Mission Beach

Mission Beach Review

San Diego's most popular beach draws huge crowds on hot summer days, but it's lively year-round. The 2-mile-long stretch extends from the northern entrance of Mission Bay to Pacific Beach. A wide boardwalk paralleling the beach is popular with walkers, joggers, roller skaters, rollerbladers, and bicyclists. Surfers, swimmers, and volleyball players congregate at the southern end. Scantily clad volleyball players practice on Cohasset Court. Toward its northern end, near the Belmont Park roller coaster, the beach narrows and the water becomes rougher. The crowds grow thicker and somewhat rougher as well. For parking, you can try for a spot on the street, but your best bets are the two big lots at Belmont Park. Amenities: lifeguards, parking (no fee), showers, toilets. Best for: swimming, surfing, walking.