arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up play-button plus tab-indicator dots close menu search facebook google-plus instagram pinterest rss twitter tiktok youtube rss-two heart Check FeaturedBadge linkedin minus apps placeholder linkedin
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.

 

Play San Diego: Mission Bay

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert

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.  

Discover Mission Bay & Beaches

What's Hot|
What's On|

SeaWorld San Diego

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

Discover
Sponsored

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.

Discover

Belmont Park

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

Discover

San Diego Crew Classic

Mar 28 - Mar 30, 2025

Regarded as the first major regatta of the year, the San Diego Crew Classic brings together thousands of athletes from more than 100 universities, clubs and high school programs across the United States. Spanning ages 14 – 84, the Crew Classic is a competition for future Olympians as well as for those new to the sport. This event is often a highlight of their competitive rowing careers. The Crew Classic is not only an athletic event with competitors at the peak of physical fitness, but a social gathering for enthusiasts to enjoy great local food, a beer garden with San Diego’s famous local craft breweries, and shopping. The event is held at Mission Bay, just a mile from the Pacific Beach.

Discover

SeaWorld's Seven Seas Craft Beer & Food Festival

Mar 7 - Apr 27, 2025

Foodies and craft beer aficionados will love SeaWorld's Seven Seas Craft Beer & Food Festival, featuring craft beer from favorite local breweries, plus fresh international cuisine infused with local, sustainable ingredients and unique signature flavors from around the world.

Discover

Rhythms of the Pacific Luau

Apr 12, 2025

Join Hyatt Regency Mission Bay for an unforgettable experince as we bring the vibrant spirit and rich trandtions of Polynesia to Southern California with our spectacular bayside Luau! Guests will enjoy a traditional lei greeting, all-you-can-eat buffet, tiki bar, fire dancers, and more.

Discover

Viva la Música

May 2 - May 18, 2025

You don't want to miss this exciting festival featuring sensational Latin music and cuisine in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

Highlighted by a fantastic live concert series, SeaWorld's Viva La Música celebrates Latin culture through great music, food, and festive decor. In addition to headlining concerts at Nautilus Amphitheater, the event also offers a festival area called Zócalo (located at SkyTower stage) with performances by community groups and local musicians.

This can't-miss extravaganza isn't just about music. If you love Latin food, drinks, and culture, you'll find plenty of ways to spice up your weekend! Delicious menu details coming soon.

Make your plans to come enjoy this spectacular event and concert series!

Discover

What's Hot

View All
Sponsored

SeaWorld San Diego

Discover

Mission Bay Aquatic Park

Discover

Belmont Park

Discover

What's On

View More Events

San Diego Crew Classic

Mar 28 - Mar 30, 2025
Discover

SeaWorld's Seven Seas Craft Beer & Food Festival

Mar 7 - Apr 27, 2025
Discover

Rhythms of the Pacific Luau

Apr 12, 2025
Discover

Viva la Música

May 2 - May 18, 2025
Discover

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...

Activities

Create Memories Any Day-Just Add Wine!

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Oct 11, 2024 - ongoing

BOOK YOUR CHAUFFEURED VINEYARDS ADVENTURE  and receive a FREE souvenier tote bag when you call and mention this ad.  MEMORIES! What's better than sipping wine with the backdrop of...

Accommodation

Hotel Deals for AAA/CAA Members

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

IHG® has over 5,500 hotels worldwide, and is pleased to welcome AAA/CAA members with hotel deals and discounts (at participating hotels). In addition to hotel discounts, IHG® Rewards Club...

Related Articles and Features

Explore theNeighborhood

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

Sign Up

Explore

Plan

Stay

Follow Us

Language:

English | Change Language

Select your country or region

China
Germany
Great Britain
Japan
Mexico
Korea
Switzerland
Brazil
France
Australia
Canada
USA

Or use Google Translate

Afrikaans
Albanian
Arabic
Belarusian
Bulgarian
Croatian
Danish
Deutsch
Español
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
Francais
Georgian
Greek
Haitian-Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Maltese
Nederlands
Norwegian
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Swahili
Swedish
Telugu
Thai
Turkish
Ukranian
Vietnamese
Yiddish