For first-time visitors – or once a year day-trippers – Ocean Beach, known for its “hippie culture,” and local etiquette, might be a bit of an assault on the senses, but perception is only an illusion. But if you’re here for a fun day of exploring, the Peninsula Beacon has put together some suggestions for must sees and experiences – starting with breakfast over the ocean, followed with browsing vintage shops, sipping award-winning wine, watching a sunset with a locally-brewed beer above Newport Avenue, then finishing the day with dancing to live music. Bring your dog as well, OB?has a beach for them. Breakfast
The Walking on Water Café: This is an iconic eatery, due to its location in the middle of the longest pier on the West Coast, can be easily seen from the beach by its big “CAFÉ” sign on the side of the building.
Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this is a great, and inexpensive, place to eat, relax and watch the surf while interacting with locals. Or grab a fishing pole next door and try to catch your meal. You do not need a license to fish off the pier. Browsing
The Corner Store (4873 Newport Ave.): OB is known as an area with vintage and antique stores. This place just might be the antique heaven for any level of collector. The Corner Store has been in operation for more than 11 years and is locally owned by Dee Cook Carlson. It has earned numerous awards during that time, giving it the reputation of being a great place to spruce up your home or garden. Look out for recently added vintage dressers, clocks and night stands. So, get out there and buy something memorable, just make sure you have the space to bring it home. Wine tasting
Gianni Buonomo Vintners (4836 Newport Ave.): Now, OB is not all beach bums and hippies, although there is nothing wrong with that, but that lifestyle isn’t for everyone. If you are one of those people, getting to this place might be a nice getaway. They source their grapes from all along the West Coast. The interior features oak-wood café tables and sculptures made by local artists. The winery also holds yoga classes infused with wine tasting a few times a year, so keep an eye out for that. Visit San Diego’s first “beach winery” and have some wine with all that culture. Aromas of OB The Black (5017 Newport Ave.): If you are not used to the OB lifestyle, this place may throw you back. We advise you to leave the judgments at the door though, because this is a shop you won’t forget. They have everything: clothes, dresses, incense, “peace-pipes,” music, vintage posters, and more. There really are no words that can fully describe the audacity this place has. They’ve been in OB for nearly 40 years, so paying them a visit is almost necessary. Dog day afternoon
Dog Beach (at the western end of Voltaire Street): This beach is a great place to let your furry friend off the leash to enjoy some sand and waves during these hot summer days. You can lay out a towel to catch some sun or explore the San Diego River estuary with your dog. Afterwards, head to Dog Beach Dog Wash (4933 Voltaire St.) to clean up pup before heading out for dinner. Sunset brews and views
OB Brewery (5041 Newport Ave.): This brew pub is specific to the community with an open rooftop patio overlooking Newport with views of the beach, ocean and pier. It is three stories tall, so there is typically plenty of room to sit down and get comfortable to enjoy the sunset. They have roughly 20 beers on draft daily, featuring both their beers and other local craft brews from around the county. Try the Malicious Journalist IPA (8.4 percent ABV) with the garlicky hummus dish for a delicious pairing – and that’s not fake news. Dance the night away
Winston’s (1921 Bacon St.): The bar scene in OB is much different than in Pacific Beach or downtown, which gives visitors a chance to escape the over-crowded and over-priced bars around. Winston’s is great because almost every night they have some kind of live performance to get you on the dance floor. Whether it is a band, open mic, or comedy show, Winston’s aims at entertaining the community. Check out winstonsob.com for a schedule of live performances.