South Mission Beach

South Mission Beach is bordered on the south by the Mission Bay Channel. It has, perhaps, the widest beach in the City. Recently, it has become known as a popular place to engage in sports such as beach volleyball and basketball following an extensive refurbishing of the courts. A popular game similar to baseball called "Over-The-Line" is allowed in a portion of this area.

Lifeguard Protection:

Lifeguards are staffed daily year round at the main lifeguard station at the foot of Avalon Court. In summer, additional lifeguards are staffed along the beach in seasonal lifeguard towers. Lifeguards are generally on duty from 9:00 a.m. to dusk; but check with lifeguards for specific staff hours.

Rip Currents:

Most California beaches experience strong rip currents. Our safety tips section provides an explanation of rip currents and some methods of freeing yourself if caught in a rip current. The best advice is to swim near a lifeguard.

Water Activity Zones:

This beach has separate water areas reserved for swimming and surfing. Check with lifeguards for details.

Surfing:

Surfing is permitted at this beach in designated areas. Mission Beach Jetty offers excellent surf, watch out for the locals, they can be a bit unruly.

Scuba:

This beach is not recommended for scuba diving due to lack of undersea life, heavy water activity, and surf.

Restrooms and Showers:

Public restrooms and showers are located at the foot of San Diego Place, ear the parking lot.

Disabled Accessibility:

The boardwalk is accessible to wheelchairs and provides an excellent viewpoint of the beach. A special ramp extends from the parking lot onto the beach to allow for wheelchair access.

Beach Fires:

Containers for beach fires are generally provided during summer months and available on a first come, first served basis. The burning of rubbish is prohibited. Only wood, charcoal, or paper products may be used as fuel. Fuel for the fire may not exceed a height of more than twelve inches above the upper edge of the fire container. The fire must be extinguished before leaving the beach. Open beach fires outside containers are prohibited at all San Diego beaches.

Regulations -- Standard San Diego beach regulations apply, with the following modifications:

• Alcohol may not be consumed on the boardwalk, on or against the seawall, in any park adjacent to the beach, or in the parking lots.
• Alcohol may be consumed on the beach from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. so long as persons are not touching the seawall.

Directions:

Take Interstate 5 to Sea World Drive. Follow the signs to West Mission Bay Drive. Turn left on Mission Blvd. At the south end of Mission Blvd. turn right into the parking lot.

Public Transit:

Call San Diego Transit at (619) 233-3004 for buses that serve this beach.

Parking:

Extensive free public parking is available at the south end of this beach.This lot fills very quickly on busy summer days and traffic can be heavy at times.

Large Groups:

The basic rule of thumb is that any gathering of over 75 people requires a permit from the Park and Recreation Department. A permit is also required for a wedding, water event, athletic event, voice and/or music amplification, or use of special setup equipment (such as an inflatable party jump, dunk tank, canopy, etc.) For permit information call Coastline Parks at (619)221-8901.

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