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Mission Bay & Beaches

From boardwalks to bonfires - you'll find it all here

Mission Bay - San Diego's Water & Beach Wonderland

Located just minutes from downtown is San Diego's water wonderland, Mission Bay Park. The 4,600-acre aquatic playground is the largest of its kind in the world. Surrounded by 27 miles of meandering shoreline, with a variety of waterways, inlets and islets to explore, Mission Bay is bordered by several beach communities, each with their own distinct vibe. You will quickly discover that Mission Beach is a bustling bay area that is action packed from sun up to sun down. Discover Mission Bay's nearby beach neighborhoods too and don't miss out on exploring Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach.  

Mission Bay - Things to Do

At Mission Bay you can enjoy water sports and boat activities of every kind. From sailing lessons, kite surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding, to jet skiing, wake boarding and everything in between, there’s something for every age and skill-level to enjoy in the water. You can also take a moonlit cruise on Bahia Belle, a sternwheeler fashioned after a Mississippi riverboat that often features live music. On land, Mission Bay offers many things to do. Families can rent bikes, picnic, and barbecue or celebrate with bonfires right next to the water.  Accommodations and Mission Bay Hotels in the area are plentiful, from high-end luxury resorts to budget friendly hotels.  Mission Bay is also home to SeaWorld San Diego, the world-famous marine life adventure park. With awe-inspiring shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable face-to-face animal encounters, kids of all ages will enjoy exploring the wonders and adventures of the sea. If sport fishing is your passion, a number of operators depart from Mission Bay with options for half-day, full-day and multi-day trips. During the twice yearly seasons, many of these same boats also offer whale watching tours. You can also enjoy walking the boardwalk in Mission Beach, taking a ride on the Mission Beach rollercoaster or taking a dip in the calmer waters of Mission Bay.

Mission Beach and Pacific Beach

With an ambiance of an eternal spring break, Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are the gathering place of San Diego's 20-something crowd. Along the 3-mile oceanfront boardwalk, you'll find funky surf shops, beach bars, cafes  and nightclubs. A variety of upscale resorts and family hotels are also scattered along the coast. There are plenty of restaurants and bars in Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, including San Diego Mexican food. Be sure to visit Mission Beach’s iconic Belmont Park amusement park and entertainment center for a ride on the Giant Dipper roller coaster or game of laser tag.

Ocean Beach

With a funky vibe all its own, Ocean Beach features a quirky collection of antique and vintage stores, bars, restaurants, artist studios and eccentric local haunts, most of which can be found on Newport Avenue, the main road through town. And if you’re looking to enjoy the beach with your canine friend, Ocean Beach also has a pet friendly dog beach with dog wash establishments within walking distance.

Sunset Cliffs

Located between Ocean Beach and Point Loma you'll find Sunset Cliffs, and the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, a 68-acre recreational area that extends 1-1/2 miles along the Point Loma peninsula’s western shoreline and features park lands, dramatic cliff formations and coastal sea caves. Access to the water here is limited but the setting provides some of the most picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean. Sunset Cliffs lives up to its name and has long served as an attraction for San Diego residents as well as visitors, who gather on the cliffs each dusk to watch the most amazing sunsets you’ll ever see. At Sunset Cliffs, just be sure to stand a safe distance away from the edge, as the cliffs are slippery and the surf is powerful.

 

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Getting to Mission Bay & Beaches

Mission Bay is part of the recreational Mission Bay Park, the largest man-made aquatic park in the country, consisting of 4,235 acres with an equal split of land and water. The surrounding beaches include Pacific Beach to the North, Mission Beach to the West and Ocean Beach to the South.  Main access to the area is from the I-5 and I-8 freeways. Mission Bay is approximately 8 miles from the airport with an average drive time of less than 15 minutes.  The area is serviced by multiple bus routes and Old Town Trolley Tours offers a option for this area with on and off privileges in Pacific Beach and Mission Beach.  

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SeaWorld San Diego

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Mission Bay Aquatic Park

San Diego's water wonderland, the 4,600 acre aquatic park is the largest in the country and offers every type of water sport imaginable.

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Belmont Park

This classic beachfront amusement park offers the Giant Dipper roller coaster, rides, laser tag, arcade games and more.

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SeaWorld San Diego

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Mission Bay Aquatic Park

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San Diego Crew Classic

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SeaWorld's Seven Seas Craft Beer & Food Festival

Mar 7 - Apr 27, 2025
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Viva la Música

May 2 - May 18, 2025
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Chauffeured Vineyards Adventures - All year round

Nov 12, 2024 - ongoing
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Related Articles and Features

Explore theNeighborhood

Featured
Attractions

1. Belmont Park

The best of San Diego in one beachfront block

Belmont Park
3190 Mission Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 228-9283
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Featured
Venues

2. San Diego Whale Watch

Year-round whale watching tours out of Mission Bay

San Diego Whale Watch
1617 Quivira Road
San Diego, CA 92109
(619) 542-9931
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Hotels & Resorts

3. The Dana on Mission Bay

Waterfront resort enveloped by tropical landscape

The Dana on Mission Bay
1710 W Mission Bay Dr
San Diego, CA 92109
(619) 222-6440
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Restaurants

4. Firefly Restaurant & Bar - The Dana on Mission Bay

Smart, contemporary restaurant with a view

Firefly Restaurant & Bar - The Dana on Mission Bay
1710 W Mission Bay Drive
San Diego, CA 92109
(619) 222-6440
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Hotels & Resorts

5. The Beach Cottages

Right on the beach

The Beach Cottages
4255 Ocean Blvd
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 483-7440
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Hotels & Resorts

6. Bahia Resort Hotel

On the Shores of San Diego's Mission Bay

Bahia Resort Hotel
(858) 488-0551
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Beach

7. Ocean Beach

All are welcome to this funky vintage beach town, including surfers, skaters and furry friends

Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Just north of  Point Loma , this small beach town is a favorite among locals for its blissful mix of activities and pastimes, including surfing,...
Associations & Organizations

8. Purpose First

Beach Cleanup

Purpose First
(619) 490-3078
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Beach

9. Pacific Beach

Three miles of boardwalk and an endless beach party vibe keep this beach town moving

Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
One of the beaches in San Diego's Mission Bay & Beaches region , P.B. (as the locals call it) is a favorite spot for college students and...
Attractions

10. SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego – Real. Amazing.

SeaWorld San Diego
500 SeaWorld Drive
San Diego, CA 92109
(619) 226-3901
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Restaurants

11. Dockside 1953-Bahia Resort

Nautical-Influenced Restaurant

Dockside 1953-Bahia Resort
998 West Mission Bay Drive
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 539-7635
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Kayaking

12. Action Sport Rentals-Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa

Renting recreational equipment in San Diego

Action Sport Rentals-Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa
3999 Mission Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92109
(619) 241-4794
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Restaurants

13. Pacific Beach AleHouse

Freshest Beer at the Beach

Pacific Beach AleHouse
721 Grand Avenue
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 581-2337
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Hotels & Resorts

14. Ocean Park Inn

Stunning beachfront hotel in Pacific Beach

Ocean Park Inn
710 Grand Ave
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 483-5858
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Spas & Wellness

15. Spa Brezza - San Diego Mission Bay Resort

Relax, Renew, Revive

Spa Brezza - San Diego Mission Bay Resort
1775 E Mission Bay Drive
San Diego, CA 92109
(619) 275-8942
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches

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