If you are thinking about a couple of blocks from the ocean and you need a 3 bedroom, 2 bath with at least a 1 car garage and it is detached, I would say that you need to budget from $850K to $1M.
As always, if you need to clarify any other questions, my cell is 619 300-5008.

Depends on which beach - In San Diego - the two beaches that are the best deals right now are Imperial Beach & Oceanside.

Imperial Beach went through a major major cleanup with HBO coming out and filming their show "John from Cincinatti" - there are some great deals out there - Homes in the mid $400s on the beach or a block a way.

Oceanside is your answer. We have some great properties even a duplex for under 500k...

In the South Bay Beach Cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and El Segundo prices vary depending on they type of home, age and location.
In Manhattan Beach there is nothing within walking distance to the beach in a townhome or a single family residence under $1,200,000.
In Hermosa Beach it is possible to find a small condo about 5 blocks from downtown for about $600,000. Townhomes within walking distance start about $900,000. Single family homes are over $1,100,000.
In South Redondo you can buy a 1 bedroom condo on the water with a peek of the water with prices that start around $500,000 or slightly less depending on location. Single family homes within walking distance on the Avenues are over $1,000,000. It is possible to find a small 2 bedroom for a bit less west of PCH but they are rare. Townhomes in the area begin around $880,000.
El Segundo has a few condos within walking distance (1/2 mi) that begin around $600,000. Most homes in the area begin around $850,000 for a small starter.

A 1000' cottage in Seal Beach would start upwards of $1 mil. In Long Beach within 2 blocks of the beach is well upwards of $1 mil, several blocks further up you might get lucky at about $750 for a cottage.
Beach close condos can be had for about $450 and up. High rise, ocean view condos are about $850 with HOA of about $500 per month.

Kristal: I don't think you will find much in close walking proximity to San Diego beaches for less than $500,000--and most of those will be beach area condos.

On the other hand, you may be an endurance hiker who could handle a five mile stroll to the sand. In that case, you should see what we can offer!

Those prices vary. Beach towns have wild price fluctuation based on location. WQe funded a loan on a ten-unit complex, in Imperial Beach, that sold 6 months ago for $1.1 million. It was 400 yards from the Pacific Ocean. That same location might costs $2-3 million in Del Mar or La jolla for a 1 BR condo. I'd defer to someone like Roberta Murphy for this question.