Message: Tried to reach SDSam at [email protected] but got my e-mail sent back as site can't be located so maybe someone can help on the Fodor's information channel.
I'm concerned about his comment posted 2-sep-98 about staying away from Mission Beach. We are traveling to San Diego for three days next week the 2nd of October for a stopover on our way to Hawaii and we thought we found a very attractive and roomy condo through the visitor centers guide book called Ventanas Al Mar located at 3631 Ocean front Walk in Mission Beach and now I wonder if we made a mistake. I would appreciate any information anyone may have on the area and what "SDSam" may have be referring to.
Thanks in advance.
Jim

Well.... I grew up in San Diego, and spent a lot of time in Misson Beach and Ocean Beach. As a tourist, I would not probably reccomend staying there. You are near to Sea World, but also Misson beach is probably a more run down part of San Diego. Though, I live in NY now and would have to say, I still feel very safe in Misson Beach. If you will be renting a car in SD, which is a must. Then stay in Misson Beach and drive everywhere. The hot spot places to stay of course in San Diego would be La Jolla and Coranado Island. I would not be to worried, if you found a good deal, take it!

Hi Jim,
I live here in San Diego and am a native. There is NOTHING wrong with Mission Beach. In fact it is very nice. What I think they might be talking about is that it gets crowded and busy, but not busier than anything else would.
Don't worry, there's 2.5 miles of beach and you're right where why everybody comes to San Diego. You'll have a great time!
peace,

tom

Tom, You sure made my day. I've heard so many great things about San Diego that I am under the impression that it is beautiful anywhere you go. When I read the warning to stay away from Mission Beach my heart stopped because I was the one who picked the place for our group of 5 adults. Your observations and first hand knowledge has me back to the point of excitement instead of thinking the worst.
thanks again. Jim

I have lived in San Diego for 15 years and there is nothing wrong with the area where you are renting a condo. October is a perfect time to visit SD. I do recommend that if time allows a visit to the Hotel Del and the San Diego Zoo. Also recommend Del Mar Plaza for some great restaurants and views. Enjoy your stay.

I am very surprised by the comments posted about Mission Beach. My husband and I returned last weekend from a two week vacation there where we'd also rented an apartment (in South Mission Beach right near Brighton Court and Ocean Front Walk). It was one of the best vacations we've ever had! At the end of September we found uncrowded beaches and perfect weather. If you're looking for a real "California experience" it doesn't get any better. My husband is German, and he loved seeing - and living - the beach lifestyle for two weeks. The scene is very young and sufer-like, and it's fun just to people watch. There are inexpensive restaurants all along Ocean Front Walk as well as several "singles" bars. (I'd also highly recommend "The Mission" on Mission Blvd for fantastic breakfasts.) As far as being "run-down," I would say that the average apartment house in Mission Beach is not luxurious. On the other hand, our apartment and all the other rentals we saw were clean, nicely decorated and roomy. (We even had a fireplace!) And if you're on Ocean Front Walk you're going to have an incredible view. You are literally on the beach. We also noted how safe the area was and took walks along the water at 10 and 11 clock at night without a problem. Jim, I hope you have as good a time as we did.

Thanks to everyone for your input. We are looking forward to beautiful vacation in San Diego.