San Diego, California has no shortage of things to do. In fact, it can be hard to narrow it down! If you’re looking for a variety of things to do and want to soak up the southern California sunshine, Mission Bay is where it’s at. It has over 27 miles of shoreline and is the largest man-made aquatic park in the world! Let’s explore all the awesome things to do in Mission Bay San Diego…
Let’s get right to it, because if you’re reading this you’ve already heard that Mission Bay is one of the coolest places in San Diego. But if you’re wondering exactly what kinds of things you can do there, I’ve got you covered. After all, I’ve lived here for over 5 years and spent tons of time exploring Mission Bay. Here’s what you can expect to find in this post:
- list of all the best things to do in Mission Bay San Diego
- map with points of interest
- tons of gorgeous photos to inspire you
- unique experiences you may not have heard about
Disclosure: Any tips or products shared are things I truly believe in. If you take action (ie make a purchase) after clicking one of the affiliate links, I’ll earn some money which helps me continue creating travel content for you. Thank you for your support!
Things To Do In Mission Bay San Diego
1. Have A Picnic Near The Water
Mission Bay has tons and tons of great places to picnic, grill out, and enjoy the water views and ocean breezes. A few of my favorite places for a picnic are Vacation Isle Park and Tecolote Shores. Many parks have grills and picnic tables available.
2. Bike, Run, or Walk On Over 14 Miles of Trails
There’s hardly a better place in San Diego to exercise. Great views and miles and miles of paved pathways make it a no-brainer. Check out this map for more info.
3. Enjoy Any Water Sport You Can Imagine
Jet skis, and paddleboards, and kayaks, oh my! There are over 12 different places to choose from when renting equipment, and Mission Bay has relatively calm waters and lots of coves and inlets to explore. You can even take lessons!
4. Relax At Fiesta Island
A small island that sits in the middle of Mission Bay, Fiesta Island is a great spot where you can drive right onto the beach, and even bring your dogs off leash. It’s a great laid-back place, free of businesses where you can relax and enjoy nature.
5. Beachfront RV and Camp Sites
You never have to leave the beach! Mission Bay RV Resort and Campland on the Bay are two places you can camp in Mission Bay and still be surrounded by tons of amenities and things to do.
6. Take A Whale-Watching Tour
No, there aren’t any whales in Mission Bay… but you can depart on a whale-watching tour from the Quivira Basin. There are several tour operators there. Whale watching is an AMAZING experience, and if you’d consider supporting Compass & Coastline, click the link below to find a whale watching tour. Get Your Guide is a really cool site because they have 24/7 support if you have any questions or want help choosing the right tour for your trip. If you use the search below to make a reservation, I’ll receive a small commission at no cost to you, which helps me produce travel content just like this. Thank you for supporting me!
7. Cruise On A 3-Story Sternwheeler Boat
For a truly unique Mission Bay San Diego experience, check out the Bahia Belle at Bahia Resort Hotel. A turn-of-the-century, Mississippi style boat, it’s one of the more unique things on this list that you wouldn’t expect to find in San Diego.
8. Soak Up The Sun At The Beach
Did you know Mission Bay has over 19 miles of sandy beaches? There’s also 8 designated swimming areas where you’ll find calmer waters than in the Pacific Ocean. You can also head west and explore Mission Beach (more on that down below).
9. Mission Beach And The Boardwalk
If you prefer oceanfront to the bay side, head to Mission Beach. It’s a lively and eclectic spot where you can sunbathe, surf, fish, or even bike, walk or skate down the boardwalk.
10. Seaside Fun At Belmont Park
Belmont Park is like half-carnival and half-amusement park. You’ll find the Giant Dipper roller coaster, mini golf, bumper cars, along with shopping, bike rentals, and tons of great fair-style food as well as restaurants. Check out Plunge San Diego, an oceanfront indoor pool with a retractable roof. Pretty cool!
11. Just Sail Away
Sailboat rentals, classes, and more… there are tons of options for sailing in Mission Bay San Diego. It’s a beautiful way to get out on the water and one of my favorite things to do in the city! And it’s especially gorgeous at sunset.
12. Check Out The Marine Life At Sea World
Sea World San Diego is located right in the heart of Mission Bay, and of course has orcas, dolphins, penguins, and seals along with many other animals. They have beautiful grounds too, and lots of bay views from around the park.
13. Fly A Kite
Mission Bay San Diego has actually been named on USA Today’s list of Top Ten Places in the World to Fly a Kite. In the WORLD! Mariner’s Point, Tecolote Shores North and Fiesta Island are the best places to visit if you want to catch the breeze just right.
14. Take A Ride In A Surrey
Why rent a regular bike when you could rent a buggy-style surrey? They are so much fun and can hold up to 4 people. One of the best places to rent surreys is Paradise Point Resort on Vacation Isle. They have beautiful grounds and minimal car traffic, along with a few on-site restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat afterwards.
15. Go Fishing In Mission Bay
A really popular thing to do in Mission Bay San Diego is go fishing! Not a day goes by that you won’t see many fisherman at different coves and inlets around Mission Bay. I’m not a fisherman, but I found this post that has some great information if you want to know more.
16. Grab A Meal With A View
Bayfront dining is the BEST. Wonderful views, ocean breezes, and it’s nice and relaxing. Practially all the resorts around Mission Bay have their own bayside restaurants, so you’ll have many options to choose from. A few to check out are Oceana Coastal Kitchen and Barefoot Bar & Grill.
17. Play A Round Of Golf
Mission Bay Golf Course and Practice Center is an 18-hole course, and the only golf course in San Diego with night lighting! Located adjacent to Mission Bay near Point de Anza, it also has a driving range and sits on over 46 acres.
18. Have An Epic Beach Bonfire
This is a super fun and iconic thing to do in Mission Bay San Diego. There are many fire pits spread out around the bay, and be sure to get there early in the afternoon (or during the morning during peak season) to claim one. Playa Pacifica Park and Ski Beach Park are two good options.
Ready To Visit Mission Bay San Diego?
Before you go, here are a few of my other San Diego posts I know you’ll LOVE and find helpful when planning your trip:
- Top 10 Things To Do in Southern California
- Curious What To Do in San Diego? 20 Places to Explore
- USA Beach Towns: Your Guide to Encinitas California
- Local’s Guide to La Jolla: Things To Do, See and Eat
Consider Supporting The Blog (at no extra cost to you!)
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