Mission Beach Local Customs

This is the south direction of the narrow boardwalk and goes as far as the south end of MB. At the southern most end of MB is another large parking lot and a less crowded bit of sand, especially good for large family groups or families with smaller children. In this area people will set up canopies or mark off large sections of sand to accommodate their party. However, a single person or couple are welcomed as well.

During the summer fire rings are provided and available on a first come first serve basis, so arrive early and make a day of it. At night bonfires are popular and it is a lot of fun to sit around the fire talking, telling jokes and laughing.

I've been to many beach parties here and the boardwalk has always been the solution for those teens who want to walk up to the amusement park for a while or to check out the surf shops or just to mix with the crowds on the beach.

It doesn't rain here often but when it does, you'll still find a few people who enjoy the beach and life guards are on duty.

If, in the unlikely event that it rains during your stay in San Diego, a visit to MB can still be quite thrilling. The waves are usually much higher after a storm and surfers rarely miss the opportunity of trying for the biggest of them.

Walking along the deserted boardwalk can be a unique experience. The shops and restaurants are still open and the feel of a winter's day can be quite charming, especially if you prefer fewer crowds.

The point being that rain in San Diego doesn't necessarily have to ruin your plans to go to the beach during winter time. Just be sure to dress appropriately and stay warm.

Going north along the boardwalk you will find the commercial section of Mission Beach, complete with surf shops, restaurants and Belmont park .

Pacific Beach is the next beach in this direction and as I'm not much for walking it is not the way I'd choose to get there. However, it is not unsual for some people to make the two mile trek along the beach, just for fun. Imagine that!

There are many sights on this boardwalk and besides walking you may ride a bicycle or a skateboard even skates are used along the boardwalk. Your speed must not exceed eight miles an hour and always be considerate of others along the way. Sometimes it's so crowded that it looks impossible to do, but actually there are few mishaps even on the sunniest days.