midwesttoo

I need help deciding between locations, I have it narrowed down to a condo right on the boardwalk in north mission beach. or a condo one street back off WindandSea beach in La Jolla. My husband would prefer a less crowded area of the beach, but we also have a 14 (boy) and 18 (girl) yr old children w/ us - it maybe fun for them to find others to gang w/ on the beach (beach volleyball etc...) We are beach people, usually go to the east coast and easily spend all day on the beach. I would like my kids to take surfing lessons, we would go on a sail/snokeling trip, go to the zoo and take in a padres game. We are planning on going in mid-July. Your pro's and cons on the locations would help - thanks,

cnn

I think your family would enjoy Mission Bay, especially the Bahi Hotel. It is located on Mission Bay a short-block from the beach (with a nice boardwalk), near the Belmont Amusement Park and Sea World. The Bahia offers many water activities such as surfing, sailing and kayaking on their secluded beach. You can rent bikes and inline skates from the hotel or from one of the local vendors. During the evening, take the Bahai Belle for an evening dinner and dancing cruise. Did I say there are tennis courts, a nice pool and a recreation center for the kids? My teenagers loved the Bahai and I did too.

Heavens

Teens LOVE Mission Bay. They can hang out, rent bikes and ride along the ocean/bay, lots of shops, restaurants, Belmont Park with roller coaster and arcade... other teens. Lots of fun. Very crowded though...

sceneisle

North Mission or Pacific Beach would probably be a better choice for your family. Windansea Beach has a rocky shoreline and underwater reefs with a potentially dangerous "shorebreak" (waves breaking too close to shore, caused by the steep bank of the beach). Mission and Pacific Beach are longer/wider and are more safe for swimming and water activities. These beaches will be loaded with teenagers, especially in the summertime. Pacific Beach (just north of Mission Beach) has plenty of decent restaurants which you could walk to. Have a great time in San Diego!

itsv

Whenever I have company come into town and want surf lessons, I hook them up with lessons out of the Ocean Beach surf shop (also known as Ocean Experience or OB surf shop). They take you down to South Mission Beach for the lesson and provide all equipment. My kids have attended their week-long surf camp (called Ocean Experience) which got them both up and surfing. The guy that owns the shop is very nice.

I agree that for your kids Mission Beach is better. Every summer my neighbors rent a beach house in Mission Beach and we all hang out there (we all have 14 year old sons). The kids ride their bikes up and down the boardwalk, ride the rides at belmont and love just hanging out.

Wind and Sea is beautiful but they are right about the waves. Plus for surfing it is more of a locals spot (e.g. not the best for beginners). Half of the state of Arizona is hanging out in Mission Beach during the summer (we call them zonies) so your kids will have the chance to meet up with other visitors.
have fun, itsv

ltt

don't plan on snorkeling. there really isn't any good stuff off of san diego to see.