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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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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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Día de los Muertos at SeaWorld San Diego

Nov 1 - Nov 3, 2024

Join us as we continue our tradition of celebrating Dia De Los Muertos with the flavors and sounds of this family centric Mexican tradition. Large, beautifully dressed Catrina statues will welcome you as you discover ofrendas of mementos and flowers honoring loved ones who have passed.

Enjoy traditional day of the dead music and delicious food & beverages including Conchas, Pan de Muerto, Chamango, and Hot Cheetos Elote in a cup, micheladas, and margaritas.

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Kaiser Permanente Thrive Half Marathon, 5K & Wish Walk Event

Nov 2, 2024

The seventh annual Kaiser Permanente Thrive Half Marathon & 5K benefiting Make-A-Wish San Diego encourages the community to "Thrive" by staying active, eating healthy, living well and giving back.

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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 International Film Festival

Oct 16 - Oct 20, 2024
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THANKSGIVING DAY CRUISE ON WDE

Nov 28, 2024
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Día de los Muertos at SeaWorld San Diego

Nov 1 - Nov 3, 2024
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Kaiser Permanente Thrive Half Marathon, 5K & Wish Walk Event

Nov 2, 2024
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Deals just for you

Accommodation

Stay More, Play More

Paradise Point
Valid: May 15 - ongoing

A picture perfect vacation at San Diego’s island paradise. Relax in our bungalow-style accommodations and receive a daily resort credit of up to $125 that can be used towards dining, spa, boat...

Biking

50% OFF Any weekday watercraft rental

Sup & Saddle
Valid: Feb 29, 2024 - ongoing

Save 50% on any kayak or SUP rental in Coronado weekdays and 20% on weekends.  Valid before 10am and after 4pm only.

Accommodation

Dana for Dogs Package

The Dana on Mission Bay
Valid: Nov 13, 2023 - ongoing

Eat, Fetch, Love your way to Happiness! Make the Dana on Mission Bay your four-legged-family members home away from home as well, with this special pet-friendly package. PACKAGE INCLUDES: Daily...

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