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San Diego, United States
Photo: Flickr user: eyeliam https://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeliam/, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are the two most popular beach neighborhoods in San Diego. Nestled between the ocean and the man-made Mission Bay, this area is packed with tourists in the summer months who come to visit Sea World, the seaside amusements of Belmont Park, or just to hang out at the beach.
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Hours vary by season and day of week; typically 10AM-5PM in winter, 9AM-11PM in summer. A massive (200 acres) marine animal theme park with rides, lots of sea animals (dolphins, sea otters, arctic creatures, sharks, penguins, rays, manatees, etc.) and of course, shows of killer whales like Shamu.
A seaside amusement park located near the southern end of Mission Beach, Belmont Park is a landmark with a number of shops, restaurants, an arcade, and a bunch of rides. The big attraction is the Giant Dipper, a historic roller coaster that is one of the only two remaining oceanfront roller coasters still operating on the west coast. Also popular is The Plunge, a historic indoor heated swimming pool that continues to be the city's largest indoor pool. Among the other rides is a FlowRider (a simulated wave attraction which you can bodyboard on), an antique carousel, bumper cars, slides, pendulum rides, tilt-a-whirl, and a trampoline.
The aquatic center rents catamarans and other watercraft, as do several other franchises around the bay. Instructional lessons are available. The western half of the bay is "sail only" (powerboats 5 mph no wake) during the daytime.
Encompassing the entirety of Mission Bay, offering opportunities for sailing, boating, swimming, jet ski, and other water sports. You can also take advantage of the park space surrounding the bay for walking, bicycling, picnicking, etc. There are many miles of hiking, biking, and running trails that have a moderate level of difficulty for runners and an easy level of difficulty for bicyclists. There are marvelous views of the ocean and the bay along with numerous side trips. Starting at the Mission Bay Visitor Information Center (on East Mission Bay Drive near the Clairemont Drive exit from Interstate 5 Freeway) is a good idea, as there is parking (it can be scarce at times and is limited to one hour), and runners can choose a trail to match their fitness level.
There are many playgrounds in the city, but this one is easily one of the best. For starters, it's a huge playground, with several elaborate play structures (one is built to resemble a pirate ship) and lots of elements for kids to explore. It's on the edge of Mission Bay and surrounded by expansive lawns perfect for kite-flying and playing sports.
This island in the middle of Mission Bay hosts the Fiesta Island Time Trial Series, hosted by the San Diego Bicycle Club. Competitors meet up to see who can ride the quickest 20k or improve the most. Single riders, tandems and teams are all welcome, and the event also hosts triathletes and world class road race athletes. There is always a waiting list for these trials, so early registration is vital if you want to take part in this very exciting aspect of cycling in Mission Bay Park.
This beach is one of the calmest, easiest places to ocean swim in San Diego area. You can also go scuba diving (off the shore are several dive wrecks). Or you can bicycle or rollerblade along the boardwalk (several stores nearby rent equipment).
A popular surfing spot for locals.
Enjoy burgers made with organic New Zealand beef.
As you can guess, the Broken Yoke specializes in eggs and omelettes but they also serve the regular breakfast fare of pancakes and French toast. It’s great for sitting down and recapping the previous night’s events. If you’re hungry enough, you can try their 12-egg omelette, loaded with all sorts of goodies to make it hard to finish. If you do, it’ll only cost you $2 and your name will be forever engraved on the wall.
The retailer Pacific Shellfish Seafood Company was founded in 1979 but their attached restaurant debuted in 1998. With many different species of seasonal fresh fish in their cooler, you’ll be able to find something to tickle your taste buds from a simple tuna melt to a wild-caught Alaskan salmon. Since it’s a market too, you can verify that all the fish are fresh. And just in case you didn’t know what your particular entree looked like before it was caught, there are taxidermied models on the wall, displaying the fish in their full glory.
Has been serving delicious pastries and desserts to San Diego since 1979. You can stop in and try one of their many desserts or you can sit down for a whole meal. Their main entrées are just as tantalizing as the desserts. The breakfast menu includes omelettes, crepes and French toast and is served on weekends from 8AM-2:45PM and on weekdays 10AM-2:45PM. Lunch is served until 3PM and dinner is served everyday except Sunday and Monday. They are also a full service catering and wedding cake company.
This eatery has the best budget breakfast in town, across from the entrance to Crystal Pier. A sign on the wall boasts how many days have passed since they last raised their prices; a figure which is easily over 365. On weekends the line outside gets so long you’d think it was nightclub, but the food is well worth the wait. They specialize in big breakfasts and breakfast burritos.
A Pacific Beach institution, Mr. Frostie's has been selling soft serve ice cream since 1949. The simple, no frills menu also includes sandwiches and hot dogs, but it's the dipped ice cream cones, milkshakes, sundaes, and banana splits that will make this place outlast any trendy yogurt shop.
