Pacific Beach is a major suburb of San Diego, bounded by La Jolla to the north and Mission Beach to the south, Interstate 5 and Clairemont to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. While largely populated by surfers and college students, the population is becoming more professional and affluent due to rising property and rental costs.

"PB", as it is known as by local residents, is also home to one of San Diego's more popular nightlife, with dozens of bars, cafes, and eateries lining the main east-west street Garnet Avenue and Mission Boulevard, which runs north-south. Small town, casual, friendly, laid-back and eclectic are commonly applied descriptions. Walk into the local bank, where customers wear shorts, jeans, dresses (from mini to muumuu)-and occasionally, even a suit.

Although Pacific Beach is a Mecca for nightlife, known throughout the country and beyond, the coffee houses, nightclubs, and late-night restaurants are clustered mainly along Garnet Avenue and Mission Boulevard, close to the beach. Within blocks, though, a quieter PB emerges. Mom-and-pop businesses abound. Of the 1,200 businesses found in Pacific Beach approximately 75% are locally owned. Everybody walks (or bicycles, skateboards, or inline-skates) around the beach. People tend to be athletic and sports-minded, outspoken and quick to laugh.

The beach just south of Crystal Pier is known as "Pacific Beach". This beach continues south for over two miles, becoming Mission Beach and then South Mission Beach, eventually ending at the channel entrance to Mission Bay. This long beach, known as The Strand, lies directly adjacent to the residential and commercial areas of the Pacific Beach and Mission Beach communities. The southern end is predominately residential, with commercial areas a block or so from the beach on Mission Boulevard. It is the most popular beach in the City of San Diego and draws large crowds in summer.

North Pacific Beach continues to the north, but is visually separated by Crystal Pier, a publicly accessible fishing pier. Various shops, restaurants, and beach rental outfits can be found bordering the north end of Pacific Beach, north of Pacific Beach drive.