Mission Beach

The name of both a beach and a town, Mission Beach in San Diego sits on a thin slither of land just two blocks wide at the entrance to the islands and attractions of Mission Bay. Here you’ll find SeaWorld San Diego, the largest aquatic park of its type anywhere.

Facing the Pacific Ocean, Mission Beach stretches for approximately two miles, paralleled the whole way by a paved esplanade / boardwalk dotted with cool stores and places providing beach gear rentals. At its quietest and widest section, towards its southern end, you’ll find Belmont Park. The beach is also home to an amusement park with rollercoasters dating back to 1925.

Though alcohol is not permitted on Mission Beach itself, its bars and nightlife attract a crowd in their twenties who enjoy relaxing on the white sands in between games of beach volleyball, body boarding, surfing, fishing from the jetty, and surfing.

Private parking can be tricky to find, however Mission Beach is easily accessible by bicycle or by bus from central San Diego.