Located in the middle of a long San Diego beach called "The Strand,'' Mission Beach stretches out for about two miles from the Mission Bay channel entrance to the north end of Pacific Beach. Its length is paralleled by a narrow cement boardwalk that is popular among local residents for walking, skating, biking, and other activities.
Huge crowds can often be found at Mission Beach, particularly in the summer months when the waters of the Pacific reach temperatures in the mid-70s. Separate areas of the beach have been designated for swimming and surfing. Strong rip currents can be present, so visitors are advised to pay close attention to and obey posted signs. Scuba diving and snorkeling are not recommended here, owing to a lack of undersea features and the presence of heavy surf.
Lifeguards are on duty every day of the year at the main lifeguard station located in front of Ventura Place. During the summer, additional lifeguards are positioned at the seasonal lifeguard towers along the beach. Their duty hours typically start at 9am and run through sunset, although extended hours may apply depending on surf conditions and scheduled events.
Belmont Park, the small amusement park located at Mission Beach, is on the corner of West Mission Bay Drive and Mission Boulevard near the lifeguard station. Its landmark roller coaster called the "Giant Dipper,'' can be seen from all parts of the beach. Rebuilt in 1990 but still made of white-washed wood, creaking timbers and clanking steel surrounded by carnival lights, it is one of two original oceanfront roller coasters still operating on the West Coast.
Although many retailers can be found about a block from the beach on Mission Boulevard, restaurants, shops, and beach rental outlets offering roller blades, skateboards, and beach cruisers are most numerous in the vicinity of the Mission Beach lifeguard station. There are public restrooms and showers at the station, too. Other public facilities are available in the adjacent commercial mall and at the south side of Belmont Park.
Other than wheelchairs and strollers, vehicles with more than two wheels are not permitted on the boardwalk at Mission Beach. Furthermore, cyclists and skaters must maintain speeds of eight miles per hour or less.
Containers for beach fires fueled by wood, charcoal, or paper products have been provided along Mission Beach. They can be used on a first come, first served basis. The burning of trash, however, is prohibited, as are open beach fires. As a safety precaution, the fuel used for fires may not extend more than twelve inches above the container rim.
Visitors should be aware that the consumption of alcohol at the beach and in the park areas, including the boardwalk, the seawall and parking lots, is not allowed. Large groups may use the beach for weddings, water events, athletic events, concerts, parties and fun fairs, but permits are required in advance from the Regional Parks Department.
The heart of Mission Beach is the intersection of West Mission Bay Drive and Ventura Place, San Diego, California 92109. By car, take Interstate 5 to Grand Avenue and follow it west to Mission Boulevard. Turn south to West Mission Bay Drive and the beach. Public parking lots are available on the north and south side of Belmont Park, at Gleason Road, and across the street adjacent to Bonita Cove. Lots fill up quickly on busy summer days and traffic can be heavy.
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