Mission Beach

Located between the ocean and the 4,600-acre Mission Bay Park, Mission Beach is the quintessential San Diego beach community. Known as The Strand, the beach extends two miles from the Mission Bay Channel entrance to the north end of Pacific Beach. Sunbathing, swimming, surfing and other beach activities are popular on the ocean side.  Jet skiing, windsurfing and sailing are the sports of choice on the bay side. 

A narrow cement boardwalk parallels the beach permitting walking, biking and related activities. Fires are permitted on the beach in the containers provided and alcohol is permitted from noon to 8 pm as long as it is not near the seawall.

There are shops, restaurants and beach rental outfitters at the foot of Ventura Street near the famous Big Dipper Roller Coaster.  Belmont Park shopping center also features The Plunge swimming pool.

The upscale neighborhoods of Crown Point and Fiesta Island are also part of the Mission Beach area.

Free parking is available on the north and south side of Belmont Park and at the foot of West Mission Bay Drive.  Additional parking is available in two lots across the street from Bonita Cove.