Photography Provided By: Kathryn Barnard

How to Spend a Family-Friendly Summer Weekend in Mission Bay

From Bayfront Accommodations to Endless Activities, Mission Bay Is the Ultimate Summer Vacation Spot!

Coastal, comfortable and bustling with things to do, Mission Bay is a perfect reflection of what San Diego is all about. Find high-quality dining, activities in and out of the water and opportunities for both relaxation and recreation. So pack your bags—we’re gearing you up for a weekend on the bay. Your staycation begins now! Mission Bay Itinerary

Mission Bay Itinerary

9 a.m.

Awake Refreshed at Mission Bay Resort

Newly renovated and ready to rock, Mission Bay Resort is the perfect stay for any type of traveler. Find an endless breeze, picturesque views of the bay and activities at your fingertips at this resort located just minutes from Pacific Beach and steps from Mission Bay. Decompress at the spa, soak up the sun at the waterfront pool area or make a splash with on-site watersport rentals. Mission Bay Resort underwent a $32 million renovation in June 2020, unveiling amenities like a state-of-the-art fitness center, a 4,000 square-foot pool area, five tennis courts, a gift shop, a signature restaurant and a poolside grill. Plus, the kiddos are sure to love the resort’s seasonal weekly s’mores nights and on-site games, including volleyball, basketball, giant chess, giant checkers and more. Not ready to check out…ever? Membership options packed with discounts are available for locals!

EXP 10/8

 

10 a.m.

Begin Your Mission at The Mission

Because no successful day ever begins on an empty stomach, start off at one of San Diego’s most well-known breakfast spots, The Mission. Located on Mission Blvd adjacent to the ocean, you’ll feast on tasty dishes like decadent banana blackberry pancakes or savory Latin-inspired dishes like rancheros verde. For a true power up, pair your meal with their famous Vincent Vega coffee: Coca-Cola with a shot of espresso. Mission engaged.

4/10

 

11:00 a.m.

Come Sail-a-Bay

Grab up to 10 pals and prepare to sail the bay with Duffy San Diego! Their newest 2020 Sun Cruisers are roomy, eco-friendly and come equipped with tables, a built-in ice cooler for any snacks or beverages you bring along and a Bluetooth sound system! Appoint a DJ, bartender and a navigator—you’re the captain of this ship. Aye aye!

Mission Bay Itinerary

12:30 p.m.

Take the Plunge

From one body of water to the next, you’re in for luxury laps at Plunge San Diego. Located inside of FIT Athletic at Belmont Park, take a dip at this historic beachside pool that’s now offering a packed schedule of unique fitness obstacle course classes, lap swimming and day camps. Those who begin with a recreational day pass may end up a loyal member.

Mission Bay Itinerary

1:30 p.m.

Rolls on the Rooftop

Lunchtime calls for a cannonball into fine cuisine with a visit to Cannonball in Mission Beach. Satisfy your sushi cravings and overlook the ocean from any angle while dining at their upstairs patio! Can’t get enough? Swing by again on a Thursday evening for live music by local artists from 5-8 p.m. Sunshine and sushi rolls? Yes, please!

7/16

 

3 p.m.

Roller-Coastin’

Take a short stroll from lunch over to the famous Belmont Park Giant Dipper Roller Coaster. With speeds up to 48 mph and sharp twists and turns at every moment, this iconic coaster provides the perfect midday rush. Initially constructed in 1925 during the Golden Age of roller coasters, the now modernized version of the beloved wooden coaster elicits thrills still heard from far down the boardwalk. You may even catch an ocean view—if you can take it in before the drop!

6/12

 

4 p.m.

Creep Down to the Cove

Hop in the car, take a short drive down to La Jolla and enter The Cave Store, a quaint gift shop sheltering a hidden San Diego gem. Tucked away in this shop is a steep staircase leading down to the historical Sunny Jim Sea Cave. Self-guide yourself down a quick 145 stairs at this historic landmark, initially rumored to have served as a smuggling destination during the Prohibition era. It’s a quick stop worth the small descent!

 

5 p.m. 

Dig in at Covewood

From one cove to the next—though this next one’s a tad more sophisticated. Head back over to your homebase at Mission Bay Resort for dinner at Covewood, the property’s brand-new luxury restaurant! This chic dining spot blends elements of leather and linen, creating an understated yet luxury barefoot-chic aesthetic.Treat yourself to fresh seafood and wood-grilled vegetables, like charred octopus and candied ginger carrots, amidst panoramic bay views and a newly designed open-concept atmosphere. The stylish decor paired with fine seafood yields a dining experience the whole family will enjoy.

Mission Bay Itinerary

7 p.m.

Get Your Night Tees

What has 46 acres, 18 holes and is green all over? It’s the Mission Bay Golf Course, and it’s the next stop on your itinerary. Grab your clubs, rent a cart and work your way down a course that’s here to putt-putt you in your place—unless you’re a pro, that is. Opt for a quick nine-hole round to stay on today’s itinerary (and keep enough daylight). However, if a round of night golf sounds fun, come back after dark for some tee time under the lights!

 

9 p.m.

Motion (Picture) by the Ocean

The motion of the ocean has been one-upped by motion pictures on the sand with the immaculate bay-front setups done by Seaside Cinemas! Awaiting you is a homey setup complete with lights, pillows and blankets and a screening of the movie of your choice. Select your occasion and build out your add-ons with your online inquiry, then get ready to live out the comfy movie experience of your dreams.

Mission Bay Itinerary

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Jaclyn is a sunshine chasing San Diego native with an extensive writing background. When she isn’t word-smithing, you can find her playing beach volleyball, skating the boardwalk, or on a rooftop enjoying a drink in the sunshine with her pals.

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