San Diego Mission Bay Guide
San Diego’s Mission Bay is one of the city’s prime attractions. There are all kinds of water-based activities and the area is home to some of San Diego’s best resorts. This is our Mission Bay Guide.
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Overview
Mission Bay is a man-made saltwater bay at the entrance of the Pacific Ocean and the San Diego River. Mission Bay Park is operated by the city of San Diego. At over 4,000 acres, it is considered the largest aquatic park of its kind. Along with about 2,000 acres of water, there are 27 miles of shorelines, 19 of which are sandy beaches. The bay was developed from the 1940s to the 1960s from a tidal marsh area that supposedly was given the name False Bay by Juan Cabrillo in 1542. Mission Bay is located directly north of the San Diego airport about 3 miles north of downtown. The east end of the bay runs along the I-5 freeway. The north end is part of the Pacific Beach community. The west end of Mission Bay is a narrow strip of land that separates the bay from the Pacific Ocean. This strip is known as the Mission Beach area.
At the southern tip of Mission Beach/Mission Bay the San Diego River enters the bay from the ocean. Mission Bay is huge and there are all kinds of things to do. Most of the resorts are along the western end. The northeastern end is home to a wildlife preserve and some RV camping areas. This area is popular for jet skis and water skiing. The southern end of Mission Bay is dominated by the SeaWorld San Diego amusement park. There are two islands in Mission Bay. Vacation Isle is in the middle of the bay. This island is directly across from SeaWorld via the Ingraham Street bridge. It is home to the Paradise Point Resort & Spa as well as Ski Beech. Fiesta Island is a large undeveloped area at the southeast end of the bay.
Key Locations and Beaches
Starting at the southwest area of Mission Bay and going clockwise these are the different areas of Mission Bay
Mariners Basin/Bonita Cove
This basin runs from Mission Point Park at the entrance channel north to Bonita Cove and Belmont Park. The area is very popular for vacation rentals and it is only a 2-block walk from the bay to the ocean. Mission Point Beach is one of the best areas to learn to snorkel. The water is calm and there is plenty of sea life along the rocks at Mission Point. All along the basin there are sandy beaches, perfect for young children not ready to venture into the rougher ocean. This area is nice for a family outing or gathering because in addition to sandy beaches there are several grass parks with playgrounds.
Santa Barbara Cove/ Ventura Cove
North of Bonita Cove, W. Mission Bay Drive runs from SeaWorld to the Pacific Ocean where it ends at Belmont Park. Bahia Point separates Santa Barbara Cove from Ventura Cove. Bahia Point is home to the Bahia Resort and has some great family beaches running from Ventura Cove to Santa Barbara Cove. The beach area along Santa Barbara Cove is home to many vacation rentals. This is along the prime Mission Beach area with the Pacific Ocean only 2 blocks away.
Sail Bay
The northwest end of Mission Bay runs along Mission Beach to the Catamaran Resort at the start of Pacific Beach. This area is popular for sailing, kayaking and standup paddle boarding. There are nice sandy beaches in this area, but you will not find the grassy parks that you find in the south or east end of the bay. Note if you go along the ocean side there is a boardwalk that runs along Mission and Pacific Beach. This is in addition to the bike path that runs around the bay.
Crown Point
Crown Point is a peninsula that sticks out in the central north end of Mission Bay. Crown Point Park, on the east end of the peninsula has a huge parking lot. There is plenty of parking, a nice beach area and open grassy space with playgrounds. Note some of the beach area is for boating, not swimming. Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve is on the northeast end of Crown Point. This area is one of the last remaining undeveloped wetlands area of the bay. It is normally off-limits to the public, but we were able to visit in February 2020 on Love Your Wetlands Day.
Vacation Isle
Vacation Isle is in the center of Mission Bay, directly south of Crown Point and north of SeaWorld. Ingraham Street runs directly through the island. The east end of Vacation Isle is Ski Beech Park. There is plenty of parking and open grassy areas with playgrounds. However, the beach is mainly used for motorboat activities, such as jet skiing or water skiing. The west end of Vacation Isle is dominated by the Paradise Point Resort & Spa. However, North Cove Beach is a nice, secluded beach area with a small public parking lot.
On the southwest end of the island, Vacation Isle Park is a nice grassy area that overlook the Model Yacht Pond. There are not beaches in this area, but it is a great place for a picnic.
Fiesta Bay/De Anza Cove
The north east end of Mission Bay is home to RV resorts and camping. Campland on the Bay is a full resort with both tent camping and RV hookups. De Anza Cove features a ;arge grassy parl
East End/Fiesta Island
The east end of Mission Bay runs parallel to interstate 5. This area is home to several grassy areas with picnic spots, playgrounds and sandy beaches. The San Diego Mission Bay Resort sits on a prime spot in the center across from Fiesta island. Fiesta Island is a large peninsula that just into Mission Bay from the southeast. A one-way road circles the island. This area is popular for water sports. There is also Fiesta Island Dog Park, the only part of the bay where dogs are allowed off-the-leash. Enchanted Cove on Fiesta Island is home to the San Diego Youth Aquatic Center, a popular spot for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to learn canoeing, kayaking and standup paddle boarding. The general public can access Enchanted Cove from the beach off of Fiesta Island Rd.
