San Diego's
Mission Beach A Vacation Insiders Guide
MEET THE MISSION SANDS TEAM Contact the Mission Sands Team:
This Insider Guide is brought to you by the team at Mission Sands, who manage 75 vacation rentals in the Mission Beach area. This is a small team who have built up extensive knowledge of the area through their nearly 20 years of presence in the area. You're in great hands!
Alternatively feel free to call them direct on: +1-858-488-2550
THOUGHTS FROM THE EDITOR I was last in San Diego around 15 years ago with my wife. We specifically headed to the area beaches because of the well publicized fantastic weather - 263 days of sunny or partly cloudy days last year! Like most people who visit the area, we went to the popular places like SeaWorld and Balboa Park. But we didn't have an insider at our side who could steer us to the lesser known (but probably more enjoyable for it) local spots! Cue the team at Mission Sands. George and Jeff have been a pleasure to work with, opening my eyes to the other side of San Diego's beaches. Although they are focused on the Mission Beach area, their knowledge goes well beyond. Sunset Cliffs, the Secret Sea Cave, yoga on your paddle board with the girls at Paddle Board Bliss (watch the E: andy@vacationinsiders.com W: www.vacationinsiders.com
video - pure California hip!), surf with Surfari Surf School (a free lesson if they don't get you up!), and a whole lot more, including Beach Fire Guy...! No doubt, if I was spending a week here, I'd be supporting these local attractions over the larger ones. And I'd save a pretty penny in the process! I might have got there myself with some hard research, but I'd rather let the insiders show me so I have more time to relax!
THE REAL MISSION BEACH... We've been in the vacation rentals business around Mission Beach since 1996. We're a small team, managing 75 rentals around Mission Beach, Mission Bay, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and Del Mar. But small in this sense means we're perfectly formed and pride ourselves on bring accessible and personable! We know the area. But, more than that, we're passionate about the area. So if you want to know anything, from the best pizza to the most exclusive fine dining, chances are we've done it. Just ask us and we'll help! This is a vibrant area, with multiple activities to do. We've listed many in more detail throughout this guide but we'll give you the highlights here so you can get a flavor for what the area is really like. Location: Mission Beach is a mere 8 miles northwest of downtown San Diego, on a 2 mile long sandbar between the Pacific and Mission Bay. Which all means it's a great spot to combine a fantastic beach experience with the energy of the city. The Vibe: This is a very laid back beach community, but with plenty of beach fun to boot. The main area near Belmont Park has a large boardwalk, the Giant Dipper roller coaster, casual eating spots, all in a holiday like, very relaxed atmosphere. Most important, you can walk to pretty much anything you need!
Weather: Without doubt, we're a spoiled community when it comes to the weather. San Diego and the immediate area is well known for having incredible weather. To be more specific, Wikipedia notes that, on average, we have 146 sunny days and 117 partly cloudy days a year, with less than 12 inches of rain! Getting around: It couldn't be easier. For starters we are just 15 minutes from the international airport where most airlines fly. Next up we have a great public transport system which will get you to the city in less than 30 minutes from Mission Beach. Or, if you rent a car, the main I-8 and I-5 are close by. Eating and drinking: All of our rentals have full kitchens and you can find a Ralphs grocery store at 4315 Mission Blvd. If cooking isn't your thing, there are plenty of restaurants (and bars) that we can recommend in the area - we have all types of cuisine at different budget levels - a couple of our favorite spots are on page 9. Away from the beach: If you need a break from the sand you'll be spoiled for choice. Top of the list are SeaWorld (a mere 5 minutes away) and the Zoo (15 mins), both of which are fantastic. But we also have some great golf courses. Or how about Carlsbad and Las Americas outlets within 30 mins? There is quite simply way too much for us to show you on one single page. But read on, we have plenty more options, as well as the 5 experiences you must not miss. We hope you have a great vacation!
5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS... 1
La Jolla Cove...
2
Charter Fishing...
3
Belmont Park...
4
San Diego Boat Tour...
5
Sunset Cliffs...
A beautiful setting for snorkeling, diving and watching the sea lions. It is around 6 miles north of Mission Beach in a protected marine refuge area. Marvel at the spectacular marine life including rays, Yellowtails, maybe even a leopard shark! You can actually walk down onto the beach with the sea lions and swim/kayak/scuba dive with them in the water. They are very friendly and curious and will swim right next to you!
You would be crazy to miss the opportunity to fish the waters around San Diego. Depending on the time of year and the length of trip, you can catch Yellowtail, Barracuda, Bass, Bluefin and Dorado to name a few! We'd suggest Seaforth who offer a wide range of charters for different ability levels and prices. A half day trip is popular with families and beginners. But they do fuller trips and even an overnight trip!
