When sun, sand, and surf are the ingredients you need to create an amazing vacation, a trip to California’s Mission Beach is a must! Situated within easy reach of San Diego, Mission Beach is a picture-perfect getaway destination for visitors with interests of all kinds. Whether you’re looking for high-energy fun or relaxing moments on the shoreline, including them all on your itinerary is easier than ever when Mission Beach is where you find yourself enjoying time away. While it’s a great place on the map for solo travelers and groups of friends too, it’s hard to top a trip this way with the entire family included in on the fun. When you’re excited to turn a family friendly journey to Mission Beach this way into a reality, the following is a great place to start to make the most of every moment you’re here.
Day 1: Make the Most of Time at Belmont Park
No matter what the ages of the travelers you’re heading to Misson Beach might be, everyone in your traveling crew is sure to enjoy time spent at Belmont Park. Dedicate the first day of your stay to this Mission Beach hot spot packed with rides and entertainment that are truly one-of-a-kind! Belmont Park has been delighting visitors for nearly 100 years and today, it remains a top destination among locals and visitors alike in the area. Rides like the wooden roller coaster named the Giant Dipper have been providing guests with thrills since it first opened in 1925. For the younger ones in your group, the carousel is always a delight while the arcade packed with fun games is a must-visit when you’re traveling to Mission Beach and spending time at Belmont Park with teens. When cravings come calling, there are plenty of concession stands to choose from as well as on-site restaurants to enjoy. Whether you drop by to experience a few of the most talked about rides or you spend a day checking out the best of it all, Belmont Park never fails to impress.
Belmont Park
3146 Mission Boulevard, San Diego, California
858-488-1549
Day 2: Get Out on the Water and Tour in Family-Friendly Style
Getting out on the waves is half the fun of a Misson Beach getaway and when you’re traveling here with the entire family in tow, a sightseeing cruise onboard the Bahia Belle Sternwheeler Paddleboat might just end up being the highlight of your visit. The Bahia Belle is designed with three stories in place for passengers to explore as you set out to enjoy the views that make up the Mission Bay. You’ll want your camera in hand as your family enjoys this activity which can include impromptu wildlife watching too! This turn-of-the-century vessel will have you feeling like you’re floating down the Mississippi River, while enjoying time in the heart of Southern California. It spans 74 feet in total, and the observation deck is a great place to get the best vantage points. There are non-alcoholic drinks served up onboard and if you’d like to elevate the fun further, be sure to look into the self-guided scavenger hunt that points out areas of interest around Mission Bay as you cruise along. Cruises typically depart from the Bahia Resort Hotel or the Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa daily. Depending on the time of year you arrive in Mission Beach, you might be right on time to enjoy one of their specialty cruises like the New Year’s Eve outing, or the Jingle Belle Cruise which happens exclusively in December.
Bahia Belle Cruises
998 West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, California
858-539-7779
Day 3: Enjoy the Best of the Boardwalk
Mention Mission Beach and there’s a chance the first thing that comes to mind is that iconic boardwalk. This happens with good reason as it’s a vibrant, scenic, and endlessly fun place to spend time during your stay and worth dedicating a place on your itinerary too as well. The Mission Beach Boardwalk spans three miles of terrain from Law Street in Pacific Beach to North Jetty Road in South Mission Beach. The concrete pathway plays host to fun beach bars and restaurants as well as unique shops to check out. Many visitors here spend time walking, jogging, biking or skating with a stop at Crystal Pier in nearby Pacific Beach built into the experience. Over at Ray’s Rentals, you can pick up rental gear for the day to customize your time on the boardwalk with the family. Ray’s Rentals has an inventory that includes everything from rollerblade rentals and bikes to beach cruisers, longboards, and beyond.
Ray’s Rentals
3221 Mission Boulevard, San Diego, California
858-488-7297
Book Your Family Friendly Adventure Today
When it’s time to pack your suitcase and enjoy time in Mission Beach with the entire family, Pacific Sands Vacations has a home-away-from-home here made just for you. Pick and choose from property options that are close to the places you can’t wait to explore and are filled with fantastic amenities that elevate the luxury, comfort, and convenience of your getaway at every turn. Reach out today to learn more!