San Diego's Mission Bay & Beaches

San Diego's Water Wonderland.

Cool breezes, tranquil waters and soft sand beaches attract recreational enthusiasts to the Mission Bay and Beaches area throughout the year.

Mission Bay

Located just minutes from downtown San Diego, Mission Bay Park is the largest park of its kind in the world. The 4,600-acre aquatic playground is surrounded by 27 miles of meandering shoreline, with a variety of waterways, inlets and islets to explore. Enjoy water sports activities of many kinds, from laid-back sailing outings to action-packed kite surfing, there’s something for every age and skill-level to enjoy in the water. On land, families can picnic, barbecue or celebrate with bonfires right next to the water.

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 ½ Day, ¾ Day and Multi-day trips. During the winter months, many of these same boats also offer whale watching tours.

Mission Beach and Pacific Beach

Experience the quintessential San Diego beach lifestyle in any of the nearby beach neighborhoods of Mission Beach and Pacific Beach. Along the 3-mile oceanfront boardwalk, you'll find funky surf shops, beach bars, restaurants and nightclubs. There are a variety of upscale resorts and family hotels to choose from. And be sure to visit Mission Beach’s iconic Belmont Park amusement park and entertainment center.

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 locals, most of which can be found on Newport Avenue, the main road through town. Also found here is Sunset Cliffs offering majestic views of the Pacific Ocean. Just be sure to stand a safe distance away from the edge, as the cliffs are slippery and the surf is powerful.  And if you’re looking to enjoy the beach with your canine friend, there is also a pet friendly dog beach with dog wash establishments within walking distance.

San Diego Hotels in Mission Bay and Surrounding Beaches

San Diego’s Mission Bay and beach area offers endless activities and world-class attractions that’ll keep you busy and active on your family vacation. Sleep comes easily after you've played all day, especially when the sounds of gentle waves lull nearby as you rest your head in many of our hotels and resorts in Mission Bay and the surrounding beach communities. Accommodations range from full-service hotels and resorts, offering the ultimate Southern California vacation experience, to limited service properties tailored to a budget conscience traveler.

Browse the articles and listings below to find the perfect water-front hotel for your next trip to San Diego's Mission Bay.

Paddle Boarding on Mission Bay from San Diego CVB on Vimeo.

Restaurants in Mission Bay & Nearby Beach Communities

From elegant waterfront restaurants to fish taco shops, Mission Bay and the nearby beach areas of Mission, Pacific and Ocean Beach, host a diverse dining scene. Walk up with sandy toes and bare feet to any of the restaurants right next to the beach. Sip, sup and soak up the sunshine while dining along scenic oceanfront and bay front settings. The local hotels and resorts offer fine dining, shoes required, for those looking for more upscale dining by the water.

Paddle Boarding on Mission Bay from San Diego CVB on Vimeo.

What to Do in Mission Bay & Nearby Beach Communities

There’s a reason why San Diego is one of the top vacation destinations in the world, and Mission Bay and the surrounding beach communities certainly contribute to that reputation. With 27 miles of meandering shoreline that hug the bay and line the Pacific Ocean, the area provides a year-around water wonderland for vacationers to explore and enjoy.

Mission Bay, the largest man-made aquatic park in the country, offers visitors a range of exciting water sports, from surfing and sailing, to kite-boarding and paddle boarding. The Mission Bay Aquatic Center provides rentals and classes for all ages and you can find bike rentals and more along Mission Avenue and the boardwalks.

Bring the whole family for a day at on the sandy beaches of Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, or Pacific Beach. Or plan a leisurely picnic along the grassy areas and playgrounds surrounding Mission Bay. The area is also home to Belmont Park and SeaWorld San Diego.

There’s plenty of people watching along the boardwalks and beaches of Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach, both are popular Spring Break destinations. Surfers, students and young adults alike frolic in the sun and sand during the day, and come out in style at night to mingle in the many restaurants, bars and night clubs in the area.

Five to Try on Mission Bay

1. Water Sports
   Head out onto the calm bay waters for some sailing, paddle boarding, jet skiing, kite surfing, power boating, kayaking, fishing and swimming.
2. On Land
   The paved walkways that wrap around the water are perfect for biking, jogging and skating.
3. Family Day by the Water
   Nothing says San Diego like a day by the water. Mission Bay is the perfect place for the whole family to gather for a picnic. Tables and barbeque pits are spotted around the bay for your use. Playgrounds and open grassy areas are also available for kids to shake off their sea legs. In the evenings during the summer, catch the brilliant firework display from SeaWorld.
4. Beach Bonfires
   When the sun goes down in San Diego, bonfires light up the beaches. Bonfire pits are located throughout Mission Bay, perfect for roasting s’mores. The pits are taken first come-first-serve, so be sure to reserve one early.
5. SeaWorld San Diego
   One of San Diego’s most popular and iconic family attractions, a day at SeaWorld is guaranteed to provide thrills, excitement and wonder for the whole family. With rides, shows, interactive areas, and fireworks during summer nights, SeaWorld is a great place to spend an entire day.