South End
The south side of Mission Bay is dominated by SeaWorld and marinas where sportfishing tours set sail. South Shores Park, on the east side of SeaWorld is popular for boat launching. There is also a dedicated park for flying remote control model planes. On the west side of SeaWorld is Quivira Basin. This is a marina area where boats are docked. Many charter tours leave from this area. At the end of Quivira Basin is Hospitality Point which has a grassy picnic area and sits directly across the entrance channel from Mission Point Park.
Of course, Sea World is one of our Top 10 San Diego Attractions.
Beaches
Mission Bay is a great option for those looking for a day at a sandy beach. The saltwater bay is right by the ocean, but does not have the waves, rough surf and scary sea creatures that can be intimidating. For many San Diego families, the beaches of Mission Bay are the first introduction to the ocean. This includes learning how to snorkel in the calm water at Mission Point Park. It is even possible for families to enjoy both the ocean and the bay from a central location. We have created a full guide to Mission Bay beaches.
To find which beach is right for you check our guide to Best Mission Bay Beaches.
Attractions
Most of Mission Bay is about enjoying the water and water sports. However, there are also two big ticket attractions at Mission Bay, the SeaWorld amusement park and the smaller Belmont Park amusement area. SeaWorld is located at the south-central section of Mission Bay, a three-mile drive from the airport. This is one of San Diego’s most popular attractions and it is part of SeaWorld Entertainment which also operates the Busch Gardens theme parks in Florida and Virginia. Belmont Park sits right on the ocean a mile from SeaWorld. This is a smaller park right along Mission Beach and the boardwalk. Discount tickets to both SeaWorld and Belmont Park can be obtained with the purchase of a multi-attraction Go San Diego pass.
Activities
There are all kinds of things to do in Mission Bay. Among locals this is probably the most popular area for picnics and large family gatherings. The calm water makes the area perfect for young swimmers. Be sure and check out our Mission Bay beach guide for the best locations. There are multiple opportunities to take cruises around the bay and out into the Pacific Ocean. More active visitors will want to checkout the many opportunities for water sports, including sailing, standup paddle boarding, kayaking, jet skiing and water skiing.
Bay Cruises
There are a lot of short cruise opportunities in San Diego. We have only personally done a few of them and they change on a regular basis. The COVID-19 situation may have a significant impact on what is available at any given time. Two of the larger cruises include Bahia Belle and Cruise San Diego. There are also smaller wine and party cruises such as the Paddle Pub. Bahia Belle: This is a steamboat that crosses the west end of the bay from the Bahia Resort to the Catamaran Resort. We have done this cruise as an included part of Mother’s Day brunch at the resorts. Cruise San Diego: Cruise San Diego operates the 65-foot double decker Ohana which holds 128 people.
Sports Fishing and Whale Watching
Whale watching tours leave from Quivira Basin at San Diego Whale Watch. The basin is also home to several sports fishing companies that go out into the Pacific Ocean.
There is also shoreline fishing from almost all areas of Mission Bay. For anyone over the age of 16 fishing in Mission Bay requires a valid California Sport Fishing license with an Ocean Enhancement.
Jet Ski/JetPack/Personal Watercraft
Jet skis are the most popular form of personal watercraft (PWC) on Mission Bay.
Renting a jet ski on Mission Bay generally costs about $100/hour. Popular places to rent jet skis include
- Seaforth Boat Rentals in Quivira Basin (southwest side of the bay)
- Adventure Water Sports (locations on both the north and south end of the bay)
- Mission Bay Sportscenter (3 locations on west side of the bay). The Mission Bay Sportscenter also features the new activity of jetpacking. We have yet to see this in action.
- Action Sports Rentals (at all the major resorts)
There are many regulations around jet skiing, including the need for permits. If you rent a jet ski or other PWC they will tell you the rules and include permits. Of course, you can also bring your own equipment. Full rules and regulations for personal watercraft (PWC) on Mission Bay can be found at the US Coast Guard site here.
Most jet skiing is done on the eastern side of Mission Bay near Fiesta Island. There is a dedicated PWC area on the bridge to Fiesta Island. The map showing the PWC area in a red squiggly line is here.
Water Skiing/Wakeboarding
- Adventure Water Sports with locations on the northeast side of the bay at Campland and DeAnza Cove and on the south side at the Dana Resort rents ski boats.
- Mission Bay Sportscenter (3 locations on west side of the bay).
- Mission Bay Aquatic Center on the west end of the bay, offers wakeboarding and waterski boat rentals
- Action Sports Rentals (at all the major resorts)
If you bring your own boat make sure and check out the rules and regulations found at the US Coast Guard site here.
