Making your way to sunny and inviting Mission Beach, California is always an adventure worth looking forward to enjoying. Year-round, this beautiful destination has a long lineup of activities and attractions to add to your itinerary. When you happen to have seven days to spare in the name of fun, the following are a few must-try experiences you won’t want to miss out on in and around the area.
Day 1: Explore the Mission Beach Boardwalk
Your trip to Mission Beach won’t quite feel complete without time well spent on the iconic Mission Beach Boardwalk. That’s where you’ll start on day one of your journey enjoying the 3.5 miles of boardwalk waiting to be explored. The Mission Beach Boardwalk extends from North Pacific Beach to South Mission Beach, offering sensational views along the way. Enjoy a sunny afternoon of skateboarding, rollerblading, walking, or biking along the boardwalk before settling into the sand and making the most of watching the waves roll in.
Mission Beach Boardwalk
West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, California
619-232-3101
Day 2: Fish the Crystal Pier
If you happen to be a traveler with a passion for angling, a day on the Crystal Pier in Mission Beach is a must. This fan-favorite pier is a terrific place to cast a line as it extends out over the gentle waters 872 feet. The views are top-notch and there’s a good chance something exciting will be biting no matter when you drop by. Some of the many species known to inhabit the waters around Crystal Pier include yellowfin croaker, spotfin, and corbina too.
Crystal Pier
4500 Ocean Boulevard, San Diego, California
800-748-5894
Day 3: Spend Quality Time at Palisades Park
The third day of your getaway to Mission Beach is a chance to find your Zen center, and pair it with impeccable views over at Palisades Park. This Ocean Boulevard stop is a must-visit any time of year. On Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 am and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 am, there’s donation-based yoga offered at Palisades Park led by an instructor who is suitable for yogis of all skill levels. After your yoga session comes to a close, take time to unwind and relax while enjoying cliffside views out over the North Pacific Beach. Whether you stroll the pathways or bring your camera to capture your panoramic surroundings, it’s a gorgeous place to spend time in the greater Mission Beach area.
Palisades Park
4960 Ocean Boulevard, San Diego, California
858-581-9934
Day 4: Enjoy the Fun and Entertainment at Belmont Park
When you’re traveling to Mission Beach with the entire family in tow, a day at Belmont Park might just end up being the highlight of your entire journey. Situated right on Mission Beach Boulevard, Belmont Park is an amusement park where you can conveniently pay per ride or purchase a wristband for unlimited access throughout the day. Some of the top rides to check out here include the wooden Giant Dipper roller coaster dating back to the 1920s as well as the Liberty Carousel, Beach Blaster, and Vertical Plunge. There’s also mini golf on-site and an arcade to enjoy too.
Belmont Park
3146 Mission Boulevard, San Diego, California
858-488-1549
Day 5: Dedicate an Afternoon to Watersports
There’s nothing quite as refreshing as getting out on the water when Southern California temperatures are on the rise. That’s exactly what you’ll do on day five of your stay in Mission Beach when you head over to Mission Bay Sportcenter and rent jet skis with your traveling crew! Rentals begin at $130 an hour up to $500 for four hours of fun on the waves. Jet skis can accommodate two passengers at a time and are easy and safe to operate. The on-site staff provides a safety overview before you head out and is happy to help you book a guided tour as well.
Mission Bay Sportcenter
1010 Santa Clara Place, San Diego, California
858-488-1004
Day 6: Visit Ski Beach
Found on the east side of Vacation Isle off of Ingraham Street, Ski Beach is your day six destination for enjoying a delicious picnic lunch, biking the paved pathways, and topping it all off with some boating. The kids in your group will love the playground at Ski Beach while the picnic shelter provides a great place to make the most of the open air meal. Don’t be surprised if you end up lingering at Ski Beach longer than you originally planned.
Ski Beach
202 C Street, San Diego, California
619-235-1169
Day 7: Book a Whale-Watching Tour
The Pacific Ocean provides whales with a set migratory path each year to follow, and if you’re visiting Mission Beach between November and April, you’ll be right on time to participate in an incredible whale-watching tour in the area. This time of year, gray whales make their way through the area allowing naturalists to provide travelers with opportunities to hop onboard eco-friendly vessels and see these incredible creatures up close in their natural habitats. If your trip happens to fall between May and October, tours typically transition towards spotting minke whales, humpback whales, and fin whales. The best chance to spot blue whales on a tour is during the summer months in Mission Beach.
Legacy Whale Watch
1717 Quivira Road, San Diego, California
619-309-1680
Book an Unforgettable Trip to California
Make more of every single moment in Mission Beach in luxury, comfort, and style by booking accommodations for your next trip through Pacific Sands Vacations. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting and endlessly inviting options available!