Mission Beach is popular
for bicycling, roller blading, swimming, surfing, and volleyball. The
boardwalk is a popular place to see people, especially at night. A
party can usually be found somewhere on a Friday or Saturday night and
as the atmosphere is charged at Belmont Park. This is where
Big Dipper Roller Coaster twists and turns not far from the water's
edge, and The Plunge swimming pool creates a splash on wild, wet side.
Then there's the 4,600-acre Mission Bay Park, a constant parade
of foot traffic and water sports.
There's a long history of
merry-making in this region. Home to Tent City in the early 1920's. J.
M. Asher is credited with creating a place where people could spend
the summer right on the beach at Mission Beach. People liked the
idea of living at the beach so much, that they stayed there -
permanently. They built houses and created their own community within
the bounds of San Diego. That community has survived with its
own atmosphere and community pride, though it is a part of the City of
San Diego. And, while San Diego is home to some of the world's
most affluent people, it is also a resting ground for down and outers.
On our tour of California cities and beaches, we do occasionally see
some hardship along the way.
The bay side, home of the
Mission Bay Aquatic Center and Mission Bay Golf Course, is
popular for jet skiing, windsurfing and sailing while the beach
side supports sunbathing, swimming and surfing. Also included is the upscale neighborhood of Crown Point and Fiesta Island, site of the
annual Over-The-Line tournament, a three-person softball game. One of San Diego's most famous attraction, Sea World, is tucked into
Mission Bay's southeastern corner and the city's official visitor
center is on the east side.
Beach Information &
Regulations for Mission Beach
Mission Beach is the center
of a continuous stretch of beach known as The Strand, which extends
over two miles, beginning at the Mission Bay channel entrance and
ending at the north end of Pacific Beach. The Strand is the most
popular beach area in the City of San Diego and draws large crowds in
summer.
A somewhat narrow cement
boardwalk parallel's the entire beach. Walking, biking, bicycling, and
related activities are permitted on the boardwalk, but speed is
regulated and must be kept to eight miles per hour or less. Cycles
with more than two wheels are not permitted except for use by the
disabled. At all times, people must use caution and courtesy in using
the boardwalk. Various shops, restaurants, and beach rental outfits
surround the Mission Beach lifeguard station, at the foot of
Ventura Street beside a landmark roller coaster. The north end of
Mission Beach is bordered by residential properties, but there are
some stores available on Mission Boulevard, a block or so from the
beach.
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. This
beach has separate water areas reserved for swimming and surfing.
Check with lifeguards for details. Surfing is permitted at this beach
in designated areas. This beach is not recommended for scuba diving
due to lack of undersea life, heavy water activity, and surf.
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. 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.
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 may not be consumed
on the boardwalk, on or against the seawall, in any park adjacent to
the beach, or in the parking lots. Alcohol may be consumed on
the beach from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. so long as persons are not
touching the seawall.
Take Interstate 5 to Grand
Avenue. Follow it west to Mission Boulevard. Take Mission Boulevard
south the roller coaster at West Mission Bay Drive. Call San Diego
Transit at (619) 233-3004 for buses that serve this beach. 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 the street adjacent to Bonita
Cove. These lots fill very quickly on busy summer days and traffic can
be heavy at times.
The basic rule of thumb is
that any gathering of over 75 people requires a permit from the Park
and Recreation Department. A permit is also required for a wedding,
water event, athletic event, voice and/or music amplification, or use
of special setup equipment (such as an inflatable party jump, dunk
tank, canopy, etc.) For permit information call Coastline Parks at
(619) 221-8901.
South Mission Beach
Information & Regulations
South
Mission Beach is bordered on the south by the Mission Bay Channel. It
has, perhaps, the widest beach in the City. Recently, it has become
known as a popular place to engage in sports such as beach
volleyball and basketball following an extensive refurbishing of the
courts. A popular game similar to baseball called
"Over-The-Line" is allowed in a portion of this area. This
beach has separate water areas reserved for swimming and surfing.
Check with lifeguards for details. Surfing is permitted at this beach
in designated areas. This beach is not recommended for scuba diving
due to lack of undersea life, heavy water activity, and surf.
Lifeguards are staffed daily
year round at the main lifeguard station at the foot of Avalon Court.
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
boardwalk is accessible to wheelchairs and provides an excellent
viewpoint of the beach. A special ramp extends from the parking lot
onto the beach to allow for wheelchair access.
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 may not be consumed
on the boardwalk, on or against the seawall, in any park adjacent to
the beach, or in the parking lots. Alcohol may be consumed on the
beach from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. so long as persons are not touching
the seawall.
Take Interstate 5 to Sea
World Drive. Follow the signs to West Mission Bay Drive. Turn left
on Mission Blvd. At the south end of Mission Blvd. turn right into
the parking lot. Extensive free public parking is available at the
south end of the beach. This lot fills very quickly on busy summer days and
traffic can be heavy at times.
San
Diego
