Description:
Mission Bay Park consists of 4,600 acres, approximately half land and half water. There are 27 miles of shoreline, 19 of which are sandy beaches. Mission Bay was originally named False Bay by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who came upon it in 1542. In those days, it was a vast tidal marsh that could confuse mariners into believing it was the larger bay just to the south, San Diego Bay. In 1944, civic leaders began a series of steps to dredge the marsh and create an aquatic recreation facility. Today, you will find that Mission Bay is used by motorboaters, sailboaters, rowers, waterskiers, picnickers, joggers, and swimmers. It is also home to many species of birds, fish, and other animals and has a nature reserve at it's northern end near Crown Point.
Lifeguard Protection:
Lifeguard staffing on Mission Bay beaches is primarily seasonal, usually beginning with school spring break, continuing with spring weekends, becoming daily during summer, and reduced to weekends after summer through October. Between November and spring break, there are no lifeguarded beaches on Mission Bay.
The primary Mission Bay beaches where staffing is provided most consistently are:
- Bonita Cove
- 1000 West Mission Bay Drive at Mariners Way (signalized intersection)
- Leisure Lagoon
- 1900 East Mission Bay Drive
- De Anza Cove
3000 East Mission Bay Drive
- Additional Mission Bay beaches are usually guarded daily during summer
- Sail Bay
- 4000 Fanuel Street
- Crown Point
- 3700 Crown Point Drive
- Ventura Cove
- 1000 West Mission Bay Drive at Gleason Road (signalized intersection)
- Tecolote Shores
- 1600 East Mission Bay Drive
- Enchanted Cove
- Located on Fiesta Island 1/3 mile from the entrance to the island
Drop Off:
There are no significant currents on Mission Bay, nor is there any surf; but there is a hazard posed by the drop-off. It can be a particular problem for small children. The steepness of the beach can be such that a child who is waist deep, for example, may take one step and be in water that is over their head. For this reason, parents are strongly urged to watch their children closely and to allow swimming only in areas supervised by a lifeguard. It is also strongly recommended that those who are weak swimmers or non-swimmers not be permitted to use floating objects that might allow them to access water over their head. If they lose the floating object they can quickly submerge and drown.
Restrooms and Showers:
Restrooms with showers are located at all of the above listed swimming beaches on Mission Bay, except at Enchanted Cove. At some beaches there are two restroom buildings available.
Beach Fires:
Containers for beach fires are available at many beaches and available on a first come, first served basis. The burning of rubbish is prohibited. Only wood, charcoal, or paper products may be used as fuel. Fuel for the fire may not exceed a height of more than twelve inches above the upper edge of the fire container. The fire must be extinguished before leaving the beach. Open beach fires outside containers are prohibited at all San Diego beaches.