Mission Beach
Mission Beach
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Enjoy a slice of Californian life at this iconic long sandy beach in San Diego. This laidback beach town has almost two miles of beachfront boardwalk, lined with shops, bars, and restaurants. Here, you can cycle or rollerblade down the boardwalk, relax on the beach, go for a swim and surf, and even have fun at an amusement park. The old-school Belmont Park is free to enter and has both retro and modern amusement rides, food stalls, and entertainment all year round. There are also year-round whale-watching tours from Mission Bay, that'll take you to the best wildlife viewing spots.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Pacific Beach
Best nearby
Restaurants
539 within 3 miles
Attractions
300 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Deb WReno, Nevada2,447 contributionsBeautiful sunsetsWe rented a house right on the boardwalk. The views were beautiful. We had a great sunset every night and saw dolphins every morning. The boardwalk gets busy especially on the weekends. We rented bikes and found it nicer to ride on the bay side.Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 8, 2023
- Cazz KLondon, United Kingdom145 contributionsOne of the best beaches to visitFantastic beach, Sandy clean with easy access to a freezing cold Pacific Ocean. A great place to go at sunset the scenery is amazing. Lifeguard on duty until 6pm if you fancy a dip. Small theme park nearly 100 years old with a wooden roller coaster, souvenir shops etc just behind. Long walkway along the beach great for roller skating and skateboarding or just strolling in the sunshine. Large free car park which is a bonus.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 2, 2023
- EdwelshNorth Canton, Ohio7,220 contributionsNice wide beachLarge free parking lot right behind the boardwalk, next to a little amusement park and close to the street with restaurants and souvenir shops. Very large sandy beach that was easy walk, we spent a nice afternoon there. Saw many people roller skating, biking and skateboarding on the wide boardwalk.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 13, 2024
- The Real DJUnited Kingdom131 contributionsBest Beach in San DiegoMy favourite beach from all the beaches we visited in San Diego. Drive to the south end and there is plenty of parking available in the large car park. The beach is wide with great sand giving a feel of remoteness. There are lifeguard towers and indicators where to swim and surf. Some of the waves were significant during our visit. Walk north towards the rollercoaster and grab some lunch. A lovely beach!Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 24, 2024
- TravelPrincess14Atlanta, Georgia154 contributionsClean nice beachHad a great time at the beach. Restaurants around and public restrooms. Recommend sitting near Wetzel Pretzels to be close to parking & food. Water was great for walking and some waves came in for light surfing in the afternoon. Lifeguards were great at moving families and children to safer areas of the water as bigger waves came inVisited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 23, 2024
- VanFam10Ormond Beach, Florida106 contributionsBeautiful, fun, relaxingOur family comes to this beach every year before heading to Disneyland. This beach is beautiful, the water is great, the stores are great. They keep it clean, there are lifeguards that are constantly patrolling. When we bring the kids, we cannot keep them out of the water, it's a blast. I will warn about seagulls, mostly everyone who goes to a beach knows to be aware of the seagulls. They will swarm you if you have food, of course. My 4 yr old got bit by one trying to get her pizza. But other than that, we absolutely love mission beach.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 25, 2024
- Presto67New York City, New York425 contributionsGreat beach!While in San Diego, if you’re looking to relax and take it easy, there is no better place in Mission Beach. Parking is free. There is a place we can rent a chair and an umbrella. Once you step on the beach, the water is only 20 yards away. There are plenty of restaurants to stop at have lunch.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,064 reviews
Excellent
1,151
Very good
656
Average
189
Poor
46
Terrible
22
WDWRocksMySocks
Bloomington, Indiana120 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Our family visited the area for a few days after a trip to Disneyland. It was our first beach trip. We rented an Air BnB that was a block from the beach. The location is wonderful! We walked to the beach everyday and felt safe walking back after sunset. Parking was a bit challenging - make sure you read ALL signs. One spot may be 2 hour and the one behind and in front of it could be 15 minutes.
We loved spending time at the beach. We found so many shells and sand dollars - we loved it just as much as our kids did! We also got to see lots of surfers, which our kids thought was amazing. There were a few cute little shops and shaved ice type of places nearby. It was also a fun place to people watch and just enjoy the atmosphere. We can’t wait to go back!
We loved spending time at the beach. We found so many shells and sand dollars - we loved it just as much as our kids did! We also got to see lots of surfers, which our kids thought was amazing. There were a few cute little shops and shaved ice type of places nearby. It was also a fun place to people watch and just enjoy the atmosphere. We can’t wait to go back!
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine N
1 contribution
Sep 2024 • Family
Terrible Experience with Security and Host's Support
I had a burglary at the condo during my stay on Mission Beach, Ocean Front Walk.
The intruder had access to spare keys, which is deeply concerning. This made me question the overall security of the property and the lack of proper precautions by the host. Be cautious when renting through VRBO at this location as the host didn't provide adequate support after the incident. Reaching VRBO's trust and safety team was practically impossible, leaving me feeling vulnerable and unprotected. I would strongly advise against staying here if safety is a priority for you.
I had a burglary at the condo during my stay on Mission Beach, Ocean Front Walk.
The intruder had access to spare keys, which is deeply concerning. This made me question the overall security of the property and the lack of proper precautions by the host. Be cautious when renting through VRBO at this location as the host didn't provide adequate support after the incident. Reaching VRBO's trust and safety team was practically impossible, leaving me feeling vulnerable and unprotected. I would strongly advise against staying here if safety is a priority for you.
