10 California Coastal Towns With Notable Fish Tacos
There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly crafted fish taco while ocean breezes tousle your hair.
As a devoted taco enthusiast who’s cruised up and down the California coast more times than I can count, I’ve made it my personal mission to track down the best fish tacos this golden shoreline has to offer.
From crispy beer-battered cod to grilled mahi-mahi topped with tangy slaw, these 10 coastal towns serve up seafood treasures that’ll make your taste buds dance.
1. San Diego’s Ocean Beach: Taco Heaven By The Pier
I stumbled upon my first life-changing fish taco in Ocean Beach during a surf trip gone wrong. Soaking wet and slightly embarrassed, I ducked into a tiny shack where the aroma of lime and cilantro promised salvation.
The fish tacos here honor San Diego’s proximity to Baja California, where this delicacy originated. Crispy beer-battered white fish comes wrapped in warm corn tortillas, topped with shredded cabbage, crema, and pico de gallo that packs just enough heat.
Local favorites include South Beach Bar & Grille, where the mahi-mahi tacos attract hour-long waits, and Mike’s Taco Club, where the owner might tell you about catching that morning’s special himself. The fish is always impossibly fresh, the atmosphere delightfully unpretentious.
2. Encinitas: Leucadia’s Surf-Inspired Fish Taco Scene
The first time I rolled into Encinitas, I wasn’t looking for food—I was chasing waves. What I found instead was a taco revelation tucked between surf shops and yoga studios in this laid-back beach community.
Leucadia, Encinitas’ funkiest neighborhood, serves up fish tacos with serious surf cred. The local specialty features grilled local catch dressed with avocado, mango salsa, and microgreens grown just miles away at nearby farms.
Fish 101 stands out with their sustainably-sourced offerings, while The Taco Stand draws lines down the block for their Baja-style creations. What makes Encinitas tacos special is their commitment to freshness—most spots proudly display which boat brought in today’s catch, connecting your meal directly to the ocean you’re gazing at while eating.
3. La Jolla: Upscale Tacos With Ocean Views
Would you believe I once crashed a wedding reception in La Jolla just to sample their fish tacos? Worth it! This upscale enclave elevates the humble fish taco to gourmet status without losing its soul.
La Jolla’s tacos reflect its sophisticated vibe—think seared ahi tuna, wasabi aioli, and microgreens served on handmade tortillas. The presentation is Instagram-worthy, but the flavors remain authentically Californian with Mexican roots.
Galaxy Taco, helmed by a celebrated chef, grinds their own masa daily for impossibly fresh tortillas. The Taco Stand (yes, they have a location here too) keeps it more traditional but equally delicious. What sets La Jolla’s offerings apart is attention to detail—from housemade salsas to perfectly paired craft beers, these tacos are thoughtfully constructed culinary experiences with million-dollar views.
4. Newport Beach: Harbor-Fresh Seafood In Tortilla Form
My car broke down in Newport Beach last summer, and while waiting for the tow truck, I followed my nose to what became an unforgettable taco experience. Sometimes automotive disasters have silver linings!
Newport Beach combines its yacht club pedigree with casual beach eats in its fish taco offerings. The fish is typically grilled rather than fried, highlighting the quality of the catch from the bustling harbor. Expect generous portions of halibut or sea bass topped with citrus-forward slaws and house-made hot sauces.
Bear Flag Fish Company sources directly from local fishermen for their famed tacos, while Tackle Box serves chef-driven versions right on the beach. The Newport twist? Many spots offer “naked” tacos wrapped in lettuce instead of tortillas—a nod to the fitness-focused Orange County lifestyle that somehow doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of flavor.
5. San Clemente: Surfer-Approved Tacos Near The Pier
“Dude, you haven’t lived until you’ve had a post-surf taco in San Clemente,” a weathered local told me as I dripped saltwater onto the wooden floor of a taqueria. He wasn’t exaggerating.
San Clemente’s fish tacos embody the town’s relaxed surf culture—unpretentious but expertly crafted. The signature style features lightly battered local rockfish topped with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and a secret sauce that varies from spot to spot but always delivers the perfect tang.
Pedro’s Tacos, a local institution since 1986, serves no-frills classics that surfers swear by, while The Riders Club offers craft beer-battered versions with housemade pickles. What makes San Clemente’s tacos special is their consistency—whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before hitting the waves or settling in for sunset dinner by the pier, that first bite always delivers pure California bliss.
