It really depends upon which beach you are interested in visiting. Coronado Beach 15 minutes by car, 30 by public transportation. Ocean Beach, 30 minutes by car, 60 by public transportation. La Jolla 45 minutes by car, 60 to 70 by public transportation. The water however is within blocks of the hotel.. its just more of a marina than typical beach.
This hotel is on the San Diego Bay, not the Pacific Ocean. To the south is Imperial Beach, public beach w/ lifeguards, places to eat. Then Silver Strand State Beach is set up for campers & RV, has Fee to enter, has bathrooms & small snack bar. Coronado Beach, next famous Hotel Del Coronado, is free. Going North, past downtown San Diego, are Ocean Beach / Sunset Cliffs area, lots of eateries & shops near beach. Sunset Cliffs is great for hiking & exploring. Going further north is Mission Beach & Pacific Beach district, miles of beach, and very long boardwalk to walk, skate, jog, bike... Belmont Park rollercoaster & fun zone is at Mission Beach.
Nice motel, but you don't want to swim in any water within 20 min of it especially south
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