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Mission Bay & Beaches

From boardwalks to bonfires - you'll find it all here

San Diego's Water 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 this bustling bay area is action packed from sun up to sun down.  

Mission Bay 

Here you can enjoy water sports 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, families can rent bikes, picnic, and barbecue or celebrate with bonfires right next to the water.  Accommodations 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.

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. 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, there is also 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. 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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San Diego International Film Festival

Oct 16 - Oct 20, 2024

✨23 YEARS OF FILM, CONVERSATION & CELEBRATIONS✨

The 23rd Annual San Diego International Film Festival is ’Celebrating the Power of Film’ October 16-20!  Film Lovers and Filmmakers from around the world will come together to celebrate the art of cinematic storytelling.

The 5-day festival will feature Red Carpet events, including the Opening Night Film Premiere and Reception in Balboa Park and the Night of the Stars Tribute in La Jolla. Enjoy Studio and Independent Features, Documentary and Short Film screenings along with Filmmaker Q&As and Panels at AMC UTC 14 @ Westfield UTC.   

Attendees can also look forward the ‘always sold out’ Culinary Cinema as well as the Fest Lounge, VIP exclusives, parties, food, drinks and networking events!

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37th Annual XTERRA Wetsuits Mission Bay Triathlon

Oct 13, 2024

Join us at the birthplace of the sport for the XTERRA Wetsuits Mission Bay Triathlon! In 1974, the first Mission Bay Triathlon was as a run-bike-swim-run event on Fiesta Island by the San Diego Track Club. This is an ON Road Triathlon. 

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THANKSGIVING DAY CRUISE ON WDE

Nov 28, 2024

Celebrate Thanksgiving with a relaxing sightseeing cruise on Mission Bay! Step aboard a charming vintage sternwheeler and enjoy festive activities like balloon art, airbrush face painting, and a full cash bar, along with a tempting dessert bar. Kids will love decorating pumpkins, while families can capture special moments at the photo-op station. This family-friendly cruise is the perfect way to make lasting memories and enjoy quality time with loved ones this holiday season.

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Mission Bay Kayaking Eco Tour

Oct 26, 2024

Be an Ocean Connector and join us on a kayaking Eco Tour adventure in Mission Bay!


Explore Mission Bay from a kayak! Observe coastal wildlife while learning about conservation and marine biology from local experts. All levels of kayakers are welcome!


Best of all, your Eco Tour ticket proceeds directly benefit our nonprofit's environmental education programs. Learn more at: https://www.oceanconnectors.org/mission-bay/


All equipment provided including: kayaks, paddles, and life jackets.

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SeaWorld San Diego

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Belmont Park

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San Diego International Film Festival

Oct 16 - Oct 20, 2024
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37th Annual XTERRA Wetsuits Mission Bay Triathlon

Oct 13, 2024
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THANKSGIVING DAY CRUISE ON WDE

Nov 28, 2024
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Mission Bay Kayaking Eco Tour

Oct 26, 2024
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Wyndham Rewards Member Rate

Days Inn By Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle
Valid: Nov 13, 2023 - ongoing

Members save 10% on our Best Available Rate. If you aren't currently enrolled in Wyndham Rewards, by selecting this rate, you will automatically be enrolled. Wyndham Rewards is a FREE program that...

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Linger Longer Offer

Pacific Terrace Hotel
Valid: Nov 13, 2023 - ongoing

A San Diego beachfront vacation is calling your name! Relax and stay for a while in our endless summer sunshine and fresh air with our Linger Longer offer at the Pacific Terrace Hotel. Packages...

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Hotel Indigo Military Appreciation Rate

Hotel Indigo - San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Valid: Apr 22, 2024 - ongoing

Whether you’re actively serving, or you’ve hung up the uniform, IHG wants to say, “thank you” with the IHG Military Appreciation Rate. We invite you and your family to enjoy a...

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