Imperial Beach Sand and Sea Retreat

Imperial Beach Sand and Sea Retreat is a 3-level condo located 1/2 block from the sand in beautiful Imperial Beach, California, the most southwesterly city in the continental United States. The beaches are wide and sandy, and Imperial Beach is a laid-back little town, with less traffic and fewer beach crowds than most other beaches in San Diego.

Within a 5-minute walk, you'll find at least 8 casual restaurants, two coffeehouses, two neighborhood taverns, a convenience store, a small grocery, two public parks on the beach, an ice cream parlor, as well as the main lifeguard station, the sheriff's substation, and the Imperial Beach Pier.

The condo includes 1050 square feet (98 square meters) of living space on two levels with an attached two-car garage below.

The garage has a roll-up door and remote opener and is suitable for one large vehicle and one small vehicle. There is a full-size Kenmore washer and properly-vented dryer in the garage. The garage also holds the extensive beach gear, which includes high-quality beach chairs, beach towels, a beach cart, umbrella, body boards for kids and adults, two bicycles and even basic fishing gear (fishing off the Imperial Beach Pier, about 500 yards away, does not require a fishing permit).

The middle level consists of a living room, dining room, kitchen and half bathroom. The living room includes a 47' LCD flat screen TV with HD programming and HBO, DVD/CD player, secure wireless internet (at no additional cost), a leather corner unit and two leather chairs. The dining table includes 6 chairs but will seat 8 comfortably (there are two extra folding chairs). The kitchen includes full-sized refrigerator, gas stove and oven, built-in microwave and dishwasher. All normal housewares are provided including cookware, flatware, plates, glasses, and small appliances. The half bath contains a toilet and a pedestal sink. The small patio in front has two chairs, a cocktail table and a propane-fueled grill.

The top level features two bedrooms separated by a full bathroom. Bedroom #1 has a queen bed, twin bunk beds, a large wardrobe and 3-drawer dresser. Bedroom #2 has a queen bed and a 6-drawer dresser in the large closet. There are also two folding cube mattresses suitable for kids. All sheets and comforters are provided. All beds are in good condition, are comfortable and have good reading lights. Each bedroom has an alarm clock and a ceiling fan. The bathroom was completely renovated in December 2013 and includes a bathtub with tiled surround and tiled wainscoting all around. Lots of clean towels are provided.

The Neighborhood: Imperial Beach is a small, laid-back town of about 25,000 people and it's less busy than most beach areas in San Diego County. There are at least 8 restaurants within a 5-minute walk from the condo. There is a surprisingly well-stocked 7-11 convenience store and a taco shop about 100 yards away, and two coffee houses within 200 yards. There are many fine restaurants including several at the Hotel del Coronado, in the beautiful and very exclusive city of Coronado, located about 7 mile north of Imperial Beach along the 'Silver Strand' that separates the Pacific Ocean from San Diego Bay. The condo is located on Palm Avenue, which is a major street further to the east, but by the time it gets to the beach, it's a two-lane road. To get to the beach from the condo, it's a walk of about 200 yards crossing one street, Seacoast Drive, which is controlled by a three-way stop sign.

The Beach: Imperial Beach has wide sandy beaches, all of which are publicly accessible. The surf is excellent, the area just north of the Imperial Beach Pier and another area about 1 mile south are among the best surfing locations is Southern California. The City of Imperial Beach has been working to emphasize the surfing theme, and the plentiful public art reflects that. There are two beach-front public parks within walking distance of the condo, one at the foot of the Imperial Beach Pier. The pier is about 300 yards long and there's a restaurant at the end. Even at prime time on weekends. it's easy to find a place to set up at Imperial Beach. No alcohol is allowed at the beach or in the public parks and the public places are very family-friendly. Imperial Beach is not a 'party' area compared to other San Diego County beaches such as Mission Beach or Pacific Beach.