Mission Point Park

Where the Bay Meets the Boulevard

Tucked away at the southern tip of Mission Beach in San Diego, Mission Point Park sits right where Mission Boulevard ends and the entrance channel to Mission Bay begins. It marks the point where the boulevard ends and the waterways begin.

Spanning 8.6 acres of waterfront green space, this quiet place is actually part of the larger Mission Bay Park system. From here, you can enjoy excellent views of the bay, downtown San Diego, and boats passing through the channel.

Large trees are scattered along the pathway

Photo: Sergei Gussev (CC BY 2.0)

What You'll Find Here

The park features expansive grassy areas good for picnics, sunbathing, or tossing a frisbee around. Mature trees provide welcome shade for when you need a break from the sun.

Along the shoreline, a rocky seawall does double duty - protecting against erosion while creating little underwater neighborhoods for marine creatures. Keep your eyes peeled for the bright orange Garibaldi fish that often dart through the shallow waters - these vibrant fish are California's official state marine fish.

You'll discover all the practical stuff too: picnic tables for those who prefer not to sit on the ground, clean restrooms with showers to rinse off the salt water, and a modest playground with swings and equipment that the under-10 crowd will appreciate. For evening gatherings, fire pits dot the park - just plan to claim yours early if you're visiting during busy times, as they're first-come, first-served.

Water Activities

While there's no official beach here, the calm, shallow waters of Mission Bay are easily accessible for all sorts of water fun. The protected location means the water here tends to run warmer than the nearby ocean beaches and without the waves - making it particularly nice for families with little ones. If you're into kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, or boating, the bay waters welcome it all.

Boats cruising through the blue waters at Mission Point

Photo: Sergei Gussev (CC BY 2.0)

Fishing Spot & Marine Life

Early birds with fishing rods flock to the jetty area around sunrise. Many find the early morning fishing particularly peaceful. If you're more interested in observing marine life than catching it, grab a mask - the rocky shoreline areas create prime snorkeling opportunities to spy on fish and tiny sea creatures going about their day.

The park is located on a curved peninsula

Photo: Sergei Gussev (CC BY 2.0)

The Vibe

One of the nicest things about Mission Point Park is that it typically draws smaller crowds than the ocean beaches nearby. There's a 150-person capacity limit, which helps maintain that more peaceful atmosphere. Weekdays are particularly tranquil, while weekends and holidays can get lively. The parking situation here is better than at many Mission Beach spots, however arriving early during peak times is still a smart move.

Bringing Fido

Your four-legged friends are welcome, but with time restrictions. Dogs on leashes can visit before 9:00 AM and after 6:00 PM from April through October. During the off-season (November to March), they're allowed after 4:00 PM.

Rocky shoreline curves along the waterfront with palm trees in the distance

Photo: Sergei Gussev (CC BY 2.0)

Water Safety Notes

The water here is inviting with its sandy bottom and gradual depth increase, but keep in mind there are no lifeguards on duty. You'll need to be your own water safety monitor. The good news is the protected bay location means conditions are typically much calmer than at ocean beaches.

Hours & Finding Your Way

The park welcomes visitors daily from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Its position at Mission Beach's end makes it feel somewhat secluded, yet it's still just minutes from nearby shops and restaurants.