Now a minor fast food restaurant chain in the western United States, but what’s significant about the one in PB is that it was the first. In 1983, founder Ralph Rubio capitalized on the unique flavor of Baja California taco stands by replicating one in San Diego (accommodating, of course, for local health codes). The beer-battered fish tacos, the carnitas and carne asada tacos were an immediate hit.
Great variety of world curries and great happy hour beverage deals.
Oscar's
Small, local Mexican seafood chain specializing in ceviche, tacos, and tortas. Vegetarian options available.
Brunch and dinner place known for their eggs benedicts and mimosas. Long wait time during the weekends.
Rocky's
Small, local pub serving 1/3 and 1/2 pound burgers. Cash only.
Though a bit far from the beach (but not from the bay), this small Japanese restaurant offers teriyaki, tempura, and sushi combos. Lunch specials are available. Best to call ahead and ask for reservations. Limited parking available in parking lot.
Nested between the bay and the beach, Olive Cafe provides breakfast scrambles, burritos, pancakes, breakfast bowls, and baked goods. Sister establishment for Olive Baking Company, which is a small, quick casual bakery, less than a block away. Parking is tough around the area and can get busy in the weekends.
American beachside restaurant specializing in brunch, cocktails, and more. Capable for private events and occasional live music. Happy Hour M-F 3-6PM. Brunch Sa Su 10AM-2PM.
Mexican restaurant on the boardwalk with a Mexican seafood specialty. Including fish tacos, hamburgers, margaritas, and more.
Cash only beach bar and grill along the boardwalk. Very popular with young people on the weekends, loud music and public restrooms here right by the beach.
This comfortable, laid-back bar with deep sea fishing themed decor has a good crowd at practically any time of the day, night or week. It's a beer and wine bar, so cocktails drinks use a weak Asian vodka called Han Vodka, but the twelve or so beers on tap and various other bottled beers are enough to keep most customers happy. The profusion of TV screens make it a popular daytime sports bar, the pool tables and shuffle board table keep it popular at night. The menu has some great seafood and burgers, served until about 10PM, and has great breakfast options too. This bar has a much more neighborly feel compared to the meat-market atmosphere of some of the more popular Garnet Street bars.
Laid-back bar with a deck facing the beach and boardwalk in a bungalow-type house. Good selection of national and local beers. Both breakfast and lunch/dinner is served on most days.
Sister location of Moonshine Flats in downtown, the Pacific Beach location offers the same activities but in a larger space - including open air sections. The club offers line dancing lessons (select days), live country bands, karaoke, and club music. On Fridays and Saturdays, there is a cover charge can be avoided by signing up for the free guest list on their website.
Two-story bar and restaurant with lots of TVs and an open-air area. Open for brunch on weekends with family-friendly menu. Converts to a popular club at night.
Lunch, dinner, and brunch on weekends, complete with seasonal cocktails with events on weekday nights. On Fridays and Saturdays, it converts to another popular nightclub.
Coffee shop right by Mariners Basin. Also serves breakfast foods, tucked away.
Mission Beach's premier longstanding dive bar. Loads of stuff on the walls, TVs with Chargers games, and pool. Reasonably priced drinks with locals inside. Quiet place to duck in and have a few jars off the beaten path.
A small chain of tropical-themed hostels.
Offering free on-site reserved parking, free Wi-Fi, landscaped pool/patio, queen beds, flat screened TV/cable, faux fireplaces.
A kid-friendly hotel off I-5 nearby.
The closest that you can get to staying on the beach. Built on the historic pier, these rooms offer amazing views and soothing ocean sounds to put you to sleep at night. With a room, you can actually drive out on the pier and park in front of your quarters.
Rooms are reasonably priced and include kitchenettes.
Right on the Pacific Ocean and features a retro boutique-style décor, a popular onsite restaurant, and private guestroom balconies.
Catamaran
Large, Polynesian-themed 4-star hotel right between the beach and Mission Bay. The high rise kid-friendly hotel offers, pools, hot tubs, restaurants, bonfires, and parrot encounters.
Resort on the eastern end of Mission Bay. Loads of family friendly activities right off the 5 freeway.
Boutique and gift shop filled with shirts, books, home decorations, and art. The store is organized into small sections that have their own theme and specialties featuring local San Diego artists.
By public transit
The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), San Diego's public transit service, has a few frequent bus routes serving the area: Routes 8 and 9 connect Pacific Beach to the Trolley station in Old Town,…
Once you're in PB, the best way to get around is by any means other than a car. Beach cruisers are the vehicle of choice in PB. Rent a beach-cruiser or roller skates or buy a skateboard.
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