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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 Crew Classic

Apr 5 - Apr 7, 2024

Regarded as the first major regatta of the year, the San Diego Crew Classic brings together thousands of athletes from more than 100 universities, clubs and high school programs across the United States. Spanning ages 14 – 84, the Crew Classic is a competition for future Olympians as well as for those new to the sport. This event is often a highlight of their competitive rowing careers. The Crew Classic is not only an athletic event with competitors at the peak of physical fitness, but a social gathering for enthusiasts to enjoy great local food, a beer garden with San Diego’s famous local craft breweries, and shopping. The event is held at Mission Bay, just a mile from the Pacific Beach.

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Beers by the Bay with Mike Hess Brewery

Apr 7, 2024

Our Beers by the Bay series is back this summer starting on National Beer Day, April 7, in collaboration with Mike Hess Brewing. This unique beer pairing experience starts at 4:00pm and includes a dinner and beer activation tastings.

 

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Spring Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon

May 5, 2024

The Spring Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon & Aquabike is a fantastic event to start the Triathlon season in San Diego. With a calm bay swim, a flat bike, and run course, the Spring Sprint is the perfect race to kick off your Year. Whether you are an experienced Triathlete, Duathlete, or Aquabike Racer preparing for the season, or a first-timer looking for a fun race, the “Spring” Sprint at Mission Bay is for you! 

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Mother's Day Dining at Dockside 1953

May 12, 2024

This Mother's Day, make memories at the Bahia Resort Hotel on Mission Bay! Show mom how much you care by treating her to a mouthwatering champagne brunch at Dockside 1953 with free-flowing champagne, buffet offerings to satisfy all palates, live entertainment, a craft corner for kids, and picture-perfect views.

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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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San Diego Crew Classic

Apr 5 - Apr 7, 2024
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Beers by the Bay with Mike Hess Brewery

Apr 7, 2024
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Spring Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon

May 5, 2024
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Mother's Day Dining at Dockside 1953

May 12, 2024
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Tours & Sightseeing

Save 20% on an Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Amazing Scavenger Hunts by Urban Adventure Quest
Valid: Feb 2, 2024 - 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...

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Pet Getaway

Hotel Indigo - San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Valid: Sep 13, 2023 - ongoing

Welcome to Hotel InDogGo. This pawrfect package includes a welcome treat dog bed bowl and parking for the parents. Must bring your own pet to qualify for this deal. We will ask the pet to verify your...

Team Building

Winter Midweek Special (Monday - Thursday)

Adventuress Luxury Catamaran
Valid: Jan 17 - Mar 31, 2024

WINTER Midweek Special (Monday - Thursday): Book a Private Midweek Charter for Winter 2024 and Enjoy a 10% Discount on the charter rate The Adventuress is a gorgeous 60' luxury...

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