Mission Beach

Mission Beach is one of the most beautiful sections of Southern California. The most popular beach in the City of San Diego is known as the Strand. The Strand is a beach more than two miles long, stretching from the Mission Bay channel to the north end of Pacific Beach. Mission Beach located at the very centre of the Strand, and draws huge crowds every summer.

Surfing is allowed at separate water areas and there are also special areas reserved for swimmers. Mission Beach is not recommended for scuba diving since there are surfs and rip currents present, as well as heavy water activities going on. Besides, there is almost no undersea life to experience. Beach fires are allowed, provided you use the containers available during the summer. Keep in mind that the containers are available on a first come, first served basis.

Parallel to the beach is a cement boardwalk, perfect for roller-skating, jogging, biking etc. Speed is regulated and must be kept to less than eight miles per hour for safety reasons. Disabled persons are allowed to use bikes with more than two wheels.

If you wish to have lunch at a nice restaurant, buy a new bikini or rent outfits you can find a myriad of places to do this in the area around the Mission Beach lifeguard station. The station is located at the foot of Ventura Street beside a landmark roller coaster. On the north part of Mission Beach there are less shops and restaurants and more residential properties, but you can still find what you're looking for if you dare to venture a block or two from the beach to Mission Boulevard.

Be aware that like the rest of the California beaches Mission Beach experience strong rip currents. If you are caught in a rip current it will pull you away from the beach. At the beach, water is always pushed towards the shore by waves. Rip currents are caused by water circulating back from the beach out into the ocean. If you see something looking like a muddy river flowing away from shore – don't swim into it. Rip currents can occur everywhere, but you should be extra careful around rock jetties, piers and natural reefs. It's best to stay at least 100 feet away from such objects. If you are caught in a rip current don't try to swim directly against it to the beach, since this will only exhaust you. Try to stay calm and remember that rip currents do not pull people under; they simply pull you away from the shore. Swim parallel to the shore, and don't swim back to the beach until you feel that the pulling has stopped. You can also wave for lifeguard assistance.

The lifeguard station at Ventura Street is staffed daily during all seasons, generally from 9.00 a.m. to dusk. During the summer extra lifeguards are present in seasonal life guard towers along the beach. The lifeguard station at Venture Street is the place where you can find public restrooms and showers. Restrooms are also available at the south side of Belmont Park and at the commercial mall next to the lifeguard station.

You reach Mission Beach by taking the Interstate 5 to Grand Avenue. Follow the road west to Mission Boulevard and take Mission Boulevard south to the roller coaster at West Mission Bay Drive. You can find free public parking on the north and south side of Belmont Park at the foot of West Mission Bay Drive. If you prefer to go by bus, Call San Diego Transit at for buses that serve this beach.