Things to Do in Mission Beach
Mission Beach is one of the most interesting places to stay in San Diego. It offers a great combination of coastal activities, a relaxing vibe and convenient access to the rest of the city.
Rollerblading on the Boardwalk in Mission Beach
Exploring the Mission Beach Boardwalk
The centerpiece of Mission Beach is the boardwalk. It stretches along the oceanside section of town, right by the beach. In total, the boardwalk is about two miles long.
Thanks to the consistently mild weather in San Diego, the boardwalk is lively almost all year-round. It is especially popular with young adults (and those still young at heart). There are plenty of bars and other nightlife spots along the way for anyone seeking refreshments.
The boardwalk is also a popular place for walking, biking, skateboarding and running. Overall, it is a well-kept and enjoyable ocean walkway.
Front of Belmont Park in Mission Beach
Along the boardwalk lies Belmont Park. This classic, coastal amusement park is a great place to spend some time. The park has been around since 1925 but has been renovated and modernized several times.
Rides include a wooden roller coaster, bumper cars, a carousel, a vertical plunge and many other options. There are also games, food and more. If you have nostalgic memories of boardwalk carnivals, this is the perfect place for you.
The Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster is a must-ride for anyone who enjoys coasters. Along with its namesake in Santa Cruz, this is the only wooden coaster on the west coast designed by famed-builders Frank Prior and Frederick Church. It is also a designated national historic landmark.
Draft Restaurant on the Boardwalk in Mission Beach
Entertainment in Mission Beach
There are a lot of nightlife venues along the boardwalk. If you want to catch a live band or other such show, just check the local schedules for the time of your trip. Sometimes the best entertainment is down on the beach in the evenings.
Alternatively, you can find a lot of family-friendly events in Belmont Park. Traveling further into San Diego, there are numerous options for theaters and other shows.
Want a Great Coffee Shop?
Better Buzz Coffee Shop in Mission Beach on Mission Boulevard at Queenstown Court is a great local coffee shop place to grab coffee or a quick bite to eat. Check it out!
Main Lifeguard Tower in South Mission Beach
The Parks in Mission Bay Park
There are several parks throughout Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and the bay. For example, you can head to the south end of the neighborhood and check out Mission Point Park next to the channel. Alternatively, travel a little further north and spend some time at Sunset Point Park or even relax to a bonfire and enjoy the sunset.
The sunsets in Mission beach are so good that we have featured them in our Best Romantic Things to do in San Diego article.
Many of these parks are pleasant green spaces that are perfect for sitting and enjoying the San Diego weather. Several of them, such as Mission Point Park & Bonita Cove, have playgrounds, restrooms and other facilities. All in all, the parks around Mission Beach are well-kept and great for families.
Mission Bay Golf Course
If you want to hit the links, head to Mission Bay Golf Course. This is an 18-hole executive course, meaning it has no par-fives. Despite that, it is a surprisingly challenging course to take on and a joy for avid golfers.
There are many other golf courses around San Diego if you want something longer or less difficult. However, if you want a course with nights for evening play, Mission Bay Golf Course is the top choice.