Mission Beach

I am really surprised that no locals have written about Mission Beach but I know I have some great memories going here as a kid. I am more familiar of the Belmont Park area so most of my memories come from there. Of course there is an old wooden roller coaster there the "Giant Dipper" although you want to go on it for the nostalgia, it is painful. There are a few carnival type rides right in Belmont Park and shops such as Wings which has touristy gifts and clothing. There are some fun restaurants, such as Cane's where you can sit on their rooftop deck and a newly renovated bar just across the street called the Coaster Saloon is so awesome and a fun place to hang out. Hamels is a cool store to go to for sure and a local favorite bar is called the Pennant. If you go there just ask someone where it is, they will always be aware of it's location! When on the beach keep in mind that one side is for walking and the other for bikes/jogging..they will not hesitate to run you over. =) My dog was almost a victim of a a beach rundown. There are also a lot of fun things to do: bike rentals, parasailing, picnics on the beach, long walks on the beach (haha), trying to watch for the Green Flash (there is also a restaurant called the Green Flash along Mission Beach), sport fishing and of course Sea World is very close by. There's nothing like spending the summer on Mission Beach, nice locals and college students always having a smile on their face, how could they not? Good times in San Diego all around, I HIGHLY suggest it!