Welcome to Pacific Beach | Mission Beach
Coastal neighborhoods with beaches and buzzing businesses
Pacific Beach and Mission Beach are adjacent coastal neighborhoods featuring a gorgeous stretch of sandy Pacific Ocean beachfront. A popular boardwalk runs alongside the beach through both neighborhoods. Pacific Beach is the livelier of the two neighborhoods, with lots of hotels, boutiques, restaurants, and happening nightlife spots. Mission Beach also has its fair share of beachy neighborhood bars. Mission Beach is located on a sandbar separating the ocean from Mission Bay, a sprawling 2,000-acre recreation area featuring attractions such as SeaWorld San Diego.
Homes in both neighborhoods include Spanish-style properties dating back to the 1920s. Mission Beach also has many 1930s and ‘40s cottages alongside newer two-story single-family homes. Pacific Beach features luxurious multi-million dollar oceanfront residences, as well as contemporary condos, townhouses, and single-family homes.
What to Love
- Sandy beaches
- Diverse homes
- Bars, boutiques, and nightlife
- Mission Bay Park and SeaWorld San Diego
People & Lifestyle
Pacific Beach has long been famous for its youthful energy and beachy party vibe. Recent years have seen this vibrant seaside neighborhood attract many families and older affluent residents. With its calmer atmosphere and peaceful residential streets close to the oceanfront, Mission Beach is a popular family destination. These eclectic neighborhoods offer lots of amenities and proximity to some of San Diego’s premier attractions.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The Pacific Beach and Mission Beach Boardwalk runs for three miles between the Pacific Beach pier and South Mission Beach Jetty. There are plenty of great places to dine and drink along the Boardwalk and the streets adjacent to it. Near the northern stretch of the Boardwalk in Pacific Beach, Oscars Mexican Seafood opens from breakfast through dinner with a delicious menu of south of the border favorites. JRDN at Tower 23 Hotel is a sophisticated surf ‘n’ turf restaurant serving mouthwatering steaks, ocean-fresh seafood, and sides and veggies sourced sustainably from local farms. JRDN’s elegant meals are paired with an excellent cocktail program. Pacific Beach Shore Club is a popular beach bar with a menu of fish tacos and other tasty pub grub. 710 Beach Club hosts nightly events, including live bands and karaoke. Close to the boundary between Pacific Beach and Mission Beach, World Famous offers inventive takes on steaks and seafood dining, while the beer garden at Amplified Ale Works is a fine choice for enjoying local craft brews.
Around Belmont Park at the Mission Beach end of the Boardwalk, Sandbar Sports Grill is a relaxed hangout with ocean-view patios. Cannonball also boasts excellent ocean views alongside an upscale menu of sushi and small plates from around the Pacific Rim. More restaurants can be found along Mission Boulevard, which runs parallel to the Boardwalk through Mission Beach. Highlights here include signature espresso blends at Better Buzz Coffee Roasters, vegan sushi at NoW Sushi, and Caribbean cuisine and cocktails at Miss B’s Coconut Club. Garnett Avenue runs to the pier through the heart of Pacific Beach. This lively stretch is lined with an eclectic array of boutiques, bars, restaurants, and nightlife spots. Pangea Outpost is a global marketplace on Garnett Avenue featuring vendors selling a huge variety of clothing and gifts. Popular spots for drinks on Garnett Avenue include the multi-level Mavericks Beach Club and trendy craft cocktail lounge and dance club PB Avenue.
Things to Do
Residents of Pacific Beach and Mission Beach enjoy access to San Diego’s most popular stretch of sandy coastline. At the northern end of Pacific Beach is the rugged surfing hotspot of Tourmaline Surfing Park Beach. Crystal Pier’s popular fishing destination separates Tourmaline Beach and North Pacific Beach from the main area of Pacific Beach. This beach is known for its great city and ocean views and its lively party atmosphere. Pacific Beach continues unbroken into Mission Beach and quieter South Mission Beach, which has many beach volleyball courts. Belmont Park is a historic amusement park next to Mission Beach featuring the Giant Dipper roller coaster and many other rides and attractions. To the east of Mission Beach, Mission Bay Park spans 4,235 acres with 19 sandy beaches and 14 miles of bike paths along 27 miles of shoreline. Mission Bay Park is the largest aquatic park in the United States. It features numerous boat docks and channels and islands to explore. SeaWorld San Diego is a major attraction at Mission Bay Park, with rollercoasters and other thrill rides. SeaWorld features three aquariums. Marine creatures at SeaWorld include three dolphin species, sea lions, beluga whales, and a world-famous group of killer whales.
Schools
Pacific Beach and Mission Beach are served by the San Diego Unified School District.
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Bernard Elementary, Public, K-5.
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Pacific Beach Elementary, Public, K-5.
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Sessions Elementary, Public, K-5.
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Pacific Beach Middle, Public, 6-8.
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Mission Bay High, Public, Magnet, 9-12.
