Mission Bay Park is a unique area of San Diego because it is almost entirely man-made. The park area is over 50% water, so beaches and opportunities for fun aquatic activities aren’t exactly in short supply. It’s considered the largest water park of its kind, and many people come from across the globe to visit.
Mission Bay is a very family-friendly area, and the beaches reflect this. There are plenty of wide, sandy beaches and grassy areas for picnicking with the family. As a man-made area, many of the beaches are protected from turbulent waters, so they’re great for even less confident swimmers.
Most international or cross-country visitors arrive via the San Diego International Airport, which is about an eight-mile drive away. If you want to check out the attractions in Downtown San Diego during your visit, the two neighborhoods are only about 15 minutes away from each other.
Between popular Mission Bay activities like boat rentals or visiting the family-friendly SeaWorld San Diego, there’s no shortage of fun activities for all ages. To make your trip the best it can be, consider buying a Go San Diego Pass, which offers a discount when you bundle different activities together. You can save an additional discount off your total purchase with our link.
Upscale hotels in the area include the Paradise Resort and Spa, a family-friendly waterfront destination hotel with multiple pools and a fitness center, and the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina, which also features a spa tub, health club, and sporting facilities.
Another popular choice is the Bahia Resort Hotel, which is right on the bay. It’s great for families and offers tons of amenities such as complimentary WiFi, tennis and shuffleboard courts, a private beach with cabanas, its own rescue seal exhibit, and Bahia Belle bay cruises during certain times of the year.