This is such a great place, genuinely with something for all ages. You will not want to miss the super cool wave rides - FlowRider and FlowBarrel - you must check out the videos on those links. Awesome. If you love rides, you should try the Big Dipper, Vertical Plunge, Beach Blaster and more - check this link for all the rides. There is so much more to do than this - good eating, an athletic club and more. More on their website.
This is a great way to see some of the areas historic sites like the Star of India and Cabrillo National Monument. And along the way you'll have the opportunity for wildlife watching. The Bahia Belle is a more grown up option - it's a sternwheeler style ship that runs cocktail cruises. If you are looking for a daytime family style trip then you might opt for the Hornblower.
Undoubtedly the premier location to watch a sunset. You MUST go! The cliffs sit above the ocean, right over some of the best surf spots in the county. There are a few locations to climb down onto the rocks below and watch the surf crash into the cliffs. Located south of Mission Beach near Point Loma, so stop off on your way back from Point Loma beach and the Cabrillo Monument. It's a remarkable view to end the day.
THE SURROUNDING BEACHES... Del Mar... Del Mar is the northern most of all the beaches listed here. Around 2 miles in length it has different sections of beach depending on who you're with and what you'd like to do. Around Powerhouse and Seagrove Parks you'll find a beach good for swimming and families. To the south you'll find terrain more suited to exploring beautiful cliffs, leading eventually to Torrey Pines, the world famous golf course.
Ocean Beach... South of Mission Beach, before you reach Point Loma, you'll find Ocean Beach. It's usually a little less crowded than other beaches. Street fairs are typical, and there's also a farmers market every Wednesday between 4-9pm. You can't miss (so don't!) the nearly 2,000 foot long pier. It's 2nd in length on the West Coast to Santa Cruz's pier. And, if you like tide pools, there are some good opportunities around the pier.
Pacific Beach... Located just north of Mission Beach, this is the cool place, attracting the younger crowd. But don't be put off if you are looking for something family oriented. The beach is good for sand castles and swimming and you can try activities like kayaking from the beach. In addition there is a 3 mile long boardwalk to people watch, with plenty of good family friendly restaurants. And along Garnet Ave is a farmers market every Tuesday
Point Loma... Located about 15 minutes south of Mission Beach, this isn't a swimming beach. But we do love the tide pools here. Grab the kids and see what you can spot at low tide. You should see the usual tide pool favorites of anemones and crabs. Whilst you're down that way you should continue on to the Cabrillo National Monument for some history. And don't forget to stop by Sunset Cliffs on the way back for that sunset experience not to miss!
MISSION SANDS'S TIPS FOR THE KIDS... If you're visiting more than one attraction then you should look into the 3-For-1 Pass or the GO San Diego Card. The latter gets you in to 45 of the best San Diego attractions, including some of our favorites for the kids, listed below...
1
Aquatica Waterpark... The park was just bought by SeaWorld. But don't let the big name brand put you off, Aquatica is great! Previously called Knott's Waterpark, so it's been around for a while. There are rides for all ages, and a huge wavepool which is always fun. It's south east of downtown San Diego, roughly 30 mins drive by car from the beaches.
2
Model Railroad Museum...
3
Located in Balboa Park, very close to the beaches, the museum has the largest model railroad display in the world at 28,000 square feet! Although it isn't a highly interactive museum, it does have many interesting features, a great history of our railroads and, of course, the huge model, which all combine to make it a special place.
New Children's Museum... The New Children's Museum is located in downtown San Diego, so you could combine it with a wider city day. This isn't a typical art museum. It's mantra is "think, play, create", the idea being to encourage kids to touch and interact with the art, in a way that promotes learning in a fun, creative way.
Or hike one of our many trails... Secret Sea Cave...
Torrey Pines... The area of Torrey Pines has some great hikes. For a full list refer to their website where you can also pick up some trail maps. We like the Broken Hill trail, particularly the Broker Hill Overlook which has a great view. This website has some comments from previous hikers which are useful, especially the parking.
Potato Chip Rock...
If you do head over to the Cabrillo Yes there really is a rock that looks National Monument then don't like a potato chip! Have a look at miss the secret cave. It's only this picture - hard to believe you accessible at low tide (so please can stand on it! This website has plan properly!!). Refer to this a good amount of information website for some very detailed about how to get there, what to directions as well as some wise expect and what to bring with you words of advice. This one is for - but make sure water is top of the the curious and adventurous but list as it's around an 8 mile roundwell worth it! trip and can get very hot. [May not be suitable for younger kids. Please check the websites and make your own call!]
