Mission Beach in San Diego – Guide to Planning Your Visit
If I had to describe Mission Beach to someone, I would say it’s the sister city to Venice Beach, or simply, Venice, up north in LA county California. Plenty of good sunshine, a long stretch of boardwalk, carnival like attractions, roller coasters, delicious food options and of course, the surfing. It’s a massive playground for adults and kids who know how to have fun at the beach, a place where everyone can come together and share the space peacefully. There is so much to Mission Beach that I want to go over, so please check out the brief travel guide below.
Where is Mission Beach located?
First, I would like to point out we are talking about Mission Beach, not Mission Bay. Mission Bay is more of a picnic waterfront and a different nearby area that sometimes gets people confused. Second, Mission Beach is a long stretch and can have many entrance points or areas to park in. Mission Beach starts more or less at the southern end of Pacific Beach near Pacific Beach Drive and extends south to the Mission Beach Jetty at the entrance of Mission Bay. It’s a long stretch, so the location is really focused around what you’re aiming to do that day. We’ll say the address is where the carnival and roller coasters are located to make things easy so Belmont Park would be your go to destination: 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109.
Must know details for parking in Mission Beach
Parking can be tough during peak weekends and peak times, but if you’re an early bird and want to get your worm, then the worm will be free available parking as the prize. The free parking will be available at the Main Belmont Parking Lot at the address provided above. It’s right next to the park, extremely convenient. A larger lot that’s a bit further out is the South Mission Beach Lot, it’s close to the jetty. This parking area is towards the end of Mission Boulevard. The Zip is 92109 if that helps. To get there, drive south on Mission Boulevard until you reach the end and then turn right into the parking area.
Another free parking option is Bonita Cove Lot. It’s right across Mission Blvd and is just a short walk away. Lastly, we have street parking. Be extremely careful with street parking and look for signs in both directions on your street for parking details. The street parking areas surrounding Mission Beach turn into mini–San Francisco with hardcore parking enforcement where you will get ticketed if you’re not paying attention to the parking rules. Be especially mindful of time limits! The parking is available up and down Mission Blvd and the nearby residential streets. If you don’t want to deal with a potential parking headache, there are some private lots charging for the day at around $10-$30.
Best times and days to visit Mission Beach
We’ll start by saying obviously the weekends will be a lot more crowded than going on the weekdays, but we’ll go into further detail to iron out the best times throughout the entire week. If you can get to Mission Beach during any of the days of the week way before 9am you’ll have a much more quiet and peaceful time. It starts picking up around 10:30 am and beyond, the crowds peak around 5pm. Your walk, or jog will be much more leisurely if you can get there earlier. If you can plan your visit to the area between Monday and Thursday, it would make things easier with fewer tourists and locals as well. If you’re looking for nightlife, although Mission Beach has some activity at night, Pacific Beach, which is nearby, has more of a nightlife. However, there are definitely options if what you’re looking for is after hours activities.
Visit During the Off-Season
This would be considered during the late fall to early spring, specifically between September and April. You’ll see less crowds at the beach, unless it’s a holiday. Evenings still have some activity, but the crowds thin out. It’s not like downtown San Diego where the crowds get larger in the evening.
The Largest Mission Beach Crowds
Peak hours for Mission Beach beachgoers are between 11am to 5pm. This is especially the case during the summer, with the 4th of July being the busiest weekend of all. If you’re not a fan of crowds, I would skip this weekend. Spring Break between March and April is also crowded, with a lot of college students and families visiting the area.
Best things to do in Mission Beach
There are a ton of fun activities to do in Mission Beach. As I’ve already shared above, you can take a nice leisurely walk down the boardwalk. It stretches 2 miles and you can keep walking back and forth to your heart’s content. You can also bike ride or take your scooter and ride up and down the boardwalk as well. Important note, licensed dogs on a leash can accompany you during your walks on Mission Beach.
Surfing Of Course!
