Things to do
Things to do in Imperial Beach
The last beach before Mexico, a serious surf history, and a water-quality fight that is now a national story.
Things to do
Imperial Beach PierLandmark
The 1,500-foot wooden pier at the end of Evergreen Avenue is the town's centerpiece, with fishing, a restaurant at its foot and views south toward Mexico.
10 Evergreen Ave
Tijuana River National Estuarine Research ReservePark
The largest salt marsh in Southern California, with trails and a visitor center for spotting endangered birds such as the light-footed clapper rail.
301 Caspian Way
Border Field State ParkPark
State park at the southwestern corner of the continental U.S., where the border fence runs into the ocean; access roads close after heavy rain.
Silver Strand State BeachBeach
State beach just north of town on the Strand, with ocean and bay sides.
Bayshore BikewayTrail
Flat bike path along the south end of San Diego Bay connecting IB with Coronado and Chula Vista.
Outdoor Surfboard Museum and SurfhengeArts
Public art at Portwood Pier Plaza celebrating IB's surf history, including the Surfhenge sculpture.
Imperial Beach Art Walking TourArts
Self-guided route past murals and public sculpture around Seacoast Drive.
Seacoast DriveShopping
The beachfront street with surf shops, shell shops, cafes and restaurants.
Eat & drink
Ye Olde Plank InnDive bar
A 1960s-era bar with a pirate sculpture on the roof, and a town landmark.
El TapatioMexican restaurant
Family-owned on Palm Avenue for more than 40 years.
Star Dust Donut ShopDoughnut shop
Another Palm Avenue family business past the 40-year mark.
Brigantine Seafood & Oyster BarSeafood
Chowder and oysters at the foot of the pier.
Victoria's Mexican FoodTaqueria
A local go-to for tacos at Coronado Avenue and Saturn Boulevard.
Trident CoffeeCoffee
Bay-view cafe at the end of 13th Street along the Bayshore Bikeway.
Novo Brazil BrewingBrewery
Brazilian-owned brewery serving Brazilian food alongside its beer.
Annual events
Imperial Beach Sun & Sea FestivalJuly
The city's summer festival near the pier, with a parade, vendors and sandcastle building; held July 18 in 2026.