San Diego has 70 miles of glorious coastline, crystal clear emerald and turquoise waters, and a great medley of activities to enjoy. Well over 1.2 million vacationers flock to San Diego every year. With stunning panoramic views, quaint historical scenic delights, and a great host of exciting water parks, museums, and so forth, one can't go wrong opting to visit San Diego.

Yet with the great amount of beaches to be found in San Diego, surely some are better than others. Yes, each and every beach has its own merits, pros, cons and personality, just like us. Some people prefer quiet secluded beaches, while others prefer everything to be wild, noisy and exhilarating.

Beaches differ as much as people differ: Some are crystal clear; others may have murky water. Some may be clean while others may be appalling. The terrains often differ. Some beaches may be sandy and accessible, while others may be far too dangerous to access.

Let us meander down to the shores and investigate for ourselves. Grab your sunglasses, sunscreen, hat and refreshments, and let's go.

1) IMPERIAL BEACH: So many people have read all the good promotion heralding Imperial Beach as a tourist haven. Glorious sun-kissed sand, fun water activities, and great sandcastle competitions. Yet, why is it never crowded? Why do the locals head elsewhere? And why don't they mention snorkeling and scuba diving when they mention Imperial Beach?

No doubt it would be due to the fact that Imperial Beach has some, um, let's say, additives in the water that are not greatly appreciated (read: sanitation problems). The water quality is not at all healthy, due to the close proximity to Tijuana. Officials state that there have been major improvements to the sewage treatment plant. Yet the locals shake their heads, and say there are much better beaches elsewhere.

2) SUNSET CLIFFS: Glorious scenic views are so often enjoyed here below the jagged cliffs of Point Loma. With a great number of sandstone bluffs which show brilliant hues. The tide pools near the point will be ideal for studying marine life, yet this is not at all what I would classify as a safe beach area. The swimming here is quite dangerous, as well as quite appalling. The currents are unpredictable and there are not many areas to swim without the need for worry.

I must admit that this is an area I personally like for simply watching the waves crash against the rugged rocky cliffs. Yet it is certainly not a safe place to bring young children. There are many precarious pinnacles protruding from the waters, while the area is extremely rocky and unleveled.

3) OCEAN BEACH: The locals say you need to be young and odd to enjoy Ocean Beach. Such a laid back beach this is, particularly for those who do not bother about keeping up with the Joneses. If you like piercing, tattoos, the unusual, and self expression, this is where it's at.

The locals say this is the place to go if you love people watching, as you will find a variety of strange characters here. You'll also find a number of good restaurants here as well as tourist shops and general stores. Ocean Beach is a mile in length.

Locals say they see some strange-looking people here - why worry if they aren't bothering you? There are lifeguards present, which make this an excellent venue for those with children. The beach terrain is nice and flat, and the rip currents are unique. There is also a pier which has a food and bait stalls, so you won't starve.

4) CORONADO SILVER STRAND: It gets terribly windy here, and it may annoy you when you consistently hear the drone of military helicopters overhead. Yet this is one of the safest, family beach areas you can find in San Diego. Safety comes first, and eventually you forget that these are flying overhead.

The shore has a very gradual decline to the waters, which makes it much more terrain safe for a child. With four parking lots, there is ample space to park. Add to that an RV campground which is run on a first come, first serve basis, and you have all you need for an excellent time. The beaches are nothing short of perfect, with lovely flat sand.

Coronado is surrounded by some stately homes, a great assortment of restaurants, and many boutiques, yet its most favorable asset is the breathtaking view of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Play beach volleyball, swim, fish, sail or simply relax in the sun. Migrating whales are frequently seen here in early winter.

WARNING: Watch out for stingrays within the sand. Splash the edge of the waters rather than rush straight in; it could save your life.

5) MISSION BEACH: This is one of San Diego's more popular beaches. You'll certainly see some eye candy here. You'll view bodies strutting about half naked, great male abs, tiny beach thongs and so much more. Rollerbladers, cyclists, swimmers, surfers - you name it, you'll see it at Mission Beach.

Mission Beach is two miles in length with a wide, reasonably level, sandy shoreline. There's even an old wooden rollercoaster there right at the beach. Mission beach suits everybody: the young, super cool, hip, fit, chic, laid back - it doesn't matter you'll love it no matter who you are.

Watch the rollerbladers whiz past as they head across the boardwalk or down to Mission Point where everyone gathers for a game of beach volleyball or basketball. Grab a Frisbee and play by the water's edge for some fun in the sun. But don't forget the sunscreen, or else you'll be cussing loud when your butt is burnt to a crisp! Showers and restrooms are available.

NOTE: Thong bikinis are supposedly illegal on Mission Beach, yet the police and lifeguards don't normally enforce this, but just be warned. Alcohol is still legally permitted on the beach, yet nudity is not allowed.