Written September 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe L
Peoria, AZ20 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Great in morning,not in afternoon. The shops and small food places are very nice. Parking was not a problem in the morning. There are 2 lots by Belmont Park and the roller coaster, one larger across the street. Morning was calm and pleasant. Beach wasn't crowded...yet. They allowed sidewalk vendors with tents. The brick and mortar stores are not happy. Went back one day at 3pm and it was Super Crowded almost impossible to find parking. they allowed Blaring music and I think some questionable characters there. Note, there were Lots of Security Guards present. Not where I'd want to be after morning.
Written June 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dean P
Kitchener, Canada116 contributions
Jan 2020
I enjoyed walking along the board walk and along the beach while enjoying the sun set. The variety of interesting beach houses was an unexpected bonus. Parking was free, washrooms were more plentiful than expected, and there was a range of places to grab a beverage or snack, if needed.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cary G
5 contributions
Oct 2019
Like the title says, parking is free also there is volleyball with both mens and womens nets. weekends do get busy so get there early or challenge for court there is also VAVI and Let's meet up groups that meet there. Further, the surf is a wind break and takes a west and north best in my opinion.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris R
342 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
Went here mid week in Spring. It was busy and parking was hard to find.
We found a little area that didn’t have much wind. There were families near us with small children who were having fun.
Stay alert while your here. Saw a man casing the area/people. Multiple beach goers alerted to him at the same time. With the added attention the man left. Saw him a couple hours later casing other peoples areas in another part of the beach.
Homeless camps and the trash surrounding them were a bit unsightly. Might benefit the City if they gave a little more attention to this area.
All in all we had a good time but (as previously mentioned) stay alert while your here.
We found a little area that didn’t have much wind. There were families near us with small children who were having fun.
Stay alert while your here. Saw a man casing the area/people. Multiple beach goers alerted to him at the same time. With the added attention the man left. Saw him a couple hours later casing other peoples areas in another part of the beach.
Homeless camps and the trash surrounding them were a bit unsightly. Might benefit the City if they gave a little more attention to this area.
All in all we had a good time but (as previously mentioned) stay alert while your here.
Written March 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MDS
Las Vegas, NV18 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Big mistake going on a Sunny Saturday as SD county is opening up. Parking and traffic was really bad, but found a spot after 30 mins near Belmont park. Super crowded, can't imagine staying at a resort or b&b here and getting in and out using the bridges. My son still has a good time but was hard on everyone else. If staying here, best not to try and get out to anywhere else in SD.
Written June 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LifeIsGoodGuy
Sedona, AZ131 contributions
Jun 2020
While it can get very busy on the weekends, Mission Beach is a very nice beach. Lots of places to lay out, nice sand as you go out into the water. Some surf, some boogie board, most just enjoy. Parking in the area is the Biggest Challenge
Written June 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy S
Bullhead City, AZ17 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
My favorite part of Mission Beach is the nostalgia of it. I grew up there in the sixties. I remember going to Belmont Park when mom and I had the time. Get some sort of a floating device. It really doesn't matter if it is a surf board, a boogie board or a raft. The idea is to experience the ocean. If you are not much of a swimmer, go over to Mission Bay. You can still go bottoms up. But you are more likely to be seen by someone and saved if you do. I didn't grow up with a taco shop on every corner. But they are there now. Be sure you have a burrito or some street tacos. Another thing I grew up with was a skateboard. I used to skate in a pack up and down the boardwalk. Even doing your laundry in this neighborhood seems special. If you are traveling with an older person, I suggest taking the Old Town Trolley. It goes to Mission Beach, Old Town and La Jolla as well as a veteran's memorial. You can hop off at any locale or just ride around. Local buses go down Mission Blvd. But the parking is the worst.
Written January 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nathaniel L
Siletz, OR105 contributions
Feb 2020
This place is very beautiful. I got lucky with great weather. There are a lot of great surf shops here that are on the expensive side. There are a lot of places here too eat. I will definetly be back in fact next year when I take my vacation I might just book a room here. There were some punk kids on the boardwalk and some scummy homeless people but other that that I loved it.
It looks like the perfect place for volleyball fanatics. It seems like you can find a pick up game here easily.
It looks like the perfect place for volleyball fanatics. It seems like you can find a pick up game here easily.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stevie O
World
The dog laws are a little confusing for South Mission Beach….. If I read this right, I can have my dog on the beach, unleashed, 6:00-9:00 AM and 6:00-10:00 PM right?
Between the hours of 9-6 PM they must be leashed and I’ll be good? Or during that time it is only for licensed dogs…?
And finally, if I have my dog licensed in my home state, will that suffice for California law?
Written November 18, 2023
Hello. Can anyone recommend what area of Mission Beach would be best for a family stay? We will be mostly biking and beaching, with very little need for restaurants or night life. Thanks!
Written October 27, 2020
I am going to be in the area in July. Is or will everything be opened back up from the pandemic?
Written June 26, 2020
Ciao ha tutti sto programmando un viaggio a novembre a San Diego di tre giorni 2 adulti e due ragazzi che vorrebbero fare surf piĂą bello prenotare alloggio a Gaslamp (per la passeggiata con cena serale) o meglio Mission Beach?abbiamo macchina a noleggio e vorremmo vedere il piĂą possibile. Grazie
Written June 12, 2019
What sort of weather can I expect in April? Do Seaworld fireworks happen around Easter? Guess the waterparks are closed?
Written May 15, 2017
The weather in and around Mission Beach and San Diego can vary widely in April. While the weather is usually mild and sunny, there is always the possibility of rain and wind. You can always google or use other search programs to get a more comprehensive idea of the weather in San Diego/Mission Beach during April
Written June 10, 2017
Can you rent beach umbrellas and chairs at the beach? Where are the rentals located?
Written December 5, 2016
Yes, we did last year. Mission Beach rentals at Belmont. Chairs, umbrellas, etc.
Written April 26, 2017
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