You can hit up Mission Beach for some gnarly waves! Alright, so no, it’s not Mavericks off the coast of Half Moon Bay, but they’re great waves for beginner and intermediate surfers. The waves tend to be the best on west and northwest swells, can hold a good size with the right tide, wind and swell. You can also kayak, although I would recommend kayaking right next door in Mission Bay for an improved kayaking experience with less rocky waters. If you do choose to kayak in Mission Beach, you’ll want to do it by the Mission Beach jetty. You can also paddleboard, which is easier if you’re not fearful of being a little farther out in the ocean. You should only consider paddleboarding on a beach if you’re very experienced!
A Day at the Beach
Bring a large towel, an umbrella, some snacks, then swim on the beach, chill out and tan on the sand while reading a book like I do. Of course, be very aware of tides and always watch over your children if you bring them. They do have lifeguards, but only seasonally during the summer. Oh, and bring your sunscreen, always!
Walk the Boardwalk
Having a long stretch of boardwalk where you don’t have to focus on any oncoming traffic, directions, just walking freely can be an amazing feeling. The last time I walked this boardwalk; I had a great insightful conversation with a close friend of mine and the surroundings uplifted the experience tenfold! Such a beautiful scenic walkway while catching some sunshine can do wonders for your mental health and can really uplift you. We got a lot of great exercise, great clear conversation without any loud background noise. The boardwalk offered a refreshing way of having a conversation, while offering a beautiful setting. Also, the exercise was a nice option instead of using your everyday treadmill at your local gym, a great way to mix things up a bit.
Remember to bring a stroller or wagon if you have little ones. They will get too tired of walking and might not be able to keep up. You can always take a break and sit on the long stretch of cement side wall for a break and people watch as locals and travelers pass by.
Rules About Dogs in Mission Beach
Important note: dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk between 9am and 6pm. They are allowed while on a leash every other time, so the boardwalk can be pet friendly so long as you are following the required times. You will be ticketed if you’re spotted violating this 9am to 6pm rule. Licensed service dogs can be on the boardwalk at all times.
Walk Crystal Pier in Mission Beach
Crystal Pier is a public pier that’s open to the public is something else worth checking out while out on Mission Beach, if you’re closer to the north side heading into Pacific Beach. You can add it to your walk as a pit stop to reach the end and see the Pacific Ocean and admire its vastness or face the other way and admire the beautiful real estate sprawling the San Diego, Mission Beach area. You’ll need to be dedicated as it’s farther up north and the return back can leave you exhausted.
Crystal Pier Hotel & Cottages in Pacific Beach
Crystal Pier Hotel and Cottages. The crystal pier is a historic oceanfront destination in San Diego, California, featuring charming over-the-water cottages that offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Located in the heart of Pacific Beach, the pier provides a unique opportunity to stay directly above the waves while enjoying easy access to nearby shops, restaurants, and sandy shores. Whether for a relaxing getaway or a scenic stroll, Crystal Pier combines coastal charm with a rich history dating back to the 1920s. It is considered one of the finest San Diego vacation rentals in the entire San Diego area. If you’re not up for sleeping on a pier, vacation rentals, vacation homes, Airbnb’s, hostels are abundant in the area. Address is 4500 Ocean Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
Baja Beach Cafe in Mission Beach
Baja Beach Cafe, located at 701 Thomas Avenue in San Diego’s Pacific Beach, offers a vibrant beachfront dining experience with a menu featuring Baja-inspired dishes like sizzling fajitas and street-style tacos. Guests can enjoy ocean views while sipping on frosty Mega Margaritas or a selection from the full bar. The cafe also boasts daily 2-for-1 drink specials during Happy Hour from 4 pm to 7 pm and late-night from 10:30 pm to 12:30 am.
Beach House Tequila in Mission Beach
Beach House, located within Belmont Park in San Diego, offers a 30,000-square-foot oceanfront venue featuring tiki bars, fire pits, cabanas, and swaying palm trees, creating a tropical ambiance. Guests can enjoy Baja-inspired cuisine and hand-crafted tequila cocktails while taking in stunning ocean views. The venue also hosts live music events and concerts, providing an unforgettable beachside experience.
