CBN San Diego

Ocean Beach is a small beach community a few miles northwest of downtown San Diego. OB has a very laid back feeling and is about as unpretentious as San Diego beach living gets. You'll hear the occasional jet roaring overhead, the barking of happy dogs partying at Dog Beach, and waves pounding the coastline of Sunset Cliffs. You'll have the time of your life when you experience Halloween, New Year's Eve or the O.B. Chili Cook Off. The Christmas Parade and the 4th of July fireworks show are annual traditions.

It is quickly evident upon arrival that things are run a bit differently in this town that has not evolved much since the days of the sixties protest era. 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.

Residents are a variety of musicians, activists, artists, and surfers. More working professionals are populating the area, as Ocean Beach housing is renovated and home prices rise. Ocean Beach real estate is split up among single family residences, numerous single story beach cottages, duplexes, and apartment or condo buildings. More condo conversions are currently in the works.

Each Wednesday, one block of is dedicated to the Farmers market, bringing in fresh produce that is locally grown. Delicacies including cheeses, cakes, meats, and wonderful assortments of fresh flora and fauna all surrounded by live music. Children's entertainment is also provided, sometimes rides are offered on friendly llamas! Ocean Beach shopping focuses centrally on and off of Newport Avenue which is the main drag down to the beach. Shops are locally owned and managed, ranging from bars and boutiques to an impressive selection of antique shops.

There's a lot to be said for this eclectic little beach town, with its odd collection of antique stores, bars, Deadheads, restaurants, musicians, activists, bikers, artists, and feral cats.