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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

Get up close and personal with sea creatures of every kind plus enjoy rides, shows and more.

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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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Belmont Park

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San Diego Crew Classic

Mar 28 - Mar 30, 2025
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SeaWorld's Seven Seas Craft Beer & Food Festival

Mar 7 - Apr 27, 2025
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100 Days of Belmont

May 26 - ongoing
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Chauffeured Vineyards Adventures - All year round

Nov 12, 2024 - ongoing
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Mission Bay on Instagram

 

Deals just for you

Accommodation

Dog of the Month

La Jolla Shores Hotel
Valid: Dec 12, 2024 - ongoing

Whoever adopts our featured pup will receive 50% off our Best Available Rate (Garden or Coastline) for up to 2 nights, based on availability. More information can be found...

Wineries

Romantic Wine & Food Tours-Year Round!

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Jan 9 - ongoing

PERFECT FOR VALENTINES DAY OR ANY DAY! Receive a gift for your Loved One  when you sign up for this deluxe, romantic tour! Give your love the gift of adventure aboard the ...

Accommodation

Convention Center Package with Breakfast for 1

Hotel Indigo - San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Valid: Apr 22, 2024 - ongoing

Combine a great deal on a 4 night minimum stay with inclusive breakfast for 1 and 20 percent discount at Level 9 Rooftop Bar when you show your San Diego Convention Center lanyard. Enjoy a 20 minute...

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