Imperial Beach Holiday Guide: Family Stay at Pier South Resort

There are beach towns that feel like summer no matter what month you visit, and then there is Imperial Beach — a stretch of Southern California coastline where the holidays arrive with the scent of saltwater, quieter streets, golden light, and families wandering along the pier in cozy sweaters instead of parkas. It’s a destination that blends coastal ease with small-town character, making it an unexpectedly perfect choice for a holiday family getaway.

This year, our family traded crowded malls and Thanksgiving craziness for a weekend on the sand. We packed up, drove south, and checked into Pier South Resort, a beachfront property that sits steps from the ocean and places you directly into the rhythm of Imperial Beach living.

A Suite Designed for Families Who Need Space to Breathe

Suite and property tour HERE

Our home the duration of our stay was a one-bedroom suite with two queen beds in the main bedroom and a pullout sofa in the living room — a layout that immediately made the stay feel comfortable and unrushed. The suite opened into a spacious living area with clean, modern coastal design; sliding glass doors that framed the ocean like a moving piece of art.

But the balcony is where we naturally gravitated. Every evening, we found ourselves out there, wrapped in blankets, listening to the waves and watching the sky fade from vibrant holiday-weekend gold into deep blue. There’s something grounding about ending a day with your family gathered outside, wind in your hair, ocean stretching endlessly in front of you.

Resort Amenities That Make Slowing Down Incredibly Easy

Pier South Resort is built for families who want a blend of activity and relaxation without ever needing to get into the car. The resort offers:

• A heated outdoor pool, warm enough even in December

• A Jacuzzi, perfect after a long beach day

• A basketball court for the kids

• Easy, direct access to the beach

• On-property restaurants that eliminate all dinner-time debates

Everything is walkable. The beach sits directly behind the property; the pier is only a short stroll away. Even a simple walk to grab a late-afternoon snack turns into a scenic moment because everything is set against the sound of waves and the sight of surfers gliding across winter swells.

Breakfast on the Beach at Sammy’s

Video of breakfast at Sammy's HERE

Most mornings began at Sammy’s, located right on the first floor of the resort. Breakfast there feels unrushed — families in cozy layers, sun lighting up the patio, servers greeting guests who clearly return year after year.

We ordered Red Velvet Pancakes, Kids’ Buttermilk Pancakes, Steak & Eggs, Pork Belly Scramble, and Lobster Scrambled Eggs. It’s all indulgent in the best holiday way. Eating eggs with lobster while your kids run their forks through pancakes overlooking the ocean is a memory that stays with you — simple, satisfying, and tied to a place you’ll want to revisit.

Did I mention there is a full bar?

Dinner on the Sand at Roppongi Asian Bistro

Video of dinner at Roppongi HERE

Later in the day, we made our way to Roppongi Asian Bistro, also on the property. Their patio places you right on the sand, so while you enjoy dinner, the kids can play within eyesight.

We ordered a spread that covered nearly every corner of the menu: the Crab Tower, Duck À L’Orange Dumplings, Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi, New York Steak, Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Strips, and a shareable pile of fries for the table. The meal had a mix of refined and family-friendly dishes, which is exactly what you want when traveling with kids — options that feel special without sacrificing ease.

As the sun set, the beach filled with that soft holiday glow and we lingered, letting the kids take their time. It’s rare to find a restaurant where adults can enjoy a peaceful meal while kids remain entertained without screens or negotiation.

Exploring Imperial Beach: A Town Full of Small Coastal Surprises

Imperial Beach may not be the first destination families think of for the holidays, but that’s part of its charm. It’s quieter than some of Southern California’s larger coastal cities, which means you experience moments that feel more personal and less choreographed.

We spent hours playing on the beach, letting the kids chase the waves despite the chilly water. They splashed, collected shells, and sprinted through the sand long after the sun dipped — the kind of winter play that makes you forget it’s a holiday weekend.

A walk along the Imperial Beach Pier quickly became one of our favorite activities. From the top, you can see surfers weaving through the breaks, fishermen waiting patiently, and families bundled together enjoying the view. One of the most memorable moments happened here: we watched a family with fishing lines drop into the water reel in a tiny sting ray. They showed it gently to anyone nearby before releasing it. The kids were mesmerized — the ocean offering a quiet science lesson wrapped in pure wonder.

We also spent time shopping in town, wandering through local shops and picking up a few holiday gifts. Imperial Beach has a way of making even casual errands feel pleasant, thanks to its laid-back energy and friendly locals.

Evenings on the Balcony: Our Favorite Part of the Trip

Every night ended exactly the same: all of us gathered on the balcony of our suite, listening to the steady hum of the ocean. The waves became a backdrop to our conversations, little recaps of the day, the kids’ observations, the quiet laughter that comes with being away together. It felt like a reset — the kind of pause families crave during the busy holiday season.

Imperial Beach offers exactly what families crave this time of year: space to breathe, natural beauty, great food, walkability, and moments that unfold effortlessly. Staying at Pier South Resort places you right at the heart of it — steps from the beach, minutes from town, and close enough to Coronado and Mexico to explore more if you choose, though we were perfectly content staying right where we were.

If your family is looking for a holiday trip that blends ocean air, relaxed luxury, unforgettable sunsets, and easy days spent together, Imperial Beach is a place worth adding to your travel plans. It reminds you that sometimes the best way to celebrate the season is simply to step outside, feel the sand beneath your feet, and enjoy the people you’re traveling life with.