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Mission Beach Park: San Diego's Boardwalk Beach

Experience the quintessential San Diego beach life at Mission Beach Park, with its iconic boardwalk and Belmont Park.

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Mission Beach Park is a vibrant beach community in San Diego, known for its lively boardwalk, Belmont Park amusement park, and classic Southern California beach atmosphere. It's a popular destination for families, young adults, and tourists seeking a fun-filled beach experience.

A brief summary to Mission Beach Park

  • Monday 11 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-8 pm
  • Friday 11 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially during summer, to secure parking, as it can be challenging to find a spot.
  • Take advantage of the boardwalk for a scenic walk, bike ride, or rollerblade session.
  • Visit Belmont Park for a mix of historic and modern amusement park rides and attractions.
  • Explore both North and South Mission Beach to experience the different vibes each area offers.
  • Check out the sunset from the beach or the jetty for a memorable view.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Diego, the most straightforward public transport option involves taking the trolley to Old Town, then transferring to the MTS #8 bus. This bus route will drop you off along Mission Boulevard, near the beach. A one-way fare on the trolley is around $2.50, and the bus fare is the same. A day pass for unlimited rides on the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System costs about $6.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Mission Bay area, walking to Mission Beach Park is a pleasant option. From the western side of Mission Bay, head west towards Mission Boulevard. Cross Mission Boulevard to reach the beach and boardwalk. The walk from most points on Mission Bay's western edge to Mission Beach Park is generally flat and takes approximately 15-30 minutes.

  • Ride Share

    From the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego, a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft to Mission Beach Park typically costs between $20 and $30, depending on traffic and demand. The ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Be aware that during peak season, prices may surge.

  • Parking

    Driving to Mission Beach Park is relatively straightforward, but parking can be challenging, especially during peak season. From I-5, take the Mission Bay Drive exit and follow the signs to Mission Beach. Public parking lots are available on either side of Belmont Park and near South Mission Beach Park. Parking is free in these lots, but they tend to fill up quickly. Street parking is also available, but limited, so check signage for restrictions. There is vehicle parking prohibited in most public parking lots in Mission Bay Park and the beach areas between 2 a.m. to 4 a.m.

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Discover more about Mission Beach Park

Mission Beach Park is a dynamic and bustling beach community nestled on a sandbar between the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay in San Diego, California. Spanning nearly two miles of oceanfront, it's bounded by the San Diego River estuary to the south, Mission Bay Park to the east, and Pacific Beach to the north. The park offers a classic boardwalk beach town experience with a lively atmosphere. The main attraction is the iconic boardwalk, a concrete walkway stretching about 3.5 miles from North Pacific Beach to South Mission Beach, perfect for walking, jogging, biking, and people-watching. Belmont Park, a historic amusement park, sits at the heart of Mission Beach, featuring the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, originally built in 1925, along with various rides, games, and eateries. Mission Beach is divided into South Mission and North Mission. South Mission Beach offers a more relaxed pace, with a wide beach ideal for volleyball and sunbathing, and a jetty popular for fishing. North Mission Beach is known for its energetic vibe, with numerous rental shops and bars catering to a younger crowd. The area is popular for water sports, including surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Mission Beach's history dates back to 1914 when developers began subdividing the area. John D. Spreckels played a significant role in shaping Mission Beach by constructing the Mission Beach Amusement Center in 1925 to boost real estate sales. Today, Mission Beach remains a beloved destination, offering a quintessential Southern California beach experience with its blend of recreation, entertainment, and natural beauty.

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