Mission Beach

700 Ventura Place, Mission Beach, San Diego, California (map)

Beach Highlights

The beach at Mission Beach is a popular spot for the younger crowd. The beach is also well suited for families and kids, swimming, surfing, walking, jogging and sunbathing. The surrounding funky homes and shop, younger crowd, the boardwalk, and Belmont Park largely define the beach culture.

The Strand

Mission Beach is the center of a continuous stretch of beach known as The Strand, which extends over 3 1/2 miles, beginning at South Mission Beach at the Mission Bay channel inlet and ending at North Pacific Beach. The Strand is the most popular beach in San Diego, drawing large crowds in summer.

The Boardwalk

Along Mission Beach, The Oceanfront Boardwalk stretches 3 miles, connecting Law Street Park in North Pacific Beach to South Mission Beach at the inlet.

People can walk, jog, bike ride, roller blade and skate board along the boardwalk within acceptable speed limits. No motorized vehicles are allowed, except for wheel chairs.

Belmont Park and The Wave House

North of Ventura Place is Belmont Park, an amusement park on Mission Beach boardwalk. Belmont Park features The Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, several other rides, several restaurants, gift and concession shops, and the Wave House.

The Wave House features the Wave House Athletic Club, The Wave House Bar & Grill and The Big Wave ride.

South of Belmont Park is a giant parking lot, and beyond that a nice park. Beyond that point is South Mission Beach, a residential area

Mission Bay

East of Belmont Park and the beach, just across Mission Blvd, is Mission Bay Park. Although only a block away, Mission Bay Park seems another world apart. The high activity, busy boardwalk, rolling surf, and shops and restaurants are replaced by the low key atmosphere of calm waters, large grassy areas and shade trees, picnic tables and children's playground.

Ventura Place

The block of Ventura Place, between the boardwalk and Mission Blvd., and just north of Belmont Park, has a concentration of shops, clubs and restaurants. Hamel's Surf Shop is right on the boardwalk. This well known landmark looks out of place like a medival castle.

Just north of Hamel's are restrooms and the Mission Beach Life Guard Station. Beyond that point, you won't find much more retail, until you get to Santa Rita Place.

Amenities

Public restrooms and showers are located at the foot of Ventura Street at the lifeguard station and at the south side of Belmont Park, and at the commercial mall adjacent to the Mission Beach lifeguard station.

Regulations

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

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.

Alcohol

No alcohol is allowed on beach.

Water Activity Zones

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

More Details

Parking

Extensive free public parking is available on the north and south side of Belmont Park, and at the foot of West Mission Bay Drive. There is additional parking in two lots across

Lifeguards

Lifeguards are staffed daily year round at the main lifeguard station at the foot of Ventura Place. 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.

The Mission Beach Life Guard Station to Crystal Pier is 1 3/4 miles, while the station to South Mission Beach water inlet is a mile.

Contact San Diego Lifeguard Service:
2581 Quivira Court, San Diego CA 92109
Urgent Business (619) 221-8800
Business (619) 221-8899
Fax office (619) 221-8858
Fax dispatch (619) 221-8881
Weather (619) 221-8824

Disabled Access

The boardwalk is accessible to wheelchairs and provides an excellent viewpoint of the beach. A special beach wheelchair, which requires an attendant, is generally kept at the main lifeguard station and available on a first come, first served basis at no charge.