Imperial Beach

Imperial Beach sits directly on the Pacific coast and is among the southernmost coastal towns in California, only a few miles from the Mexican border. The public pier extends nearly 460 meters into the ocean and serves as a landmark for anglers and walkers, while the sandy shoreline runs for several kilometers.

The town was founded in the late 19th century by a real estate company that sold parcels to buyers from the East and Midwest. Over the following decades the settlement transformed from a quiet beach resort into a small town near the border, heavily influenced by the nearby military base during the 20th century.

The name comes from the Imperial Land Company, which sold plots in the 1880s to build a coastal town along the shore. Today people from the area come to the waterfront on foot or by bicycle and enjoy watching the waves, while some residents cross the border into Mexico every day for work or family.

Beach access is available at several points along the coast, and most paths are flat and easy to walk. Sunny days are common, but wind from the ocean can pick up, especially in the afternoon.

Near the mouth of the Tijuana River lies a protected wetland where rare bird species rest and nest. Many visitors do not realize that this area is one of the few places where natural tidal flats sit directly next to an international border.

Location: San Diego County

Inception: June 1, 1887

Elevation above the sea: 6 m

Part of: Mexico–United States border

Website: http://imperialbeachca.gov

GPS coordinates: 32.57833,-117.11722

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:12