Discover Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach & Pacific Beach
Cool breezes, tranquil waters and soft sand beaches attract recreational enthusiasts to the Mission Bay and Beaches area throughout the year.
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, barbeque 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.
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.
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.
What we Love:- Bonfire pits lining the beaches
- People watching, walking, running, and biking along the boardwalks
- Blue Horizons Show at SeaWorld
- Watching the sunset from Sunset Cliffs
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What to Know:- Traffic can be heavy - plan on arriving to the beach early or going later in the day
- Public transportation to the beach is limited but still possible from Downtown and Mission Valley
- No alcohol allowed on the beach or boardwalks
- Lifeguards are on duty daily during the summer and on weekends during the winter
- There are plenty of rental shops for beach equipment (surfboards, bikes, kayaks, jet skis, etc.)
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Getting to 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
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 or continue down SeaWorld Drive to SeaWorld and Mission Beach
From the East: Take either I-8 west of 94 west to the I-5 north. Then exit SeaWorld Drive. You can turn right onto East Mission Bay Drive for park access or continue down SeaWorld Drive to SeaWorld and Mission Beach
Public Transportation: Access to the beach is limited on Public Transportation. Bus Route 30 will take you to the northern end of Mission Bay and into Pacific Beach. Bus Route 9 passes by SeaWorld on its way to Pacific Beach. Bus Route 8 will take you along the coasts of Mission Beach and Pacific Beach. Bus Routes 35 and 923 take you into the heart of Ocean Beach
