SERGE DEDINA
Imperial Beach’s mayor grew up surfing in his hometown, but
wave hunting and research expeditions in Baja turned into a
full-time career as an ocean conservationist as the cofounder
and executive director of Wildcoast. The author of three books
on Baja and his ocean adventures, Dedina has become known
for enthusiastically promoting Imperial Beach, Baja and the
protection of our coast and ocean.
Imperial Beach vibe: “It is such a friendly, laid-back, classic SoCal
beach town. I can ride my bike to go surfing, eat at a bunch of tasty
and cool restaurants, and really enjoy nature.”
Three things to check out: “The trails and visitor center of the
Tijuana Estuary reserve are a wonderful treat for birders, hikers
and nature enthusiasts; the IB Pier provides a panoramic view of
south San Diego, the Coronado Islands and Baja; and the Limebike
app lets you rent colorful bicycles throughout IB and take a ride.”
Favorite surf spot: “I can generally be found surfing around the
pier in IB, as well as in Baja, with its miles and miles of pristine,
perfect waves. I’m usually planning my next family surf trip.”
What’s new in Imperial Beach? “The new Bikeway Village on
the Bayshore Bikeway at the north end of 13th Street has the
awesome Trident Coffee for handcrafted nitro cold brew, as well
as the full-service 2Wheels Cycling Boutique. And Brigantine
Seafood & Oyster Bar just opened across from the pier.”
South Bay summer event: “The Sun & Sea Festival on July 14,
2018, is IB’s totally SoCal beach festival. There’s a parade, a
sandcastle competition, music and incredible food.”
Favorite eateries: “In IB, there’s Sea180, Poké 123, Katy’s Café,
Siam Imperial, IB Street Tacos, Red House Kitchen and the
Coronado Brewery; Misión 19 and Erizo in Tijuana; and Boules,
Taquería Trailero and Ophelia in Ensenada.”
Great nature experiences: “I love surfing with our pod of
bottlenose dolphins in Imperial Beach, swimming with leopard
sharks at La Jolla Shores, hiking in the nearby 8,000-acre Otay
Valley Regional Park and tide pooling at Cabrillo National
Monument, which is a great place to watch for gray
whales in the winter.”
Insider tip: “Imperial Beach shares the border with Mexico at
Border Field State Park. It is the only spot in San Diego County
where you can ride a horse on the beach, and it’s one of the wild-est and emptiest shorelines in Southern California.”
About Wildcoast
“Wildcoast is an international conservation
team that preserves coastal and marine
ecosystems and wildlife. In San Diego,
Wildcoast provides educational and
recreational outings to the gorgeous 17,779-
acre network of underwater parks in San Diego
County for children from Native American and
underserved communities.” WILDCOAST.NET
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