Mission Bay

Mission Bay

Region: Mission Bay and Beaches

San Diego's Water Wonderland

As the largest waterpark of its kind in the world, Mission Bay comprises 4,200 acres in roughly equal parts of land and water, surrounded by 27 miles of meandering shoreline of sandy beaches. Interconnected by a network of waterways, inlets and islets, the bay is best explored by boat.

Mission Bay’s beaches beckon water sports enthusiasts of every kind, from kayaking and stand up paddle boarding on the calm waters of the bay, to surfing and kite boarding on the waves that crash on the Pacific-facing beaches.  Whether you’re a novice at watersports, or an experienced professional, there’s something for every age and skill-level to enjoy in the water. And on land, families can picnic, barbeque or celebrate with bonfires right next to the water.

Mission Bay is also home to SeaWorld San Diego, one of the most popular marine-life parks in the world.

Where to go

• Vacation Isle with its resort hotel, Barefoot Bar and public parks
• Crown Point a favorite spot for volleyball games
• Ski Beach a hot spot for company parties and casual picnics
• Santa Clara Point with its excellent Aquatic Center offering water sports rentals and instruction
• Sail Bay with its wide running path, Fanuel Park playground, and nightly live music at the adjacent resorts, also home of the ESPN X-Games
• Quivera Basin offering daily fishing and scuba diving charters and a sampling of waterfront shops and restaurants
• Dana Landing the busy boat launching ramp and sportfishing center
• East Mission Bay Park with its information center, endless grass parks, playgrounds and boat launching ramps
• Fiesta Island the multi-purpose, dune-covered island enjoyed by recreational enthusiasts of all kinds.

Parking

• There are plenty of parking lots around Mission Bay and surrounding beaches.

Lifeguards

• Lifeguard service on weekends in the late spring and early fall, becoming daily throughout the summer.

Popular Activities

• Dogs allowed only on Fiesta Island, which closes at 10pm nightly.
• Surfing, boogie boarding, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding.
• Jet skiing, jet boating, waverunning, water skiing sailing on the seaward half of the bay.
• Biking, skate boarding, skating, jogging and walking along the beach boardwalk and around the paths surrounding the bay.

Directions

• Mission Bay is bordered to the east by the 5 FWY and East Mission Bay Drive, to the West by Mission Blvd, to the north by Grand Avenue and to the south by West Mission Bay Drive and Sea World Drive. Ingraham Street runs north-south dead through the middle of the park via a series of islands and bridges. Check a map to determine where you're heading and how best to get there.