

Skate Park  Sports Park Recreational Complex, Imperial Beach Curb Bonez® Skate Park, 425 Imperial Beach Blvd., Imperial Beach, CA 91932,  Info: 619-423-7950  Ramp System: 20 Plywood & Masonite Ramps with vertical ramps, fun boxes, rails, pool turn, quarter pipes and slider bars. Skateboards & In-Line skates only, Fee, pad, helmet required

Imperial Beach was named for Imperial Valley and was designed as a resort for residents of that region.  It began as plots of land sold by developer R.R. Morrison  in 1887. The first municipal pier was built in 1909 and contained an odd machine known as the "Edwards Wave Motor."  Hoping that the contraption would generate electricity for the town, it did not and was removed.   Without the huge machine, the pier became a more attractive place to stroll.  A boardwalk and bathhouse were built near the pier and stood for many years.  A storm washed the pier away in 1948 and several piers have been constructed since. Imperial Beach has been an official city for over 40 years.