Welcome to Mission Beach, one of the liveliest beaches in San Diego where both locals and tourists alike flock to. While just a small section of San Diego, this part of town holds a plethora of attractions and adventures waiting to be explored. All the main points of interest at Mission Beach can be explored in just a single day if you have the right guide to help you.
Here’s my guide to Mission Beach in an adventure-packed day!
Lunch at Cheesy Express
Grab a hearty lunch at Cheesy Express , a small shop just across the street from Belmont Park, to fuel you for your adventures. Cheesy Express features gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches that will appeal to your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Don’t forget to check out their delectable dessert sandwiches that are equally as appetizing.
DESTINATION: 3219 Mission Blvd San Diego, CA 92109
TEL: 858.886.7480
Explore the Jetty
From afar, the jetty appears to be a long strip of rocks. If you take a closer look however, you’ll find an abandoned structure resting in the middle of the South Mission Beach Jetty. Bring your shoes with good traction and explore the abandoned fish bait shop on the jetty. If you enjoy fishing, many fishermen have found luck fishing in this spot.
Tan on the Beach
You can’t leave San Diego without a tan. Take advantage of the miles of beaches in Mission Beach. Aside from laying out and catching some rays, you can also take advantage of the numerous beach volleyball courts along Ocean Front Walk. There are also ample people watching opportunities at Mission Beach: from a plethora of surfers to the infamous Slo Mo , a man who quit his medical career to pursue his passion of skating.
Take a Walk
Take a stroll along the beach on the paved Ocean Front Walk Trail. This 2.5-mile trail extends from Mission Beach to Pacific Beach. On the way you will take in the Pacific Ocean to your left, admire the rows of beach front rentals to your right, and share the walkway with throngs of eager beach goers. There are plenty of bars and restaurants along the way if you need to quench your thirst.
Ride a Roller Coaster
No stop in Mission Beach is complete without taking a ride on the Giant Dipper roller coaster at Belmont Park. Belmont Park is a beachfront amusement park with a number of attractions including:
- Miniature Golf
- Rides
- Arcade Games
- Laser Tag
- Rock Climbing
- Zip Line
- Wave Machine
Whether you’re 10 or 40, Belmont Park has something for every age to enjoy.
DESTINATION: 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
TEL: 858.488.1549
Grab a Beer
Cap off your day by grabbing a beer at Draft near Belmont Park. Draft serves up to 69 beers on tap, making this the perfect stop for brews and views. Drink a cold one while taking in a breathtaking sunset with views of the Pacific Ocean directly in front of your table. On Tuesdays, Draft even serves up live music with some of the best local artists.
DESTINATION: 3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA, 92109
TEL: 858.228.9305
Photo Credit: Jeremy Thompson , Patrickcam , Kit Corry
