See the winner of our 2023 Picture of the Year contest

And the winner is...

High surf waves crashing on the Ocean Beach Pier, causing some damage to the pier's railing with the OB Pier Cafe in the background.

“Waves crashing over OB Pier.”

Photo by Kyle O.

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The votes are in for the SDtoday 2023 Picture of the Year contest. Check out the finalists below, including the winner that you — our readers — voted for.

Winner: “Waves crashing over OB Pier” submitted by Kyle O.

This action shot perfectly captures the powerful high surf that crashed into the Ocean Beach Pier during the final week of 2023 — and the lasting impact.

View of downtown San Diego from a helicopter, with the Rady Shell and San Diego Bay boats in focus.

“Downtown San Diego from the air.”

Photo submitted by Marie B.

Finalist No. 1: “Downtown San Diego from the air” submitted by Marie B.

We love that this photo shows off the San Diego skyline from an angle we can’t easily access, plus we spy the beautiful Rady Shell and San Diego Bay.

Photo of boats in the San Diego Bay marina captured from Fish Shop restaurant.

“Fish Shop View.”

Photo submitted by Mary S.

Finalist No. 2: “Fish Shop View” submitted by Mary S.

We love that this image captures the beauty of San Diego’s skyline set against the boats of the marina — it’s very SD.

A photo of boats in the San Diego Bay marina taken from H Street in Chula Vista with orange clouds at sunset.

“H Street Marina, Sunset.”

Photo submitted by Suzie D.

Finalist No. 3: “H Street Marina, Sunset” submitted by Suzie D.

We love that this picture captures the waterfront beauty locals can find — sunsets, boats, and bayfront views — taken from H Street in Chula Vista.

A person making bubbles near La Jolla Cove as a seagull flies by and kids play.

“Love the bubbles.”

Photo submitted by Julia L.

Finalist No. 4: “Love the bubbles” submitted by Julia L.

This picture showcases the natural beauty of a local beach trip complete with ocean views and that unforgettable SoCal sky. Plus, it shows kids having fun as bubbles float by.

Breaking down the results

Here’s how the votes stacked:

  • The winning photo received 40.5% of the votes
  • Finalist No. 1 — 23.6%
  • Finalist No. 2 — 18.9%
  • Finalist No. 3 — 9.6%
  • Finalist No. 4 — 7.4%

Thanks to everyone who entered our contest and congratulations to Kyle O. and all of the finalists — you sure made San Diego shine.

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