Mission Beach - Beaches

The laidback Mission Beach is an excellent spot for surfers and swimmers to enjoy the ocean waves. The beaches here offer the model San Diego experience.
Todd Sarouhan
Mission Beach - Beaches
Overview
Explore & Save
The Neighborhood
Known For
Surfing
Swimming
Stay Nearby

Exploring the Beaches of Mission Beach

Mission Beach is a very traditional beach and boardwalk town that commonly draws families and younger crowds alike. With miles of sand and its own beachside amusement park, there’s plenty for visitors to enjoy during their trip.

The beaches here are very wide and sandy, with few rocks and no cliffs. This has made the beach very popular with swimmers, who enjoy taking a dip in these tranquil waters without worrying about big waves or undertows. However, there’s still plenty of surfing in this area as well.

Surfing in Mission Beach is fairly beginner friendly, with small to medium-sized waves. If you’ve never surfed before or if you think your skills need some polishing, consider taking lessons from one of the many surfing schools in the area. If you have more experience, you can rent a surfboard and head out to the beach right away.

You might also choose to visit the boardwalk that stretches along the coastline, or check out one of the many fun attractions in the area. Whatever you most enjoy, there’s always something exciting and fun to do in Mission Beach!

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The Mission Beach Neighborhood

The Mission Beach coastline is its main draw. It’s an integral part of San Diego’s surf culture that encompasses most of the coastline, and the town’s laid-back attitude further cements this. If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a relaxing, slow-paced vacation, Mission Beach is a perfect choice.

Mission Beach is fairly close to Downtown San Diego, which is only about eight miles to the southeast. If you’re flying in from the San Diego International Airport, Mission Beach is just a 15-minute drive away.

Mission Beach is also home to the Belmont Park amusement park, a historic, beach front, retro themed park developed by sugar magnate John D. Spreckels and opened in 1925.

For the best deals on admission, pick up an All-Inclusive Go Pass in advance and take advantage of our exclusive additional discount. The Go Pass includes the ‘Belmont Park Ride and Play Pass’ at a huge discount!

Another attraction to consider in the Mission Beach area is SeaWorld San Diego, a theme park and aquarium with fun experiences for all ages and a great way to cap off a trip to the beach.

You can also check out some of the attractions in Downtown San Diego such as the Museum of Contemporary Art or ones in Balboa Park such as the Fleet Science Center with IMAX or the San Diego Natural History Museum, both of which are only a short drive away!

All of the above attractions are part of the Go San Diego Pass! And before you head out, don’t forget gear rentals such as rental bikes for the boardwalk, surfboards rentals for a day in the waves and snorkeling gear for a day of underwater exploring.

Looking for somewhere to stay nearby? The Bahia Resort Hotel is family-friendly and it has its own semi-private beach, free WiFi in the lobby and rooms, courts for shuffleboard and tennis, and a rescue seal exhibit. It also offers Bahia Belle cruises depending on the time of year.

The Dana on Mission Bay is another waterfront hotel with pet-friendly rooms, a pool, and access to health and fitness centers. Either hotel is an excellent choice for making the most out of your trip.

Swim and Surf in Mission Beach

Basketball Courts
Basketball Courts
Beach Volleyball
Beach Volleyball
Bikes Allowed
Bikes Allowed
Fishing
Fishing
Running
Running
Skateboarding Allowed
Skateboarding Allowed
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Surfing
Surfing
Swimming
Swimming

The beaches in Mission Beach very closely resemble what you probably picture when you think of Southern California beaches. They are large and sandy with lots of sun, which makes them perfect for all sorts of beach day activities. While you can sunbathe, play some beach volleyball, and enjoy the boardwalk at many of these beaches, they are best known for swimming and surfing.

The more northern Mission Beach has somewhat larger, more consistent waves, though they’re nothing a beginner surfer couldn’t handle. If you’re an old-hand looking for a real challenge, you might not find it here, but it can still be nice to enjoy a more leisurely surfing experience.

South Mission Beach has fewer waves and calmer seas overall, which makes it best suited to swimmers, though there are still plenty of surfers out in the waters next to the jetty.

Surfing

Aerial Shot of Mission Beach with South Mission in Distance
Mission Beach is the very picture of a traditional San Diego beach. With two miles of white sand, a boardwalk with an amusement park, lifeguards, restrooms, and its well-known consistent waves great for surfers of all skill levels, there’s lots to enjoy here no matter what you’re interested in.

Swimming

Surfer and Waves at South Mission Beach
South Mission Beach is a large section of coastline with a sandy beach, a grassy park area, and amenities like fire pits, lifeguards, and restrooms. You can also check out the nearby boardwalk. The beach is especially great for swimming, with plenty of space and great surf as well.

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Mission Beach - Beaches
are Known For:
Surfing
Surfing
Swimming
Swimming
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