San Diego is well known for its beaches, fish tacos, and breweries but there is so much more to discover in this beachside destination. There are museums to visit, apples to pick, bikes to ride, boutiques to browse, scenic trails to hike, animals to adore, sunsets to see, and cocktails to throw back.
One of the jewels of San Diego is Mission Beach. This famous 2-mile resort peninsula with the Pacific Ocean on one side and beautiful Mission Bay on the other side is only two blocks wide with so many options for fun. Read on for our idea of a fun 48 hours spent in Mission Beach whether on vacation or enjoying a staycation.
Get some exercise on the boardwalk
Explore the Mission Beach Boardwalk, by biking, skateboarding, rollerblading, or a quiet evening walk. Walking along the boardwalk is a great way to get to know the city.
Grab a cup of joe
For some morning coffee, head to Better Buzz Coffee Roasters. This local favorite is just about a block from Montezuma Bay. If you’re in the mood for something more than a coffee, grab a bite at Olive Café, Truckstop, or The Mission. You can’t go wrong at any of these popular spots.
Spend the day in Mission Bay
Mission Bay Park is the largest facility of its kind in the world. It includes 27 miles of stunning bayfront. The park is used for a variety of recreational activities such as picnics, fishing, swimming, sailing, and water skiing, as well as softball, basketball and volleyball games among other sports. There is a fun children’s playground as well. If you are looking for paddling a SUP, kayak, or outrigger canoe, or sailing, Mission Bay Aquatic Center or Aqua Adventures has many great options for rentals.
Hit some balls at the golf course
Those who are in the mood to do something that doesn’t involve water sports, swing over to the public 8-hole, par 58 Mission Bay Golf Course. Or try foot golf and disc golf, which are available too.
Have a bite to eat
After a long morning of activities you will probably be ready for a bite, so throw down a blanket anywhere along the bay’s 27 miles of park- and beach-lined shores for a picnic or barbecue at Crown Point, Bonita Cove, Mission Point, or Ski Beach. Then take a nap or maybe get in some more exercise playing volleyball at the beach.
Visit SeaWorld
For some all-day family fun, check out SeaWorld! Spend the day riding thrilling coasters, come face to face with real-life sharks, dolphins, and check out the amazing animal shows at Sea World.
New to SeaWorld is Sesame Place featuring seven Sesame Street-themed dry rides, an interactive musical play area, and eleven water attractions including a 500,000 gallon wave pool – one of the largest in Southern California.
Emperor, the tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster in all of California, is now open. Plunge 90 degrees and soar up to 60 miles per hour through exhilarating loops on this exciting Emperor penguin-inspired thrill ride, feeling your feet dangle above the track on the state’s only floorless dive coaster!
Belmont Park
Located in Mission Beach, Belmont Park is San Diego’s only beachfront amusement and entertainment center! From the historic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster to the dynamic oceanfront restaurants, Belmont Park is the ideal Southern California beach experience and parking and admission are free!
Take in the sunset
In the evening grab the family and claim one of Mission Bay’s many fire pits at South Shores Park or take in San Diego’s rightfully famous sunsets with a cruise aboard the Bahia Belle. Or for something more private and exclusive choose to go to Mount Soledad or Mister A’s, a fine dining establishment on the 12th floor of a downtown skyscraper to enjoy the most stunning sunsets.
Where to stay
If you don’t want to live Mission Beach area, don’t worry, Haustay has several options for places to stay that are just a short drive or train ride away from everything Mission Beach has to offer. Mission Beach provides endless opportunities for excellent restaurants, spas, pools, and accommodations for absolutely everyone!
