MISSION BAY & BEACHES

Mission Bay

With a narrow channel access to the ocean, Mission Bay has 27 miles of shoreline created by the nooks and crannies of its islands, channels, bays and spits. Offering an abundance of water activities, it is a hub for calmer activities such as sailing and stand-up paddle boarding but also faster endeavors like wakeboarding and water skiing, as well as over-the-top thrills such as jetpacking and flyboarding.

• Sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing, jetpacking, flyboarding and hoverboarding: The Santa Clara Point in the west end of the bay is ground zero for rentals and lessons
• Wakeboarding, waterskiing, waverunning and jet skiing: These engine-powered activities are more prevalent in the east end of the bay
• Sport fishing: Quivira Basin at the south end of the bay is one of the main sport fishing landings in San Diego, where you can book half-day, full-day or multi-day trips
• Families: Its 19 sandy beaches, seasonal lifeguards, calm waters and water sport opportunities draws families with children of all ages
• Boat Cruise: Tour the bay aboard a turn-of-the-century, Mississippi-style sternwheeler with the Bahia Belle Cruises.

The Beaches

Mission Beach is a spit of land that has the ocean on one side and Mission Bay on the other. Pacific Beach, known as P.B. to locals, is just north of Mission Beach and includes the famous longboard break at Tourmaline Surf Park. Ocean Beach, called O.B. locally, is just south of the Mission Bay channel. Even further south is Sunset Cliffs that has a few secluded beaches for surfing and sunbathing but is more known for its locals-only reef break.

• Surfing: Pacific, Mission and Ocean Beach all provide good conditions for surfing year-round; check for designated surfing areas in the summer months. Longboarders will especially appreciate the slower waves at Tourmaline Surf Park.
• Bodyboarding and bodysurfing: The break just south of Dog Beach in O.B. is a great option during the winter months
• Kitesurfers and windsurfers: Good winds around Tourmaline Surf Park and heading south make this a popular spot for those with more experience
• Families: Bathrooms, summer lifeguards and a long stretch of sand make Pacific Beach a good option for families

CORONADO

At the eastern edge of the San Diego Bay, Coronado Island and its beaches are linked to the mainland by the beautiful arch of the Coronado Bridge. With its wide sandy beaches stretching from the leash-free area for dogs at North Beach, south along Central Beach and its iconic Hotel del Coronado, to the 7-mile long isthmus the Silver Strand State Beach, Coronado has most of what water lovers would want.

• Families with young children: The long, wide, soft-sand of Central Beach is a quintessential family beach with mellow waves and plenty of room for exploring
• Kitesurfing: South of Coronado Island, high winds along the 7-mile, low, sandy isthmus provide ideal conditions for those with experience. Kitesurfing is allowed in two areas around Silver Strand State Beach: Parking Lot 1 in the south and north of the Natural Preserve.
• Windsurfing: High winds and great views are found near the Coronado Ferry Landing
• SUP surfing: Long rides can be savored at Coronado Shores beach just south of the Hotel Del Coronado
• Stand-up paddling: Launching from Tidelands Park on the east side of the island, you can paddle in the shadow of the Coronado Bridge

SAN DIEGO BAY

Considered to be one of the best natural harbors on the west coast of North America, San Diego Bay is surrounded by the cities of San Diego, Coronado, National City, Chula Vista and Imperial Beach.

• Boating: Take your pick from San Diego Bay expeditions, whale watching tours, catamaran excursions, America’s Cup sailings, multi-day cruises or more, departing regularly from the Embarcadero
• Ferry and water taxi: Travel the scenic way to Coronado Island from the Embarcadero
• Windsurfing: Best sites are near the Coronado Ferry Landing and where J Street meets the water in Chula Vista