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Welcome to

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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Rhythms of the Pacific Luau

Apr 5, 2025
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Mother's Day Winery Tour (available all May)

May 1 - May 31, 2025
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Mission Bay on Instagram

 

Deals just for you

Accommodation

Humane Society Upgrade Package

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

Upgrade your stay when you upgrade the life of an animal in need. 10 USD per night will donated on your behalf when you book this package. As a thank you for your donation you will receive a 10 USD...

Activity

Show Your Badge & Save at the Maritime Museum!

Maritime Museum of San Diego
Valid: Jan 9 - ongoing

Come and explore our connection with the sea at the Maritime Museum of San Diego! Spanning 500 years of seafaring history, your visit to the Museum will give you a chance to step aboard an historic...

Accommodation

Hotel Indigo Military Appreciation Rate

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

Whether you’re actively serving, or you’ve hung up the uniform, IHG wants to say, “thank you” with the IHG Military Appreciation Rate. We invite you and your family to enjoy a...

Related Articles and Features

Explore theNeighborhood

Featured
Venues

1. 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
Featured
Attractions

2. 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
Restaurants

3. 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
Breweries

4. San Diego Brewers Guild

Promoters of Independent San Diego Craft Breweries

San Diego Brewers Guild
(858) 581-7368
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Vacation Rental

5. Bluewater Vacation Homes

Premium Vacation Rentals in Coastal San Diego

Bluewater Vacation Homes
926 Turquoise St, Ste F
San Diego, CA 92109
858.605.1497
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Hotels & Resorts

6. SureStay Hotel by Best Western – San Diego/Pacific Beach

Central location...just 3 miles to SeaWorld/Beach

SureStay Hotel by Best Western – San Diego/Pacific Beach
4545 Mission Bay Drive
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 483-4222
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Hotels & Resorts

7. Pacific Terrace Hotel

San Diego's Only Four Diamond Beachfront Hotel

Pacific Terrace Hotel
610 Diamond St
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 581-3500
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Restaurants

8. Red Marlin Restaurant Bar & Terrace - Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina

Waterfront Dining on Mission Bay

Red Marlin Restaurant Bar & Terrace - Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina
1441 Quivira Road
San Diego, CA 92109
(619) 224-1234
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Restaurants

9. Beach House Grill

A Luxury Beachside Experience!

Beach House Grill
3146 Mission Boulevard, Suite F
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 228-9283
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Hotels & Resorts

10. 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

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
Camping & RV Parks

12. Campland On the Bay RV & Tent Camping Resort

Campland On the Bay RV & Tent Camping Resort
2211 Pacific Beach Drive
San Diego, CA 92109-5699
(858) 581-4200
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Spas & Wellness

13. 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
Beach

14. Mission Bay

4,600 acres of equal parts water, shoreline and good times

Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches
Explore Mission Bay Park! The largest water park of its kind in the world, Mission Bay Aquatic Park beckons water sports enthusiasts to this...
Restaurants

15. Airstream Grab n Go-Bahia Resort Hotel

Outdoor Eatery

Airstream Grab n Go-Bahia Resort Hotel
998 W Mission Bay Drive
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 488-0551
Neighborhood: Mission Bay and Beaches

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