6) LA JOLLA COVE: Deemed as one of the best beaches in the whole world (by me, at least), La Jolla has some of the most stunning views. You will "ooh and ahh" here; when you see just how beautiful the scenic setting is, your draw will drop. Take the short hiking trail from the Cave Store.

La Jolla Cove is a tiny beach, snuggled between sandstone cliffs. This has made it a photographer's haven and one of the most photographed beaches in all of Southern California. It's nothing short of extraordinary; words are useless in describing the sheer natural beauty of this little gem. It's certainly a diamond in the rough.

The La Jolla Cove sand is extremely coarse, yet very pretty to see when the sun shimmers across its surface. It's only a short walk from the hub of the commercial area, yet retains its natural serenity. Meander over to the adjacent Grassy Scripps Park and enjoy a family or romantic picnic.

This is a very popular location for scuba divers and snorkelers as the water's visibility often exceeds 30 feet. The marine life is surreal, but you are not permitted to touch or possess any game from here. There is lifeguard protection, as well. Be cautious though, as the waters of California often experience very strong currents.

Public amenities such as showers and toilets can be found in Scripps Park. The beach is not wheelchair accessible as the hillside is extremely steep. Go view the beach area from the Oceanside walkway in Scripps Park; it's a picturesque scene indeed. There is no on street parking here, and remember that flotation devices are prohibited.

7) LA JOLLA SHORES: La Jolla Shores is a beautiful sandy beach which is almost a mile long and noted for its gentle waves in comparison to other beaches in San Diego. Scuba classes are often held here, yet be warned the rip currents can still get mighty strong on the odd occasion.

La Jolla Shores sits adjacent to the San Diego Underwater Ecological Reserve. Neither fishing nor removal of any items from here is permitted. You will be able to see the Scripps Institute of Oceanography/ Scripps Pier. This pier is not open to the public but you can meander down to the Steven Birch Aquarium, which is only half a mile away and open daily. There is a lifeguard station which is usually staffed beginning at 9 a.m.

8) TOURMALINE BEACH: A tourmaline is a precious stone made from hard and very brittle mineral which is a consolidation of varied metals, yet most of this is sodium aluminum borosilicate. Tourmalines are found embedded within granite and gneisses, which are either a banded type of rock or foliated metamorphic rock. These usually comprise the same basic composition as granite. They are extremely colorful and certainly catch the eyes.

Tourmaline Beach was officially named Tourmaline Surf Park and sits at the very base of Tourmaline Street. Just north of the Crystal Pier, Tourmaline spans approximately one mile from the north to the south end. The 75-foot cliffs delineate both the Pacific Beach and Tourmaline Beaches from the La Jolla region, due to the natural break that these cliffs create.

There is a public parking area which is very popular and often full due to the surfers. You will find restrooms and showers at the base of Diamond Street at the south end of Tourmaline. No alcohol is permitted on the beach after 8 p.m. You can get to the beach from Mission Boulevard.

The beach is a little too gritty for my liking and there are far too many rocks. It's great once you are past these if you like surfing, yet it's not quite the beach I would recommend for a family. Better left to the sure-footed surfers.

9) WINDANSEA: Windansea is rockier than any other beach in the whole of San Diego. It's hard on the feet unless you are wearing surf shoes. It's also much smaller than other beaches in San Diego, but if you like amazing scenery this is the place to be.

With the surf coming right up to the shoreline, it surely makes surfing and swimming a bit of a challenge. If you are not an experienced swimmer or surfer, you will need to go elsewhere unless you are simply going to enjoy the scenery. Even the most experienced of surfers and swimmers get knocked around a fair bit here.

The beach is as rocky as you could imagine, with small patches of sand sifting through the rocky areas to trail down to the ocean's edge. You certainly won't be building sandcastles here. But you won't need to walk over too much rocky area to get to the beach as there are stairs leading down to the different areas. Some people call this the sandy area, but I strongly disagree. The beach shore is more like grit than sand. There are no amenities here, no restrooms or anything, other than a lifeguard. A big thumb's up for the views, though!

10) BLACK'S BEACH: This two-mile-long, hard-to-reach beach is the unofficial nude beach of San Diego where clothes are optional. Now just remember that this isn't Baywatch - the bodies are not all like Pamela Anderson's. Nor will they all be like David Hasselhoff. Don't get your hopes up too high, and remember sunburn on the nether regions can be very painful. It's up to you if you go naked as a jaybird, but just remember that crab pincers are not at all friendly.  Ouch!

I love this beach, but the 300- to 400-foot-high jagged cliffs certainly do not make for easy access. Access is obtained by walking south from the Torrey Pines area. Or come down through the trail from the Torrey Pines Glider Port. You will see the signs showing you the entrance to the trails. Be extremely careful, please.

This is a popular area for exquisite surfing. This is not a beach for small children - it's a little too rough, as well as dangerous. Wear sturdy non-slip shoes when walking the trails.

This tidbit of real travel advice was contributed by Shenni Bubb.