East Mission Bay Park

In Mission Bay, Tecolote Shores Park and Playa Pacifica Park provide outdoor recreation, swimming, and scenic views. Check out this guide before your visit.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Why you'll love this beach
Why you'll love this beach
Bring the Family to Tecolote Shores Park and Playa Pacifica
East Mission Bay Park
Overview
Things to Do
Save on Tours
Popular Activities
Get There & Parking
Featured Activity
Know Before You Go
Stay Nearby
Similar Beaches

Highlights

Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking
Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking

Overview

Family Bbq at East Mission Bay ParkBoardwalk at East Mission Bay Park

Mission Bay is a much-loved area in the city of San Diego well known for its many amazing beaches, outdoor recreational areas, and endless gorgeous views. Conveniently located just a few minutes from downtown San Diego, Mission Bay is a beautiful getaway from the stressors of city-living, both for residents of San Diego as well as for people visiting the city for the first time.

East Mission Bay Park encompasses Tecolote Shores Park and Playa Pacifica Park. Tecolote Shores Park is just one of many awesome destinations located here. While there is less beach in Tecolote Shores than at other parks in the area, there are plenty of fun activities and amenities available for the whole family.

Playa Pacifica Park, which is located north of Tecolote Shores Park, also has much to offer visitors. This park is great for families, couples, and individuals interested in outdoor recreation, as well as swimming and sunbathing. Fiesta Island, located across from Playa Pacifica, is great for boaters and kayakers.

Things to Do

Bikes Allowed
Bikes Allowed
Kayaking
Kayaking
Running
Running
Sunbathing
Sunbathing

What This Park Is Known For

Tecolote Shores Park

Replete with fire pits and BBQs, Tecolote Shores Park is perfect for spending the afternoon or evening with a group of friends or when hanging out with your family. Visitors can feel free to take a dip in the temperate water of the bay or lounge on the sandy beach. There are also play areas for kids situated nearby, which are designed to accommodate kids of all ages while visiting East Mission Bay Park.

This park also features many scenic trails for walking, hiking, running, and jogging. There is even a 12-mile paved, looping bike path that runs through the entirety of Mission Bay Park, of which there is access from Tecolote Shores. Many people find this to be the perfect destination to start when attempting to take on the entire trail.

Playa Pacifica Park

Sometimes referred to as Leisure Lagoon, this park features a large grassy area that rolls into a sandy beach, which extends around the whole cove. Two playground areas, including swings and other fun rides, offer a safe and fun time for children of all ages. There is also a connecting "island" accessible by a strip of sand, which many kids in the area really love exploring.

Local Tips
Mission Bay Beach Club
Mission Bay Beach Club is a new addition to this park. You can get coffee, food and even rent paddle boards. Make sure to check this comples out!

This park is ideal for many other activities. Swimmers and sunbathers are always welcome, as are runners, bikers, and walkers. If you're visiting at night, take advantage of the ample bonfire pits, which allow you to safely and conveniently build a fire for you and your friends to keep warm on the beach. There are also picnic areas situated through the park, just be sure to leave the alcoholic beverages and glass bottles at home during your visit as they are not allowed on any beach in San Diego.

Stay Nearby at the San Diego Mission Bay Resort

The San Diego Mission Bay Resort is a pet-friendly resort that has 357 rooms and suites to accommodate solo travelers as well as larger groups of friends and family, each with a garden, resort, or bay view from your patio or balcony. It is the perfect place to stay while exploring Mission Bay Park.

Go Hiking with Go Pass!

San Diego Hiking Tour
San Diego Hiking Tour
San Diego is not just sunny beaches, but home to some of the best hiking in the country. With Go Pass, choose from two trails for your hike. Mission Trails Regional Park and Tecolote Canyon Trails offer trails for beginners and experts!
Buy Now
Local Tips
What activities does the Go City San Diego pass include?

There’s a variety of activities included with the Go City San Diego pass such as: The San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, Hiking Tours, Whale Watching, Museum Tours, Speed Boat Adventures & more!

For the most popular attractions and water-sport rentals as well as the biggest discounts, consider the All-Inclusive Pass.

Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Popular Activities

San Diego Harbor Cruise
San Diego Harbor Cruise
$36 per person
Buy Now
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
Discounts Available
Learn More
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
Discounts Available
Learn More
Half Day Whale Watching Tour
Half Day Whale Watching Tour
$80 per person
Buy Now

How to Get There & Parking

Free Parking
Free Parking
Lot Parking
Lot Parking
Neighborhood Parking
Neighborhood Parking

Getting to East Mission Bay Park

Both Tecolote Shores and Playa Pacifica Park are located on E Mission Bay Dr. Tecolote Shores Park is located at 1300 E Mission Bay Dr., while Playa Pacifica can be found at 2000 E Mission Bay Dr. Accessing the parks via car is rather easy, as they're in close proximity to I-5 freeway.

Parking at East Mission Bay Park

There are private lots as well as ample free parking all around the area, just be sure to arrive early on weekends during the spring and summer, as parking spaces are likely to fill up rather quickly. If you're having trouble finding either park, keep in mind that Tecolote Shores and Playa Pacifica are separated by the San Diego Mission Bay Resort.

Featured Activity

Front of the USS Midway Museum in San Diego
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
Located in downtown San Diego, the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum provides history of aircraft built in California. The museum includes over 60 exhibits with restored aircraft and tours of the carrier.
Learn More

Know Before You Go & Tips

Boardwalk
Boardwalk
Boat Launch
Boat Launch
Firepits
Firepits
No Alcohol
No Alcohol
No Camping
No Camping
No Glass Containers
No Glass Containers
No Motorized Vehicles
No Motorized Vehicles
No Smoking
No Smoking
No Trash Cans
No Trash Cans
Picnic Tables
Picnic Tables
Playground
Playground
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
Restrooms
Restrooms
Shade
Shade
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available

Tips, Hints, & Other Information

Dogs Allowed with Restrictions

While dogs are welcomed throughout Tecolote Shores Park, visitors should ensure they're following the proper rules and guidelines for the season during which they're visiting. From April to October, leashed dogs are allowed within the park before 9 am and after 6 pm. From November to March, leashed dogs are permitted entry to the park after 4 pm.

The same dog policies apply when visiting Playa Pacifica Park / Leisure Lagoon, as well as much of the rest of East Mission Bay Park.

Swimming

If you're planning on swimming during your trip, keep in mind that lifeguards are only on duty during the summer months in Tecolote Shores Park. If your visit will take place during the offseason, proceed with caution if you plan on swimming without a lifeguard present. Caution is especially important if you have children with you, even if they're strong swimmers.

However, lifeguards are usually on duty at Playa Pacifica from spring break (which typically occurs in April) to October.

Facilities Available

Both parks feature conveniently located restrooms and shower stations for after swimming in the bay.

East Mission Bay Park
is Known For:
Swimming
Swimming
Know This:
Boardwalk
Boardwalk
Boat Access Only
Boat Access Only
Fire Pits
Fire Pits
Lifeguards
Lifeguards
This Month's Forecast
56°F / 73°F
Sunny in November
Dec
51°F / 68°F
Sunny in December
Jan
51°F / 67°F
Sunny in January
Feb
53°F / 68°F
Sunny in February

Stay Nearby

Bahia Resort Hotel
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Bahia Resort Hotel
from $199 / night
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The Dana on Mission Bay
Bayfront
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The Dana on Mission Bay
from $179 / night
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Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
Bayfront
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Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
from $179 / night
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San Diego Mission Bay Resort
Family Friendly
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
San Diego Mission Bay Resort
from $259 / night
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