Driving into the only main artery of Ocean Beach, Sunset Cliffs Blvd., a large carved wooden sign welcomes visitors and residents alike, dotted with its logo and a “Welcome to Ocean Beach” in washed out bright colors. A bird flying over the letters "OB" can be seen on signs and on car window stickers of locals, signifying a pride in this unique corner of the world.

It is quickly evident upon arrival that things are run a bit differently in this town that has not evolved much from the protest era of the sixties. Voltaire street is showered with plaquettes that read “We must cultivate our garden” and the People’s market offers foods for the health-wise and organic-conscious, a haven for vegetarians and vegans who populate this hippie town.

Seven miles west of downtown, Ocean Beach is home to the southernmost public beach on the Point Loma peninsula. The Ocean Beach Pier stretches out to sea in a ‘T’ shape, and boasts the longest commercial pier on the west coast. There is a small restaurant on the pier with great views of the ocean, bay and Point Loma Peninsula. Fishing is very popular on nights and weekends. Surfers weave in and out of the pier’s legs and along the horizon. The north side of the beach has been designated Dog Beach and allows canines to roam freely without a leash and bathe in the ocean. Owners can give their dogs a rinse at the local dog wash, just two blocks east, with self serve wash facilities and a training school.