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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.

 

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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.  

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SeaWorld San Diego

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

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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.

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Belmont Park

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

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Annual Over The Line Tournament

Jul 12 - Jul 20, 2025

The Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) is calling all players, beach-goers, and sports enthusiasts to the biggest summer event in San Diego!

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The California State Games

Jul 13 - Jul 20, 2025

The California State Games, managed by Sports San Diego,is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and the largest amateur sports festival in the state. As a community-based member of the United States Olympic Committee, we have hosted our Olympic-style event since 1988

 

The California State Games includes 19 sports competitions in San Diego on July 17-20, 2025. The highlight of the event is Opening Ceremonies presented by Kaiser Permanente, at Pechanga Sports Arena with an athlete parade, Lighting of the Cauldron, and fireworks. The California Winter Games are also held in San Diego in February and March with three participating sports.

 

Our vision is to increase participation in amateur sports and improve the skill levels of all amateur athletes in California by including athletes from all communities and reg

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SeaWorld Summer Spectacular

Jul 12, 2025

Pack your summer with nonstop vibes at SeaWorld San Diego. Get launched on epic rides, catch concerts that move you, and meet animals that’ll blow your mind. Turn up the heat with R&B, hip-hop legends with live performances from Soulja Boy, Bow Wow, Baby Bash, Waka Flocka Flame, Fat Joe, the Ying Yang Twins…. Plus, I Love the 90s Tour AND The Turnt Up Tour. Cap it all off with high-energy hydro shows, parades, and fireworks. It’s all part of Summer Spectacular at SeaWorld San Diego. Visit SeaWorldSanDiego.com to grab your annual pass and make this summer legendary. Concerts included with park admission. Upgrade for reserved seating.

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100 Days of Belmont

May 26 - ongoing

Belmont Park is turning 100 and we want to celebrate with you from May 26th to September 2nd. To kick off the centennial, we’re proudly introducing many exciting events and promotions, including $1 Dipper Days and $1 El Jefe tacos every Tuesday. Lucky guests can win a Lifetime Pass by purchasing a wristband online, a season pass in-park or online, and even from home when they submit a memory from their good times at Belmont.

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SeaWorld San Diego

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Mission Bay Aquatic Park

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Belmont Park

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Annual Over The Line Tournament

Jul 12 - Jul 20, 2025
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The California State Games

Jul 13 - Jul 20, 2025
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SeaWorld Summer Spectacular

Jul 12, 2025
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100 Days of Belmont

May 26 - ongoing
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Mission Bay on Instagram

 

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Tours & Sightseeing

Save 20% on an Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Amazing Scavenger Hunts by Urban Adventure Quest
Valid: Jan 30, 2025 - ongoing

Turn San Diego's Old Town or Balboa Park into a giant game board with this fun Scavenger Hunt Adventure. Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a three-hour city tour. Guided from any smart...

Accommodation

Stay for Breakfast

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Valid: Jul 22, 2024 - ongoing

No matter how you plan to spend your time in San Diego, make the most of every day with a hearty meal to kick-start your mornings. It’s breakfast for two, on us, for each night you stay, from...

Accommodation

Meet Me at The Spa

San Diego Mission Bay Resort
Valid: Mar 11, 2025 - ongoing

Put relaxation, revitalization and rejuvenation at the center of your stay with our signature Noble massage. Give yourself the time needed to take a break from vacation fun and focus on yourself....

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