Centrally located in the middle of San Diego with easy access to popular attractions like Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, Old Town and SeaWorld San Diego, Mission Valley makes for a fun and affordable place to base a San Diego vacation with unique shopping, accommodations and activities.

Just 10 minutes north of downtown San Diego along the San Diego Trolley’s Green Line, Mission Valley offers something for nearly everyone, from sightseers and outdoor recreation enthusiasts to history buffs and those looking for great shopping deals.

The following are some budget-friendly options for visitors to make the most of their Mission Valley getaway.

Sightseeing

The aptly named Mission Valley reflects the region’s historic significance as the birthplace of California. 

• One of San Diego’s most familiar landmarks, the Junipero Serra Museum stands atop Presidio Hill overlooking Mission Valley, the site where California began. In 1769, Spanish Franciscan missionary Father Junípero Serra and a group of soldiers led by Gaspar de Portolá established Alta California’s first mission and presidio (fort) here. The Spanish Revival, mission-style museum showcases the collection of the San Diego History Center. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for student and seniors and $3 for children ages 6-17.
• Visitors can step back in time at Mission San Diego de Alcala, founded in 1769 as California’s first mission and relocated to Mission Valley from Presidio Hill in 1774. The self-guided historic site, open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., features beautiful gardens, a church, chapel, an excavation site believed to be part of the monastery and a museum. Admission to the museum is only $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors, and $2 for children ages 6-12.

Great Outdoors

Mission Valley teems with affordable outdoor activities, from hiking and rock climbing to golf.

• Visitors can explore the cultural, historical and recreational side of San Diego at Mission Trails Regional Park, considered the third jewel in San Diego’s park system along with Balboa Park and Mission Bay Aquatic Park. One of the largest urban parks in the United States, encompassing 6,800 acres, Mission Trails provides a quick, natural escape from the urban hustle and bustle at no cost to visitors; admission is free.
  
  Park highlights include the Old Mission Dam, 60 miles of hiking trails including a popular trek to the top of Cowles Mountain – the highest peak within San Diego city limits – boating on Lake Murray, camping at Kumeyaay Lake, a state-of-the-art Visitor and Interpretive Center and rock climbing in Mission Gorge.
• One of the oldest and most affordable golf courses in San Diego, Presidio Hills Golf Course at the westernmost part of Mission Valley features 18 funky, challenging holes of short-course golf, making it a perfect course for beginners and experts alike. Green fees are only $10 on Monday–Thursday and $12 on Friday–Sunday and holidays.
• Designed by Ted Robinson, Sr. and Jr., Riverwalk Golf Club in the heart of Mission Valley features 27 holes. Picturesque water features include four lakes and the San Diego River, creating strategic diversity and a visually stunning backdrop. Reasonably priced green fees are $89 on Monday–Thursday and $99 on Friday–Sunday and holidays.

Hotel Circle

Convenience, value and comfort come full circle at Mission Valley’s family-friendly Hotel Circle, home to more than a dozen modestly-priced hotels.

• Best Western Seven Seas
• Comfort Inn Hotel Circle
• Comfort Inn & Suites Zoo SeaWorld Area
• Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Mission Valley
• Crowne Plaza San Diego
• Days Hotel-Hotel Circle/SeaWorld
• DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego-Hotel Circle
• Hampton Inn San Diego Mission Valley
• Handlery Hotel San Diego
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites San Diego Mission Valley
• Kings Inn
• Residence Inn San Diego Mission Valley
• Town and Country Resort Hotel
• Travelodge San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle

Shopping

Shopping opportunities abound in Mission Valley. Some of the best deals can be found at Westfield Mission Valley Center, featuring numerous retail shops for value-conscious shoppers, like Target, Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, DSW Shoes, Old Navy and Bed Bath & Beyond. Visitors can take advantage of the center’s Daily Deals here.

See more sites and activities in Mission Valley with our Mission Valley: San Diego’s Hidden Treasure video tour.