Mission Beach
San Diego Beach Vacations

Mission Beach is the center of a continuous stretch of beach known as The Strand, which extends over two miles, beginning at the Mission Bay channel entrance and ending at the north end of Pacific Beach.  The Strand is the most popular beach area in the City of San Diego and draws large crowds in summer.

A somewhat narrow cement boardwalk parallel's the entire beach. Walking, biking, bicycling, and related activities are permitted on the boardwalk, but speed is regulated and must be kept to eight miles per hour or less. Cycles with more than two wheels are not permitted except for use by the disabled. At all times, people must use caution and courtesy in using the boardwalk. Various shops, restaurants, and beach rental outfits surround the Mission Beach  lifeguard station, at the foot of Ventura Street beside a landmark roller coaster. The north end of Mission Beach is bordered by residential properties, but there are some stores available on Mission Boulevard, a block or so from the beach.

Lifeguards are staffed daily year round at the main lifeguard station at the foot of Ventura Place. In summer, additional lifeguards are staffed along the beach in seasonal lifeguard towers. Lifeguards are generally on duty from 9:00 a.m. to dusk; but check with lifeguards for specific staff hours. This beach has separate water areas reserved for swimming and surfing. Check with lifeguards for details. Surfing is permitted at this beach in designated areas. This beach is not recommended for scuba diving due to lack of undersea life, heavy water activity, and surf.

There's a long history of merry-making in this region. Home to Tent City in the early 1920's. J. M. Asher is credited with creating a place where people could spend the summer right on the beach at Mission Beach.  People liked the idea of living at the beach so much, that they stayed there - permanently. They built houses and created their own community within the bounds of San Diego.  That community has survived with its own atmosphere and community pride, though it is a part of the City of San Diego.  And, while San Diego is home to some of the world's most affluent people, it is also a resting ground for down and outers. On our tour of California cities and beaches, we do occasionally see some hardship along the way. 

The bay side, home of the Mission Bay Aquatic Center and  Mission Bay Golf Course, is popular for jet skiing,  windsurfing and sailing while the beach side supports sunbathing, swimming and surfing. Also included is  the upscale neighborhood of Crown Point and Fiesta Island, site of the annual Over-The-Line tournament, a three-person softball game.  One of San Diego's most famous attraction, Sea World, is tucked into Mission Bay's southeastern corner and the city's official visitor center is on the  east side.

Public restrooms and showers are located at the foot of Ventura Street at the lifeguard station and at the south side of Belmont Park, and at the commercial mall adjacent to the Mission Beach lifeguard station. The boardwalk is accessible to wheelchairs and provides an excellent viewpoint of the beach. A special beach wheelchair, which requires an attendant, is generally kept at the main lifeguard station and available on a first come, first served basis at no charge.

Containers for beach fires are generally provided during summer months and available on a first come, first served basis. The burning of rubbish is prohibited. Only wood, charcoal, or paper products may be used as fuel. Fuel for the fire may not exceed a height of more than twelve inches above the upper edge of the fire container. The fire must be extinguished before leaving the beach. Open beach fires outside containers are prohibited at all San Diego beaches.

Alcohol may not be consumed on the boardwalk, on or against the seawall, in any park adjacent to the beach, or in the parking lots.  Alcohol may be consumed on the beach from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. so long as persons are not touching the seawall. 

Take Interstate 5 to Grand Avenue. Follow it west to Mission Boulevard. Take Mission Boulevard south the roller coaster at West Mission Bay Drive. Call San Diego Transit at (619) 233-3004 for buses that serve this beach. Extensive free public parking is available on the north and south side of Belmont Park, and at the foot of West Mission Bay Drive. There is additional parking in two lots across the street adjacent to Bonita Cove. These lots fill very quickly on busy summer days and traffic can be heavy at times.

The basic rule of thumb is that any gathering of over 75 people requires a permit from the Park and Recreation Department. A permit is also required for a wedding, water event, athletic event, voice and/or music amplification, or use of special setup equipment (such as an inflatable party jump, dunk tank, canopy, etc.) For permit information call Coastline Parks at (619) 221-8901.

South Mission Beach is bordered on the south by the Mission Bay Channel. It has, perhaps, the widest beach in the City. Recently, it has become known as a popular  place to engage in sports such as beach volleyball and basketball following an extensive refurbishing of the courts. A popular game similar to baseball called "Over-The-Line" is allowed in a portion of this area. This beach has separate water areas reserved for swimming and surfing. Check with lifeguards for details. Surfing is permitted at this beach in designated areas. This beach is not recommended for scuba diving due to lack of undersea life, heavy water activity, and surf.

Lifeguards are staffed daily year round at the main lifeguard station at the foot of Avalon Court. In summer, additional lifeguards are staffed along the beach in seasonal lifeguard towers. Lifeguards are generally on duty from 9:00 a.m. to dusk; but check with lifeguards for specific staff hours. The boardwalk is accessible to wheelchairs and provides an excellent viewpoint of the beach. A special ramp extends from the parking lot onto the beach to allow for wheelchair access. Source: www.sannet.gov

Containers for beach fires are generally provided during summer months and available on a first come, first served basis. The burning of rubbish is prohibited. Only wood, charcoal, or paper products may be used as fuel. Fuel for the fire may not exceed a height of more than twelve inches above the upper edge of the fire container. The fire must be extinguished before leaving the beach. Open beach fires outside containers are prohibited at all San Diego beaches.

Take Interstate 5 to Sea World Drive. Follow the signs to West Mission Bay Drive. Turn left on Mission Blvd. At the south end of Mission Blvd. turn right into the parking lot. Extensive free public parking is available at the south end of the beach. This lot fills very quickly on busy summer days and traffic can be heavy at times.