Bike, Jog or Blade the Boardwalk
A cyclist on the boardwalk.
The concrete boardwalk that starts in Mission Beach extends all the way to Pacific Beach. The path provides a great way to enjoy the beauty of San Diego's sun and surf while still getting in your exercise. There are constantly cyclists, joggers, pedestrians, skateboarders and bladers taking advantage of the sunny Southern California weather on the boardwalk, so stay alert at all times.
If you didn't bring your skates or bike, don't worry. There are plenty of rental shops in the area, most notably, Hamel's Surf Shop, which is right on the boardwalk at Mission Beach.
Hamel's Surf Shop
708 Ventura Pl.
Mission Beach, San Diego 92109
(858) 488-5050
Hit The Wave House
One of the waves at The Wave House.
The Belmont Park swimming pool, The Plunge, was built in 1925, along with most of the rest of the park. California's largest indoor heated pool was feeling the decline of age when it was purchased by The Wave House athletic club, which completely renovated and revitalized the historic pool. Aside from rejuvenating The Plunge, The Wave House also brought in a number of bars, a concert stage and two simulated waves for both aspiring and professional surfers, snowboarders and wakeboarders.
Whatever your favorite boarding or swimming hobby, The Wave House has got you covered, along with your relaxation needs as well.
The Wave House
3146 Mission Blvd
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 488-0668
wavehousesandiego.com
Ride the Rides
The Giant Dipper in action.
A day at Mission Beach without the rides of Belmont Park is like a day spent at Disneyland without seeing a costume character. The wooden Giant Dipper coaster is the most famous and long-lasting of the rides, as it dates back from the 1925 opening of the park. In recent years, it has been renovated for safety reasons, but the ride itself is filled with the same thrills as always. If coasters aren't your forte, consider the bumper cars or carousel, which may not be as long-lived as the coaster, but are still classics.
Admission to the park is free, but the price per rides may vary. Consider purchasing an all-day pass for around $20 and experience the rides over and over again.
Belmont Park
3146 Mission Blvd
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 488-1549
belmontpark.com
Enjoy the Ocean
A surfer in Mission Beach
Naturally, the biggest attraction at Mission Beach is the beach itself. Here you can relax on the sandy shore, take a swim or try your hand at surfing the small to medium waves. If you want to rent a surf board, body board or wet suit, Hamel's rents these out as well as bikes and skateboards.
The water in Mission Beach is a little more sandy than the average beach, so be prepared to use the public showers in the bathrooms after hitting the waves because you won't want to leave the gritty particles in your drawers, in your hair or on your skin.
Hamel's Surf Shop
708 Ventura Pl.
Mission Beach, San Diego 92109
(858) 488-5050
