Mission Bay Guide: Leisure Lagoon and Tecolote Shores

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San Diego’s Mission Bay is one of the city’s prime attractions.  There are all kinds of water-based activities and 27-miles of shoreline.  This is our guide to Leisure Lagoon and Tecolote Shores on the eastern end of Mission Bay.

• Location:
  • Leisure Lagoon, 1900 E Mission Bay Drive
  • Tecolote Shores, 1900 E Mission Bay Drive
• Parking: Several small free parking lots. Free parking along E. Mission Bay Dr
• Facilities: Public restrooms
• Lifeguards: Seasonal lifeguards at Leisure Lagoon (Daily during summer, weekends except November to spring break) and summer lifeguards at Tecolote Shores
• Rentals: Rentals at Mission Bay Resort

NOTE: Pictures in the original article were taken during summer 2020.  Updates include pictures taken during winter 2021 at low tide.

The eastern side of Mission Bay runs from De Anza Cove in the north to where Tecolote Shores ends at Sea World Dr at the entrance to Fiesta Island.

The Mission Bay Resort sits in the center of eastern Mission Bay.  Leisure Lagoon is directly to the north of the resort.  Tecolote Shores refers to the area running about a half mile south from the resort.

This area is known for grassy parks, bike paths and plenty of playgrounds.  This is where we would take our children when they were little.  They still look back on the alligator slide in Tecolote Shores with fondness.

Leisure Lagoon has a secluded swimming area (no other activity allowed).  This even includes a small island, Leisure Island.

The Mission Bay Resort separates Leisure Lagoon from Tecolote Shores.  The resort has its own pier and rental facilities.

Tecolote Shores has the best playgrounds in Mission Bay.  There is also a large grassy area for outdoor sports.  The beach area is small but functional for limited swimming/wading.  However, there is not really a sandy area and the dedicated swimming area is small.  If you want sand in this area Leisure Lagoon is the place to go.

The eastern side of Mission Bay is directly on the I-5 interstate making access very easy.  The only dining options within walking distance are at Mission Bay resort.  However, there are many eating places a short drive away.

For our full guide to Mission Bay go here.

San Diego Mission Bay Guide

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For our guide to Mission Bay Beaches go here.

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