The Mission on Mission Beach
The Mission is a vibrant urban bistro in San Diego, specializing in simple, healthy, and flavorful dishes with artful presentation at affordable prices. With locations in Mission Beach, North Park, and East Village, it offers a diverse menu featuring items like the chorizo omelette and French toast, complemented by a focus on fresh ingredients. The Mission has earned high praise for its generous portions, reasonable prices, and consistently high-quality food. 3795 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
You Can Also Fish Off of the Mission Beach Jetty or Crystal Pier
You have several options, you can fish off the shore, or more likely Crystal Pier or you can fish from the jetties as mentioned, or from a boat, kayak or even paddleboard if you’re skilled enough.
Visiting Belmont Park at Mission Beach
The big attractions outside of the actual beach are the carnival, roller coaster at Belmont Park. Belmont Park is historic. Opened in 1925, it’s 100 years old! It has a classic roller coaster called The Giant Dipper, an arcade, traditional style amusement park games and ocean front dining. They also have mini golf to sharpen your golf putting skills. It doesn’t get any more family friendly than this place. Reminder, to bring a stroller if you’re bringing little ones to the park as well. There is no general admission fee, but you do pay for individual rides and attractions as you go. Noteworthy, they charge $8 per person to ride the roller coaster, but please double check the price on their website as prices may be subject to change in the future.
Sweet Shoppe Ice Cream at Belmont Park in Mission Beach
Ice cream shop that offers delicious scoops of tasty flavors like cookie monster in old fashioned waffle cones. They also offer fudge, cookies and cream, birthday, and many others. Address is at Belmont Park, which is free to enter. 3146 Mission Blvd # C, San Diego, CA 92109
Other To Do Options
If you’re not in the mood for outdoor adventure and want something less outdoorsy (is that a real word? Not sure, but I’m going with it), and instead looking to do something more indoorsy (Ok that’s definitely not a real word) there are plenty of restaurants, bars, lunch spots with lots of variety. There are plenty of options as you walk down the boardwalk. Important note, although there are many restaurants and bars that serve alcohol, alcohol is illegal on the actual beach premises or even the parking lots. It’s best to hang out on a rooftop bar (there are many) or one of the many bars or grills that have an open view of the ocean.
Beachcomber Bar in Mission Beach
The Beachcomber, established in the 1940s, is a historic beach bar located at 2901 Mission Boulevard in San Diego’s Mission Beach area. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, it offers daily drink specials, a dance floor, and hosts weekly events such as trivia nights and live music on Sundays. With over 15 television screens, it’s also a popular spot for sports enthusiasts to catch local and national games.
The Pennant Bar in Mission Beach
The Pennant Bar, located at 2893 Mission Blvd in San Diego’s Mission Beach, has been a local favorite for over 60 years, offering a quintessential beach bar experience. Known for its lively atmosphere, it attracts a diverse crowd, including neighborhood regulars and visitors, especially during the summer months. The bar features a rooftop patio, perfect for enjoying their menu items like juicy half-pound cheeseburgers and their famous grilled cheese sandwich, all while soaking up the sun.
The Coaster Saloon Bar in Mission Beach
Coaster Saloon, located at 744 Ventura Place in San Diego’s Mission Beach, offers authentic Texas-style BBQ prepared by Executive Chef Tim Eylens, featuring specialties like prime brisket, baby back ribs, and smoked meat combos. This lively venue boasts 15 flat-screen TVs, 40 beer taps, and an extensive craft cocktail list, making it an ideal spot for sports enthusiasts and social gatherings. Situated directly across from the iconic Belmont Park Rollercoaster, Coaster Saloon combines delicious food with a vibrant beachside atmosphere.
In Conclusion
Mission Beach in San Diego offers the perfect blend of sun, surf, and vibrant coastal charm, making it a must-visit destination for travelers of all kinds. Whether you’re seeking thrilling rides at Belmont Park, a relaxing day on the sandy shores, or a scenic bike ride along the boardwalk, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From delicious oceanfront dining to exciting water activities, Mission Beach provides endless opportunities for fun and relaxation. With its lively yet laid-back atmosphere, it’s no wonder this iconic beach continues to captivate visitors year after year. So, pack your sunscreen, embrace the coastal vibes, and get ready to make unforgettable memories at Mission Beach!
