

Mission Bay
Mission Bay Park, just north of San Diego International Airport, is the largest man-made aquatic park in the United States, sprawling across 4,235 acres, 46 percent of which are land and 54 percent water. It encompasses 27 miles of shoreline—including 19 miles of sandy beach with eight official swimming areas—a network of channels and islands with marinas and...
Mission Bay Park, just north of San Diego International Airport, is the largest man-made aquatic park in the United States, sprawling across 4,235 acres, 46 percent of which are land and 54 percent water. It encompasses 27 miles of shoreline—including 19 miles of sandy beach with eight official swimming areas—a network of channels and islands with marinas and boat launches, playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, a model yacht pond, hotels, an RV resort, and almost 14 miles of bicycle and pedestrian paths meandering through tree-shaded lawns. People come here from all around the San Diego area to boat, swim, jet-ski and water-ski, kiteboard, jog, fly kites, picnic, play, and laze about in the sunshine.
Mission Bay Park was created by dredging and filling a tidal marsh that early mariners had named False Bay, mistaking it for San Diego Bay to the south. Before the San Diego River flood control channel was built, the rivermouth used to shift between False Bay and San Diego Bay. The marsh was dredged in the 1940s and 50s, and recreational facilities developed in the 60s. Today’s landscape is almost entirely man-made, but bits of wetland survive at the bay’s northern end and at Famosa Slough, south of the San Diego River channel (outside park boundaries). The area still has important nesting and feeding spots for many species of birds, including osprey, herons, stilts, terns, mallards, pintails, shovelers, and Belding’s savannah sparrows.
Mission Bay’s network of broad bicycle and pedestrian paths provide ample opportunities for accessible recreation, whether you’re looking for a workout or a leisurely stroll. On a six-mile round-trip along the park’s east shore you can watch windsurfers and kiteboarders galore, or stop for a picnic at a shaded pavilion. A broad, sandy beach and views of the San Diego skyline are among the highlights of a shorter excursion around the north shore’s Crown Point peninsula.
Visitor center: Located on the east Mission Bay shoreline, just south of De Anza Cove, this visitor center provides information about tourist attractions, lodging, and restaurants for the greater San Diego area (not specifically for Mission Bay Park).
Mission Bay Park was created by dredging and filling a tidal marsh that early mariners had named False Bay, mistaking it for San Diego Bay to the south. Before the San Diego River flood control channel was built, the rivermouth used to shift between False Bay and San Diego Bay. The marsh was dredged in the 1940s and 50s, and recreational facilities developed in the 60s. Today’s landscape is almost entirely man-made, but bits of wetland survive at the bay’s northern end and at Famosa Slough, south of the San Diego River channel (outside park boundaries). The area still has important nesting and feeding spots for many species of birds, including osprey, herons, stilts, terns, mallards, pintails, shovelers, and Belding’s savannah sparrows.
Mission Bay’s network of broad bicycle and pedestrian paths provide ample opportunities for accessible recreation, whether you’re looking for a workout or a leisurely stroll. On a six-mile round-trip along the park’s east shore you can watch windsurfers and kiteboarders galore, or stop for a picnic at a shaded pavilion. A broad, sandy beach and views of the San Diego skyline are among the highlights of a shorter excursion around the north shore’s Crown Point peninsula.
Visitor center: Located on the east Mission Bay shoreline, just south of De Anza Cove, this visitor center provides information about tourist attractions, lodging, and restaurants for the greater San Diego area (not specifically for Mission Bay Park).
Trail/Pathway Details
East Mission Bay
Trailhead: Southern end: Rose Marie Starns South Shores Park, off Sea World Drive. Northern end: De Anza Cove, off North Mission Bay Drive.
Length: Over 4 total miles
Typical Width: 4 ft. & above
Typical Grade: Level
Terrain: Hard
Description
Starting from the southern trailhead, at Rose Marie Starns South Shores Park just east of Sea World, a broad concrete promenade bordered by native plants and palm trees follows the shore of Pacific Passage, a narrow channel separating Fiesta Island from the mainland. The mostly undeveloped island is a launch spot for jet skiers, kiteboarders, and other water...view full description
Crown Point
Trailhead: Crown Point Park parking area, 3700 Crown Point Drive
Length: 2-4 total miles
Typical Width: 4 ft. & above
Typical Grade: Level
Terrain: Hard
Description
Crown Point is a large peninsula that juts into northern Mission Bay, creating Sail Bay to the west and Fiesta Bay to the east. Crown Point Park, with a large sandy beach and manicured lawns, stretches along the peninsula’s eastern side. Enter the bicycle path from any of its parking areas. Traveling through grassy parklands with trees and...view full description
Accessibility Details
The facilities listed below meet all of our access criteria unless otherwise noted.
Accessible Parking: Yes
Accessible Restroom: Yes
Crown Point: Near the northeast corner of the first parking lot at Crown Point Park.
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Additional Information
View Map |
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Website: | www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/regional/missionbay/ |
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Managing Agency: | City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department |
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Nearest City: | San Diego |
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Phone: | (619) 235-1169 |
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Reservations: | (619) 235-1169 |
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Hours: | Daily, 4 am-2 am |
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Fees: | None |
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Dogs: | On leash Leashed dogs are allowed in the park before 9 am and after 6 pm (April 1-Oct. 31; after 4 pm Nov. 1-March 31). Fiesta Island has an off-leash dog area. |
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Public Transportation: | San Diego Metro Transit District |
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Reviewed by Eileen Ecklund, September 15, 2009
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