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.