Five to Try on the Beaches (Pacific, Mission, and Ocean)

1. The Boardwalk
   The boardwalks of Pacific, Mission and Ocean beaches are the perfect place to run, bike or walk along. It is the place to see and be-seen in San Diego, for the 20-something crowd, with plenty of surfers, sun bathers, and beach volley ballers that mingle in the Southern California sun and sand.
2. Belmont Park
   The amusement park and entertainment center of Belmont Park provide plenty of entertaining thrills and excitement for kids of all ages. Hop on the Giant Dipper roller coaster for a thrilling ride right next to the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy the other carnival rides, or simply cruise around the many shops and food stands surrounding the park.
3. Walk on the Water
   Take a walk over the water on the piers of Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach offering great views of nearby surfers in the water. Or take in the tranquil sounds of waves crashing below. You can also cast a line and try fishing off the piers. Just be sure to obtain a fishing permit.
4. Dog Beach
   There’s plenty of room for dogs to frolic on the sand and sea at Ocean Beach’s Dog Beach. Fido can enjoy a game of fetch, run freely or meet up with other salty dogs on the wide and open beach area.
5. Flip Flop Nightlife
   Enjoy the laid back nightlife, in a pair of flip flops and shorts, at the many bars and clubs of Pacific Beach. Or stop into any of the dive bars and beachfront restaurants of Mission and Ocean Beach. Whatever your pleasure is, you can be sure to experience a hang loose and hang ten nightlife in these beach areas.

Events in Mission Bay & Nearby Beaches

There’s more to the Mission Bay area than just the beaches and water activities. Ocean-front concerts, surf competitions, luaus, beachside farmers markets and seasonal parades are all happening in Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach.  Plus, SeaWorld offers terrific daily shows, seasonal events and fireworks displays during the summer.

Browse the articles and listings below for more fun things to do in Mission Bay and surrounding beaches during your next San Diego vacation.

Paddle Boarding on Mission Bay from San Diego CVB on Vimeo.

Getting to Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach

Public Transportation:

• Bus Route 30 (from Downtown) will take you to the northern end of Mission Bay and into Pacific Beach. 
• Bus Route 9 (from Old Town) passes by SeaWorld on its way to Pacific Beach. 
• Bus Route 8 (from Old Town) will take you along the coasts of Mission Beach and Pacific Beach. 
• Bus Route 35 (from Old Town) and 923 (from Downtown) will take you into the heart of Ocean Beach.

Mission Bay

From the North:
Take I-5 Freeway south and exit on Clairemont Drive/Mission Bay Drive. Make a right onto Mission Bay Drive. Then head north on Mission Bay Drive or south on East Mission Bay Drive and park in any of the parking lots found along the way.

From the South: 
Take I-5 Freeway north and exit on SeaWorld Drive. Make a left onto SeaWorld Drive. You can turn right onto East Mission Bay Drive for park access.

From the East:
Take either I-8 west or 94 west to the I-5 north. Then exit SeaWorld Drive. Turn right onto East Mission Bay Drive for park access.

Mission Beach

From the North:
Take I-5 Freeway south and then take exit 21 and merge onto SeaWorld Drive/Tecolote Rd. Merge onto West Mission Bay Drive via the ramp to Ingraham St./Mission Beach. Follow West Mission Bay Dr. through Mission Blvd. to the parking lot at Belmont Park or turn on Mission Blvd. north or south for street parking.

From the South:
Take I-5 Freeway north and to I-8 west toward the beaches. Take exit 1 for West Mission Bay Dr./Sports Arena Blvd. and turn right onto West Mission Bay Dr. Follow West Mission Bay Dr. through Mission Blvd. to the parking lot at Belmont Park or turn on Mission Blvd. north or south for street parking.

From the East:
Take I-8 west toward the beaches. Take exit 1 for West Mission Bay Dr./Sports Arena Blvd. and turn right onto West Mission Bay Dr. Follow West Mission Bay Dr. through Mission Blvd. to the parking lot at Belmont Park or turn on Mission Blvd. north or south for street parking.

Pacific Beach

From the North:
Head south on I-5 and exit onto Balboa Ave./Garnet Ave. Merge onto Mission Bay Dr. then turn right onto Garnet Ave. Stay on Garnet or veer left onto Grand and drive to Mission Blvd. A left on Mission Blvd. will take you into Mission Beach and a right will take you up along Pacific Beach.

From the South:
Head north on I-5 and exit onto Grand Ave./Garnet Ave. Merge onto Mission Bay Dr. then turn left onto Garnet Ave. Stay on Garnet or veer left onto Grand and drive to Mission Blvd. A left on Mission Blvd. will take you into Mission Beach and a right will take you up along Pacific Beach.

From the East:
Head west on I-8 then go north on I-5 and exit onto Grand Ave./Garnet Ave. Merge onto Mission Bay Dr. then turn left onto Garnet Ave. Stay on Garnet or veer left onto Grand and drive to Mission Blvd. A left on Mission Blvd. will take you into Mission Beach and a right will take you up along Pacific Beach.

Ocean Beach

From the North:
Take I-5 south to SeaWorld Dr./Tecolote Rd. Continue onto Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and turn right at West Point Loma Blvd. Follow West Point Loma to the entrance to parking at Ocean Beach Dog Beach or take a left on Abbott St. to Santa Monica Ave. or Newport Ave. to find additional off-street parking.

From the South:
Take I-5 north to Sunset Cliffs Blvd. then take the first right onto West Point Loma Blvd. Follow West Point Loma to the entrance to parking at Ocean Beach Dog Beach or take a left on Abbott St. to Santa Monica Ave. or Newport Ave. to find additional off-street parking.

From the East:
Take I-8 west to Sunset Cliffs Blvd. then take the first right onto West Point Loma Blvd. Follow West Point Loma to the entrance to parking at Ocean Beach Dog Beach or take a left on Abbott St. to Santa Monica Ave. or Newport Ave. to find additional off-street parking.