MISSION SANDS'S 8 PLACES WE LOVE... ON THE WATER Seas The Day Speed Boat Tours is guaranteed to be one of the most exciting ways to explore San Diego and its beautiful Harbor. This is a unique experience that involves driving your own 15 foot Wahoo Speedboat around the expansive 13 miles of water that is the San Diego Harbor. On the tour you will get to see the Navy Ship Yards, Petco Park, the Maritime Museum, and you will also be able to drive along the entire Downtown Skyline. Get ready to enjoy a small personalized tour with the thrill of being out on the water and driving your very own speed boat! Call: 619-665-5760 Email: SeasTheDaySanDiego@gmail.com Paddle Board Bliss (Paddle Board Rentals and Yoga) offers beginner stand up paddle lessons and exciting PaddleBoard Yoga. All of their instructors are trained, certified and best of all, live and breath paddle boarding and yoga. Call: 858215-3661 Surfari Surf School and Rentals. Surfari has been offering surf lessons, surf camps and surf rentals since 2000. They are open everyday from 9-5 and are the only permitted surf school in Mission Beach. Additionally, they rent paddleboards, which have become increasingly popular over the past five years. You can rent paddleboards all day for $25 and they also offer paddleboard lessons for $5 more. Inside their surf shop they offer complimentary lockers and bathrooms to customers. Call or stop by for more info. Email: info@surfarisurf.com Call: 858-337-3287 Radd Action Sports rents quality beach sporting equipment at low rates in Mission Beach, San Diego. They rent and sell bikes, beach cruisers, surf equipment and Stand up paddle boards. Call: 858-488-7789
Here are some of our favorite local places that you can't pass up while you're here! Mention that you're staying with Mission Sands and get exclusive discounts. Feel free to also call us at the office at 858-488-2550 to help get any of these activities set up for you - we'd be glad to help!
SOOTHE YOUR SOUL The Swell Cafe is the spot in Mission Beach that you must stop by to enjoy fresh-ground, locally roasted craft coffee, and a diverse breakfast, lunch, pastry, and dessert menu, with homemade salsas, dressings and pesto. Call: 858-539-0039 Starkey's BBQ are a fullservice restaurant located in Mission Beach, California, in close proximity to the beach. They serve a great range of delicious Deli-style sandwiches, pulled pork, pulled chicken etc. Call: 858-488-2227 Two Hands Mobile Massage provide a customized massage treatment specific to your needs. In complement with their excellent service, the use of organic massage sheets, vegan massage products, and your choice of music and complimentary essential oil, their staff of licensed professional massage therapists offer nothing but the best to make you the most important person while receiving your massage treatment. Call: 888-540-1165 Email: twohandsmassage.sd@gmail.com
A BEACH FIRE ANYONE? Beach Fire Guy is the #1 option for having the ideal beach fire gathering. Committed to providing you with a hasslefree, priceless ambiance on your San Diego beach of choice (within our areas of service). Call: 858-405-6391
WHERE TO STAY IN MISSION BEACH... With more than 70 vacation rentals, Mission Sands has something for everyone! From homes with the space and comfort for families, to more intimate options for couples. In addition to the below selection, you can find more on their website. Happy vacationing!
#1: For Those With a Family...
Jamaica Retreat. This beautiful, spacious, 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom condo is just minutes from the beach and the perfect rental for a family. It has large, comfortable rooms with modern furnishings and lighting throughout and a well stocked kitchen for cooking family meals. The location is great too with several restaurants, shopping and Belmont Park all within walking distance. Visit the Mission Sands website for more details.
#2: For a Couple's Retreat...
Surf Rider K. This 2 bedroom condo with panoramic glass windows over looking the ocean makes for a magical romantic getaway. Enjoy relaxing in the sun on your private balcony or soak up the ambiance of the spectacular sunsets from the jacuzzi. The condo is fully equipped and located just a few miles from downtown San Diego and only minutes from oceanside dining & private sail boat rides. Visit the Mission Sands website for more details.
#3: For a Larger Group...
Ocean View Luxury 1 & 2. This stunning town house, only 1 property from the beach, is perfect for larger groups. It sleeps a massive 17 in 7 bedrooms and 6.5 baths and can also be rented as 2 self contained units. There are luxury modern features throughout and one of the largest rooftop decks in Mission Beach. It's the perfect place for relaxing whilst enjoying the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Visit the Mission Sands website for more details.
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