Most water skiing is done in Fiesta Bay on the eastern end of Mission Bay. However, there is a take off area in Sail Bay at Santa Clara Point. Skiing must be done in the direction indicated. A full map is available here.
There are three takeoff/landing areas for waterskiing
- Vacation Isle Ski Beach
- Crown Point
- Santa Clara Point on Sail Bay
Sailing
Sailing is popular on the west end of Mission Bay where the calm waters make it a perfect place to learn. Note that some (but not all) rental places will require certification to make sure renters know how to properly use the equipment. Places to rent sail boats include
- Mission Bay Aquatic Center on the west end at Santa Clara Point
- Action Sports Rentals (at all the major resorts)
- Mission Bay Sportscenter (3 locations on west side of the bay)
Sailboats are permitted in all boating areas of Mission Bay. However Sail Bay, in the northwest corner of Mission Bay is especially designed for sailing with speed limits for powerboats. The main limits on sail boats are avoiding the waterski zones and the dedicated swimming areas. These areas are marked on this map.
Other Boat Rentals
There are multiple places to rent kayaks and standup paddle boards throughout Mission Bay. Pedal Boats and Pontoon Boats are also popular options. Pontoon boats can be found at the places that rent motorized boats including Action Sports Rentals, Mission Bay Sportscenter and Adventure Water Sports.
Public Boat Launches
If you are bringing your own boat, Mission Bay has several public boat launches.
- Santa Clara Point – 1008 Santa Clara Pl, San Diego, CA 92109
- Dana Landing – Dana Landing Rd, San Diego, CA 92109
- Ski Beach – Vacation Rd, San Diego, CA 92109
- South Shores – South Shores Park, San Diego, CA 92109
- Campland on the Bay at Campland Marina – 2211 Pacific Beach Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
- De Anza Cove – North Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
Full rules and regulations for all types of boats and water activity on Mission Bay can be found at the US Coast Guard site here.
Biking
Mission Bay is the best place to bike in San Diego. There is a flat bike path that circles around the bay in a 12-mile loop. For a shorter bike ride we have an 8-mile ride that goes along the west end of the bay and up Mission beach along the boardwalk.
Model Toys
Mission Bay is the prime spot in San Diego for users of sophisticated model toys. Fiesta Island is the only place in San Diego where model rockets can be launched. You can find the rules and restrictions here. Vacation Isle Park is home to Model Yacht Pond in front of the Paradise Point resort. This is a large pond used for model boat racing. On the southeast end of Mission Bay by Sea World there is the home of the Silent Electric Flyers of San Diego for flying model aircraft. This for serious pilots only. A membership in AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) is required.
Resorts and Lodging
Booking.com Mission Bay is home to some of San Diego’s best resorts. We have a full guide to the resorts which include.
- Paradise Point Resort and Spa
- Bahia Resort Hotel
- Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
- Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
- Dana on Mission Bay
- San Diego Mission Bay Resort
There are also many vacation rentals along Mission Bay, especially on the west side
You can check with VRBO to find vacation rentals
For more hotel suggestions in the area check out our guide to Where to Stay in Central San Diego Beaches. Pacific Beach and Mission Beach border on Mission Bay.
Camping
Camping is done on the northeast end of Mission Bay. Campland on the Bay is a complete resort with RV and tent camping. There are watersport rentals, swimming pools, a skateboard park and an arcade Next door to Campland is the Mission Bay RV Resort at De Anza Cove. This is an RV resort where guests are allowed to use the amenities at Campland next door. Many San Diego school children are familiar with camping on Fiesta Island at the San Diego Youth Aquatic Center. However, this area is limited to youth organizations and is operated by the Boy Scouts of America
Dining
Mission Bay is definitely not known for its dining scene. The resorts along the bay will have fairly upscale restaurants, often with a view. However, the resort restaurants tend to be expensive. As locals we occasionally go for special brunch buffets the resorts offer on weekends and holidays. Outside of the resorts, dining options in the nearby area are very casual. The main complaint we hear from friends staying at the resorts is the lack of off-site dining options within walking distance. As locals we usually pack-in a picnic lunch or order takeout at a restaurant in nearby Pacific Beach.
Additional Resources and Links
For our guide to Mission Bay Beaches go here.
For hotel suggestions in the area check out our guide to Where to Stay in Central San Diego Beaches.
Check out our12-mile Mission Bay Bike loop that goes through most beaches (except for Vacation Isle).
East Mission Bay Beaches (North to South)
De Anza Cove
Leisure Lagoon and Tecolote Shoes
Fiesta Island and Enchanted Cove
Central Mission Bay Beaches (North to South)
Crown Point
Vacation Isle including Ski Peach, North Cove, Paradise Point and Vacation Isle Park
South Shores, Sunset Point and Dana Landing
Quivira Basin
North Mission Bay Beaches (North to South)
Sail Bay and Fanuel Street Park
Ventura Cove and Santa Barbara Cove
Bonita Cove, Mariners Basin and Mission Point Park