6. Morro Bay: Tacos In The Shadow Of The Rock
The fog was rolling in around Morro Rock when I discovered what locals had been keeping secret—fish tacos that rival the iconic landmark for reasons to visit this charming fishing town. One bite and I understood why nobody was talking.
Morro Bay’s tacos showcase the bounty of its working harbor. Fresh-off-the-boat rockfish, cod, or snapper comes either grilled with butter and herbs or lightly fried in tempura batter, then nestled in warm tortillas with simple, complementary toppings that never overwhelm the star ingredient.
Taco Temple has achieved cult status for their massive portions and creative combinations, while Bayside Cafe offers more traditional versions with spectacular waterfront views. What makes Morro Bay’s offerings special is their straightforward approach—these tacos don’t need bells and whistles when the fish is this fresh and the setting this magical.
7. Pismo Beach: Clam Capital With Surprising Taco Cred
“Everyone comes for the clams, but they stay for the fish tacos,” winked the server as she set down a plate that would forever change my perception of this classic beach town. Talk about a hidden agenda I could get behind!
Famous for its clam chowder, Pismo Beach quietly excels at fish tacos that incorporate unexpected local ingredients. The signature style features white fish (often locally caught halibut) with avocado, pickled onions, and—in a nod to the town’s claim to fame—sometimes a sprinkle of chopped clams or clam-infused aioli.
Pismo Fish & Chips serves straightforward classics that hit all the right notes, while Wooly’s on the pier offers elevated versions with spectacular ocean views. What sets Pismo’s tacos apart is their ability to surprise—these aren’t flashy or trendy, but they deliver complex flavors that somehow capture the essence of Central Coast cuisine in every bite.
8. Cambria: Moonstone Beach’s Secret Taco Treasures
During a rainy afternoon walk along Moonstone Beach, I ducked into a small eatery seeking shelter and instead found taco enlightenment. Cambria had been hiding something spectacular all along.
This artsy village delivers fish tacos with a sophisticated Central Coast twist. The local approach features wine-country influences—think fish marinated in local Viognier, topped with fennel slaw, microgreens from nearby farms, and served on handmade tortillas.
Linn’s Restaurant surprises with their farm-to-table versions featuring seasonal ingredients, while Sea Chest Oyster Bar offers seafood-forward creations worth the wait. What makes Cambria’s tacos special is their integration of wine country sensibilities with coastal cuisine—these aren’t traditional by any means, but they’re thoughtfully crafted celebrations of Central California’s unique culinary landscape. Plus, eating them while watching the sunset over Moonstone Beach elevates the experience to something truly magical.
9. Pescadero: Farm-To-Table Tacos On A Rugged Coast
Lost on a foggy coastal drive, I stumbled into Pescadero seeking directions and instead found fish tacos that told me exactly where I was—at the delicious intersection of farmland and ocean.
This tiny agricultural town with stunning coastline serves up tacos that reflect its dual identity. The Pescadero approach features ultra-fresh fish (often rockfish or whatever’s running) paired with farm-stand vegetables, housemade salsas crafted from local tomatoes, and sometimes a surprising drizzle of artichoke aioli—a nod to the region’s famous crop.
Highway 1 Brewing Company crafts beer-battered versions using their own brews, while local farm stands occasionally offer pop-up taco specials during summer months. What distinguishes Pescadero’s tacos is their agricultural connection—these creations celebrate the remarkable bounty of a region where fertile farmland meets productive fishing grounds, resulting in tacos that couldn’t possibly taste the same anywhere else.
10. Crescent City: Northern California’s Unexpected Taco Frontier
“You came all the way up here for the redwoods, but you’ll remember the fish tacos,” predicted the bearded local at the counter. He was right—Crescent City delivered the most surprising tacos of my entire coastal journey.
This remote northern outpost near the Oregon border isn’t an obvious taco destination, which makes its offerings all the more remarkable. The Crescent City style features abundant local seafood—often salmon, rockfish, or Dungeness crab—prepared simply and served with robust toppings that stand up to the region’s cooler climate.
SeaQuake Brewing pairs their craft beers with outstanding fish tacos, while Chart Room Restaurant serves harbor-view versions featuring whatever the boats brought in that morning. What makes Crescent City’s tacos special is their heartiness—these aren’t dainty street tacos but substantial creations that satisfy after a day exploring redwood forests or battling the region’s famous fog and wind. They’re Northern California’s best-kept culinary secret.