Pets allowed
Allowed
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
No
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Each year approximately 15 million people visit Mission Bay Park. With miles upon miles of bike paths and shoreline, numerous docks and beaches, and a total area of 4,600 acres, it is no wonder so many visitors are drawn here. There are eight different places to swim, plus water ski and boat rentals. Dogs are welcome in some parts of the park, and there are designated leash free areas. If you bring your canine friend, make sure to watch for signs indicating that dogs are not allowed in certain places. 

Hospitality Point is the southwesternmost area of Mission Bay Park. Fire pits and picnic tables make this a good choice for a lunch spot. Look out over Mission Bay and the San Diego River while you enjoy your meal, and make sure you clean up after yourself. If you follow Quivera Way around a large curve, you will eventually find a turnoff that connects to Mission Bay Drive. SeaWorld will be southeast of you, but if you head northwest, you will reach turnoffs for Sunset Point, Ventura Cove, Mariner’s Point, and Bonita Cove. These are all excellent places to take in the scenic landscape.

There are two islands in the middle of the park. Vacation Isle houses Ski Beach (a beach complete with a boat launch and water ski area) and Model Yacht Pond (a common venue for regattas and other boat races), while Fiesta Island contains a campground specifically built for youth groups, an Aquatic Center, and a water ski area. Please note that adults are not allowed to use the campground. 

The eastern edge of the park boasts De Anza Cove, Telecolte Shores North, and Playa Pacifica. Play Pacifica is a popular place to swim, and lifeguards keep watch in the summer. It is also a good place to bring small children to play. There are basketball courts, picnic tables, and jogging paths. 

Each destination within Mission Bay Park is like a park unto itself. Some people prefer to stick to one area for the day, but it can also be fun to explore and compare the different parts that make up this one giant park.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Family friendly. Boating and general water activities. Great for running.

Cons

Water can be polluted.

Features

ADA accessible
Flushing toilets
Boat ramp(s)
Bicycling
Potable water
Picnic tables
Off-leash dog area
Covered picnic areas
Marina
Fishing
Playground
Bird watching
Wildlife

Location

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