Driving into the only main artery of Ocean Beach, Sunset Cliffs Blvd., a large carved wooden sign welcomes visitors and residents alike, dotted with its logo and a “Welcome to Ocean Beach” in washed out bright colors. A bird flying over the letters "OB" can be seen on signs and on car window stickers of locals, signifying a pride in this unique corner of the world.

It is quickly evident upon arrival that things are run a bit differently in this town that has not evolved much from the protest era of the sixties. Voltaire street is showered with plaquettes that read “We must cultivate our garden” and the People’s market offers foods for the health-wise and organic-conscious, a haven for vegetarians and vegans who populate this hippie town.

Seven miles west of downtown, Ocean Beach is home to the southernmost public beach on the Point Loma peninsula. The Ocean Beach Pier stretches out to sea in a ‘T’ shape, and boasts the longest commercial pier on the west coast. There is a small restaurant on the pier with great views of the ocean, bay and Point Loma Peninsula. Fishing is very popular on nights and weekends. Surfers weave in and out of the pier’s legs and along the horizon. The north side of the beach has been designated Dog Beach and allows canines to roam freely without a leash and bathe in the ocean. Owners can give their dogs a rinse at the local dog wash, just two blocks east, with self serve wash facilities and a training school. 

Residents are a variety of musicians, activists, artists, and surfers. More working professionals are populating the area, as Ocean Beach housing is renovated and home prices rise. Ocean Beach real estate is split up among single family residences, numerous single story beach cottages, duplexes, and apartment or condo buildings. More condo conversions are currently in the works.

Many residents south of Sunset Cliffs boulevard are transients and rent or lease. North of Sunset Cliffs (4-5 blocks from the ocean) terrain begins to rise and Ocean Beach homes are rather larger with great ocean views. Homeowners reside and raise families in this neighborhood.

Point Loma High School hosts students from a larger area, including Ocean Beach children. Robb field is a large park on the ocean with a soccer field, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and another dog park.

Each Wednesday, one block of is dedicated to the Farmers market, bringing in fresh produce that is locally grown, delicacies including cheeses, cakes, meats, and wonderful assortments of fresh flora and fauna. Live music is usually played, surrounded by dancing residents and visitors. Children’s entertainment is also provided, sometimes rides are offered on friendly llamas! Yearly events include the summer Chili Cook-off & street fair and the Christmas Parade and tree-lighting. Ocean Beach shopping focuses centrally on and off of Newport Avenue, the main drag leading down to the beach. Shops are locally owned and managed, ranging from bars and boutiques to an impressive selection of antique shops. OB claims the best burger in town. Very few chain stores exist. Starbucks was protested for months before finding a place on OBs busiest street corner, just a block from the ocean.

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