Belmont Park
3146 mission blvd, +1 858 228-9283, (http://www.belmontpark.com/). open april-december, hours vary by season and day of week; typically 11am-8pm. a seaside-amusement park located near the southern end of mission beach, belmont park is a landmark with a number of shops, restaurants, an arcade, and a bunch of rides. the big attraction is the giant dipper (http://www.giantdipper.co...), a historic roller coaster that is one of the only two remaining oceanfront roller coasters still operating on the west coast. also popular is the plunge, a historic indoor heated swimming pool that continues to be the city's largest indoor pool. among the other rides is a flowrider a simulated wave attraction which you can bodyboard on, an antique carousel, bumper cars, slides, pendulum rides, tilt-a-whirl, and a trampoline. general admission free, ride tickets $1 each rides take anywhere from 2-6 tickets each.
Mission Bay Park
(http://www.sandiego.gov/p...). encompassing the entirety of mission bay, offering opportunities for sailing, boating, swimming, jet ski, and other water sports. you can also take advantage of the park space surrounding the bay for walking, bicycling, picnicking, etc. there are many miles of hiking, biking, and running trails that have a moderate level of difficulty for runners and an easy level of difficulty for bicyclists. there are marvelous views of the ocean and the bay along with numerous side trips. starting at the mission bay visitor information center on east mission bay drive near the clairemont drive exit from interstate 5 freeway is a good idea, as there is parking it can be scarce at times and is only limited to just one hour, and runners can can choose a trail to match their fitness level. mission bay playground, east mission bay drive on mission bay, south of clairemont drive. there are many playgrounds in the city, but this one is easily one of the best. for starters, it's a huge playground, with several elaborate play structures one is built to resemble a pirate ship and lots of elements for kids to explore. the setting is also ideal, located on the edge of mission bay and surrounded by expansive lawns perfect for kite-flying and playing sports.fiesta island. this island in the middle of mission bay hosts the fiesta island time trial series, hosted by the san diego bicycle club. competitors meet up to see who can ride the quickest 20k or improve the most. single riders, tandems and teams are all welcome, and the event also hosts triathletes and world class road race athletes. there is always a waiting list for these trials, so early registration is vital if you want to take part in this very exciting aspect of cycling in mission bay park.
Mission Bay Playground
East mission bay drive on mission bay, south of clairemont drive. there are many playgrounds in the city, but this one is easily one of the best. for starters, it's a huge playground, with several elaborate play structures one is built to resemble a pirate ship and lots of elements for kids to explore. the setting is also ideal, located on the edge of mission bay and surrounded by expansive lawns perfect for kite-flying and playing sports.
Fiesta Island
This island in the middle of mission bay hosts the fiesta island time trial series, hosted by the san diego bicycle club. competitors meet up to see who can ride the quickest 20k or improve the most. single riders, tandems and teams are all welcome, and the event also hosts triathletes and world class road race athletes. there is always a waiting list for these trials, so early registration is vital if you want to take part in this very exciting aspect of cycling in mission bay park.
Mission Bay Aquatic Center
1001 santa clara pl., +1 858 488-1000 fax: +1 858 488-9625, (http://www.missionbayaqua...). the aquatic center rents catamarans and other watercraft, as do several other franchises around the bay. instructional lessons are available. be aware that the western half of the bay is "sail only" powerboats 5 mph no wake during the daytime.