Mission Beach: A Hub of Activity
Mission Beach is one of the most popular beaches in San Diego and it is considered one of the busiest as well. Every summer thousands of tourists and locals alike make their way to Mission Beach for a day of fun, activity, and relaxation. Even during the off seasons the beach is fairly busy. Of all the beaches in San Diego, this one hums with activity as surfers, bikers, and skaters make their way up and down the cement boardwalk parallel to the beach. It’s also a great place for a romantic getaway!
Early mornings at Mission Beach are generally overcast. You’ll find many people exercising and running up and down the beach in the early morning. During certain times of the year you will find many sea shells washed up on the shore. It’s a great time to pick up shells if you have a collection!
However, one of the big attractions to Mission Beach and what makes it unique is Belmont Park, an amusement center that houses the historic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster. Belmont Park is just a few steps from the beach, so you’re sure to have a fun-filled day. There are also many other rides for the whole family including bumper cars, the Liberty Carousel, and even a video and game arcade. If you’re a visitor to San Diego, there are even a few gift shops to buy souvenirs at Belmont Park.
There are many homes along Mission Beach that are rented out during the summer as vacation homes. Being that San Diego is home to quite a few colleges and universities, you’ll also find many of the students living in the many cottages and apartments in the area surrounding Mission Beach. And where there are students, there are quite a few pubs and bars! Up and down Mission Boulevard you’ll find little hangouts to sit, relax, have a couple drinks, and do some people watching.
For those people that are active, you can ride your bike, go surfing, roller blade, or skate up and down the boardwalk. There are a few places that offer bike, surf boards, or rollerblade rentals. It’s also very common to find people playing a game of beach volleyball or Frisbee throwing on the beach.
However, if you prefer to go shopping, you can walk up Mission Boulevard where there are locally owned clothing boutiques, cafes, and smoke shops. You can even take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the coffee shops.
Of course, you will work up an appetite from all the fun you’ll be having at Mission Beach! There are a couple restaurants right on the beach including Canes Bar & Grill and Wavehouse. However, if you decide to bring your own food, you can enjoy a nice picnic on the grassy areas by the beach. There is also a big park right across the street from Belmont Park where you can lay out a blanket and just enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather.
What’s a beautiful day at the beach without a gorgeous sunset! Watching the sun come down on the horizon is a spectacular sight - not to mention a romantic way to end the day. You’ll often see couples walking hand in hand walking along the boardwalk and simply enjoying each other’s company.
However, the fun doesn’t end when the sun comes down. Belmont Park stays open until 8 p.m. During the weekdays and closes at 10-11 p.m. on the weekends, depending on the weather. Many of the youngsters hang out while others start to make their way up Mission Boulevard to Pacific Beach, which is only a five minute drive away. However, if you’re still in a romantic mood, why not hang out on the beach, have a bonfire and watch the ocean waves roll in. On a clear night the thousands of stars shine bright and the scenery is just breathtaking. You can see all the city lights along the shore all the way up to La Jolla.
As you can see, there is no shortage of things to do at Mission Beach. Whether it’s riding the roller coaster, going for a bike ride on the boardwalk, or just enjoying the gorgeous sunset, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.