City Information

Mission Beach is the center of a continuous stretch of beach known as The Strand, which extends over two miles, beginning at the Mission Bay channel entrance and ending at the north end of Pacific Beach. The Strand is the most popular beach area in the City of San Diego and draws large crowds in summer.

A somewhat narrow cement boardwalk parallel's the entire beach. Walking, biking, bicycling, and related activities are permitted on the boardwalk, but speed is regulated and must be kept to eight miles per hour or less. Cycles with more than two wheels are not permitted except for use by the disabled. At all times, people must use caution and courtesy in using the boardwalk.

Various shops, restaurants, and beach rental outfits surround the Mission Beach lifeguard station, at the foot of Ventura Street beside a landmark roller coaster. The north end of Mission Beach is bordered by residential properties, but there are some stores available on Mission Boulevard, a block or so from the beach.

Mission Beach is located on a sand bar peninsula two miles long and up to 1/4 of a mile wide along the western edge of the mid-coastal region of the City of San Diego. It is bounded on the north by Pacific Beach, on the east by Mission Bay, on the south by the San Diego River (with Ocean Beach on the opposite bank) and on the west by the Pacific Ocean.

Due to the difficulties of developing on sand, Mission Beach developed later than its neighbors, Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach. In 1914, encouraged by land sales in these neighboring communities and a new bridge connecting Mission Beach with Ocean Beach, John D. Spreckels offered lots for sale, resulting in a tent community focused on a swimming pool, a bayfront pier and a bath house.

In 1922, the City's new health code required the removal of all non-permanent buildings. In 1925, in order to stimulate real estate sales and to promote his electric railway, Mr. Spreckels built the Mission Beach amusement center, now called Belmont Park. Upon his death, he granted Belmont Park to the City. The removal of the rail line and the bridge to Ocean Beach and the development of West Mission Bay Drive through Mission Bay Park resulted in the current circulation system.

The majority of the original residential structures in Mission Beach were constructed in the 1930s and 1940s. However, development pressure has led to the redevelopment infill of much of Mission Beach, focusing primarily on properties that are adjacent to the water and in the southern area of the community. Mission Beach is the most densely developed residential community in San Diego with a land use designation over the majority of its area of 36 dwelling units per acre. It is also comprised of the smallest lots in the City, with standard lot areas ranging from 1250 to 2400 square feet. Few of these lots have been consolidated to form larger lots.

In 1970, a Mission (Beach)-Pacific Beach Community Plan was adopted. In 1974, the City Council amended the 1970 plan to remove the Mission Beach planning area from it and adopted the Mission Beach Precise Plan.