Getting out and exploring new places can certainly be an endlessly refreshing experience for travelers. If you haven’t yet made time to unwind, relax, and enjoy the views waiting for you in Mission Beach, California, now is the time to make it happen! This coastal destination in scenic Southern California is a true treat for visitors and a place that often has first-time travelers longing to return year after year with good reason. That’s because Mission Beach comes with landscapes defined by gorgeous beaches, a lively boardwalk to explore in good company, and plenty of shopping and fun dining stops to sprinkle in between. Mission Beach is really a delightful destination for travelers with interests of all types, and a great place to settle in whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, alongside a group of friends, or with the entire family in tow. Here’s our First-Time Visitor Guide to Mission Beach.
When you’re a first time visitor to Mission Beach, you’ll be treated to the best of a 2-mile resort peninsula upon arrival that showcases both the Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean at their best. Whether you’re here for a few days, or a week, or you’re planning an extended stay for your first trip, filling up your itinerary won’t be difficult to do. It’s entirely possible to balance out pampered options for relaxation with heart-pumping adventures in the Mission Beach area, making it a fan-favorite stop for everyone that you simply won’t want to miss. Consider this guide your inspired starting point when you’re heading to Mission Beach for the very first time and looking to make the most of every single exciting moment ahead.
How to Get to Your Exciting Vacation Destination
Mission Beach is one of San Diego’s charming and quintessential beach towns for travelers to enjoy and the good news is, getting here, no matter what your point of origin might be is typically a breeze! Most travelers taking to the skies as their preferred mode of transportation choose to land at the San Diego International Airport which is served by a multitude of national and international routes daily. From the airport, you can pick up a rental car at one of the many company kiosks on-site and be on your way towards Mission Beach in no time. There are also options to use ridesharing services that depart from the airport regularly as well, if you prefer. Having a mode of transportation of your own when visiting Mission Beach is highly recommended when you have plans to head out and explore the greater San Diego area during your stay. This is a sprawling area with a lot to see and having a car ready to go when you want to explore makes it easier to customize your itinerary. That said, if you plan on staying more centrally located, there is a bus and trolley system that connects major areas of San Diego with Mission Beach. It’s a good option if you have a firm travel plan in place and you don’t want the hassle of the added costs of gas or parking along the way.
Weather Expectations Year-Round
When it comes to weather, Mission Beach is a dream come true for travelers. Following suit with other Southern California cities and beach towns, Mission Beach enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate which means just about any time you arrive, you’ll be treated to plenty of sunshine, warm weather, and opportunities to get out and explore the great outdoors comfortably. Many travelers who are excited to embrace the best of beach life, culture, and activities will enjoy heading this way between May and October. During this timeframe, average daily highs fluctuate between the mid-60s and upper 70s providing a perfect setup for on-the-water thrills and sunbathing as well. If you do travel here in the heart of summer, it’s good to note that this is typically a very busy season. If you prefer not to have to contend with so many crowds, traveling between May and June is highly recommended.
Can’t Miss Restaurants
When cravings come calling during your Mission Beach getaway, and inevitably they will, you won’t ever have to go far to find a fantastic place to enjoy a delicious dish. The dining scene here is wonderfully diverse with places like Oscar’s Mexican Seafood serving up mouthwatering fish tacos and ceviche in abundance. Over at The Fishery in nearby San Diego, you can indulge in fresh-caught fare while enjoying the view in a place that puts an emphasis on sustainable seafood dishes too. Be sure not to miss out on brunch enjoyed at least once at The Mission which is a popular eatery that has a great way of being able to pair French toast and chilaquiles in perfect Southern California style! The Olive Café is another great beachside stop to enjoy when you need to make the most of a hearty breakfast before a day of surfing or boating. One of the top steakhouses in Mission Beach is Moe’s, which pairs elegance and flavor at every turn. Dinner is served here daily starting at 4:00 pm and the sophisticated experience is typically best enjoyed with a reservation in place. If you stop by between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm, you’ll be treated to Social Hour at Moe’s every day of the week, which is when you can enjoy discounts on wine, craft cocktails, and beers as well. For Mission Beach-bound travelers who find themselves longing for tasty tacos, the team over at Mahi Mahi Tacos has you covered with every customized option showcased on their delicious menu.
