Mission Bay Tours and Activities

Mission Bay showing a beach
Mission Bay showing a beach
Mission Bay featuring cycling
Mission Bay which includes general coastal views as well as a family
Mission Bay featuring cycling


Mingle with eccentric locals at bohemian beaches, soak up the sun on a Jet Ski and fish from marshy islands at San Diego’s premier water park.

Spend summer days enjoying the calm waters and gorgeous scenes of Mission Bay, a saltwater lagoon just north of downtown San Diego. This 4,200-acre (1,700-hectare) bay features pristine beaches, water sports for all ages and park attractions that bring summer to life.

Get familiar with Mission Bay on a walk, skate or bike ride along 27 miles (43 kilometers) of paths that winds around the water. This natural inlet, which has a number of green islands and peninsulas, was developed in the 1940s to be a recreational water park.

Enhance your tan at one of the beaches along the sandy shoreline. Head to Pacific Beach to surf and mingle with San Diego’s youthful crowd. Play volleyball at Crown Point. Rent a boat to waterski in the bay or cruise out into the ocean.

Explore the bay on a Jet Ski tour. When conditions are suitable, kitesurf or sail from the Mission Bay Yacht Club. Otherwise, rent a canoe, paddleboard or kayak from the Mission Bay Aquatic Center.

Take an adventure to Fiesta Island and stay to watch the stars come out. Spot birds nesting around the bay or fish for spotted bass. Fishing is permitted throughout Mission Bay with a California license.

Cool off with a family trip to nearby SeaWorld, where you’ll witness graceful bottlenose dolphins and sea lions swimming. Find more fun at Belmont Park where you can feel the rush of sea air from a roller coaster. For relaxing fun after dark, play a round of 18 holes at the Mission Bay Golf Course, open at night under lights.

As evening falls, head to cliffs for the best views of the changing sunset sky. Alternatively, light a beach bonfire at one of several designated fire pits and roast s’mores as the day ends. Afterward, head to one of many casual bars along the Pacific Beach promenade and dance all night in shorts and flip-flops.

Mission Bay is a short drive from downtown San Diego. Access the area easily via public bus routes.

Plan a trip to see Mission Bay

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hyatt Vacation Club at The Welk, San Diego Area
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, a Hyatt Luxury Resort
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa Carlsbad

Tours & day trips

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History & culture

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Water activities

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Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Mission Bay

The Dana on Mission Bay

The Dana on Mission Bay

3.5 out of 5
1710 W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA
The Dana on Mission Bay
San Diego Mission Bay Resort

San Diego Mission Bay Resort

4 out of 5
1775 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA
San Diego Mission Bay Resort
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina

4 out of 5
1441 Quivira Rd, San Diego, CA
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
1404 Vacation Rd, San Diego, CA
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Bahia Resort Hotel

Bahia Resort Hotel

3.5 out of 5
998 W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA
Bahia Resort Hotel
Wyndham Garden San Diego Near SeaWorld

Wyndham Garden San Diego Near SeaWorld

3 out of 5
3737 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA
Wyndham Garden San Diego Near SeaWorld
Handlery Hotel

Handlery Hotel

3.5 out of 5
950 Hotel Cir N, San Diego, CA
Handlery Hotel
Comfort Inn Sea World Area

Comfort Inn Sea World Area

3.5 out of 5
3880 Greenwood St, San Diego, CA
Comfort Inn Sea World Area
The Wayfarer San Diego

The Wayfarer San Diego

4 out of 5
707 Pacific Beach Dr, San Diego, CA
The Wayfarer San Diego
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Mission Bay

Mission Bay, San Diego, is a fantastic destination for tourists, offering activities like whale watching and dolphin encounters. Visitors can enjoy sunset luaus, explore Legoland California, and embark on deep dives or day trips to nearby attractions. With its vibrant entertainment scene and beautiful waterfront, Mission Bay provides an unforgettable experience for those looking to unwind and explore the natural beauty of Southern California.

Shopping

In Mission Bay, you can enjoy shopping at Fashion Valley Mall, only 4.8km away, offering a mix of family-friendly and entertainment vibes. The Ocean Beach Farmers Market, also 4.8km away, is perfect for local goods. If you're up for a drive, Mission Valley Mall is 8.0km away with a vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Petco Park, where you can enjoy sporting events and soak in the excitement. For a unique musical experience, visit The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. If you prefer outdoor activity, the Mission Bay Golf Course offers a relaxing round of golf amidst beautiful scenery.

Adventure

Experience the scenic Bayshore Bikeway, perfect for cycling enthusiasts, only 9.7km from Mission Bay. For family fun, visit Sesame Place San Diego, an exciting waterpark 29.0km away. Alternatively, unleash your adventurous spirit at Sky Zone San Diego, an exhilarating indoor trampoline park, also 29.0km away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay for live performances, or enjoy family fun at Boomers San Diego with its exciting arcade adventures. For a cultural evening, catch a show at the Old Globe Theater, where romance and entertainment blend beautifully.

Find the best attractions near Mission Bay

Mission Bay, San Diego, offers a delightful mix of attractions, including beautiful beaches, urban parks, and a maritime museum. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Explore the scenic surroundings and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere that this coastal gem has to offer.

  • Mission Beach: Located 3.2km from Mission Bay, Mission Beach offers a vibrant beach atmosphere perfect for sunbathing, surfing, and beach volleyball. The lively boardwalk is lined with shops and eateries, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and fun.
  • Hotel Circle: Situated 6.4km from Mission Bay, Hotel Circle is a bustling thoroughfare featuring a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shopping options. This area captures the essence of city life, providing a convenient base for exploring San Diego.
  • University of San Diego: Just 3.2km from Mission Bay, this modern university boasts beautiful architecture and scenic views. The campus is a peaceful retreat perfect for a leisurely stroll, showcasing lush gardens and impressive buildings.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Mission Bay

For a budget-friendly visit to Mission Bay, consider travelling between November and January, when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Enjoy free activities like Mission Beach and the Boardwalk. Use Expedia to compare prices, filter for eco-friendly hotels, and look for package deals that combine flights and accommodations. Don't forget to check for free cancellations and special offers to maximise your savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Mission Bay are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Mission Bay is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Mission Bay is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and ideal type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your Mission Bay hotel reservations with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.