Fun Attractions and Activities to Add to Your Lineup
It’s almost impossible to plan a trip to Mission Beach without enjoying some quality time with family and friends at Belmont Park—and believe us, you shouldn’t miss it! This historic oceanfront amusement park is a thrilling place to spend a day with the highlight for many visitors being the wooden rollercoaster known as The Big Dipper that was built back in 1927. Today, it remains a fan-favorite ride on-site with heart-pounding curves and turns to navigate as well as a 70-foot drop. Those who are traveling with really little kids to Belmont Park will love that this destination has a customized kid’s zone for the smallest in your group and when you’re traveling here on a hot summer’s day, The Plunge is the pool that will help you cool off in style. In addition to great rides, Belmont Park also hosts mini golf, an arcade to enjoy, and plenty of treats to go around. It’s a convenient stop to add to your list because admission is free, and you simply pay for the rides you want to enjoy individually once you’re here.
Another terrific way to spend a day in Mission Beach is to make sure you enjoy an afternoon at nearby Mission Bay Park. This sprawling destination is scenic and inviting, often appealing to those who want to pair time strolling the nature trails with a picnic, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more. The calm surrounding waters are great for exploring and there are 27 miles of bayfront total to enjoy here as well. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is also worth exploring during your Mission Beach getaway when you want to enjoy some of the best views out and over the Pacific Ocean possible. Here, the terrain includes rugged cliffs that are great for setting up a camera and enjoying nature photography or providing a place to take in a thrilling sunset in the evening hours too.
Your first trip to Mission Beach won’t quite be considered complete until you’ve taken time to enjoy the Mission Beach Boardwalk. This iconic boardwalk stretches for miles along the coast and is the top place for great views, access to the beach, and people-watching as well. On the Mission Beach Boardwalk, you can fill an afternoon with walking, rollerblading, or jogging and follow it up with stops at the many beachside cafes that adorn this area.
Finally, those who can’t wait to get out on the greens no matter where they roam will love every moment they spend at the Mission Bay Golf Course. This 18-hole executive destination in town is as challenging as it is beautiful, making it a place you’re likely going to want to schedule a tee time or two while you’re here. The golf course is open year-round between 6:30 am and 8:30 pm but if you’re one of the last rounds of the day, you’ll be delighted to find the lights stay on until 10:00 pm.
Make More of the Great Outdoors in Mission Beach
If you have a heart for time in the great outdoors, Mission Beach is a vacation destination that promises to capture your attention and hold it for a lifetime. Because the waters around nearby Mission Bay are so tranquil, it’s a wonderful place to put in a paddleboard or kayak for the day and enjoy sightseeing on the water at your own preferred pace. Others who are looking to elevate the speed of their sightseeing fun will choose to rent a jet ski for a few hours an explore the bay at a faster clip. Still, some prefer to book their place on one of the many Mission Bay sightseeing cruises offered up year-round, and this is just fine as well. No matter how you choose to enjoy the waters around Mission Beach, the point is…you should! It also happens to be a place that’s particularly loved by surfing enthusiasts and whether you’re new to the sport or a professional on the board, it’s worth spending quality time trying to catch waves here. Newcomers will want to consider making time to book a surfing lesson during their stay when leaving your visit to Mission Beach behind with a new skill in place is a priority. For a sky-high view over Mission Beach, a parasailing adventure in this area is a highly recommended addition to your itinerary too.
Important Things to Keep in Mind When Traveling This Way
As with every new vacation destination you set out to discover on the map, Mission Beach has some unique factors to keep in mind when it’s your first time traveling this way. While the warm weather in every season is typically a treat and the sunshine is an inviting part of a visit, it also means Mission Beach travelers need to be very aware of sun exposure when they’re here and pack their sun protection accordingly. Making sure you have plenty of sunscreen in your suitcase is always the smart choice and wearing sun hats and sunglasses when you’re out and about on the sand, boardwalk or waves is a must. Be sure to reapply that sunscreen after watersports, and don’t hesitate to opt for a wetsuit if you’re trying surfing for the first time. The warm weather also makes Mission Beach a place where outdoor adventurers want to be sure they are staying well-hydrated at all times. Before you set out to enjoy time in the water, it’s vital to check in on water conditions so you’re aware of any beach warnings in place and understand how rip currents operate. If you’re new to open water swimming, always be sure to pick a beach to enjoy that’s staffed by lifeguards.
Book Your Incredible Stay Today
We hope you enjoyed our first time mission beach visitor guide. No matter when you have time set aside to make the most of a Mission Beach, California adventure, having the right vacation rental accommodations in place upon arrival can make all the difference in your overall guest experience. At Drift Vacation Homes, we have luxury retreats available to reserve for small and large groups of guests alike that keep you close to the places you’re excited to experience for the first time! Our property options are packed with inviting amenities, features, and furnishings too and we have pet-friendly rentals available if your trip to Mission Beach includes the company of your favorite canine companion. Whether you’re looking forward to an oceanfront stay, a bayside bungalow or a property with a private pool to enjoy on-site, we’ll make sure you feel right at home. Reach out today to learn more and to begin turning travel plans into a well-deserved reality soon!
