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Monday, May 12, 2008

Mission Beach San Diego Rated as the Best California Beach Community and Travel Destination

Mission Beach - "San Diego's #1 Beach Community!"

Mission Beach is rated as the "BEST" vacation beach location
in California! The beach community recieved the review from
SoCal Beaches Magazine which is also based out of San Diego.
The beach recieved a "Best Beach" rating because of the fact that
it is a small beach community peninsula with about 6 miles of beach
boardwalks, parks, palm trees in addition to being close to everything
in San Diego including the airport, SeaWorld, Downtown SD, La Jolla,
shopping, restaurants and more.

Because Mission Beach was developed before cars were popular the
beach are is best accessed for visitors by bike and walking.

Vacation rentals in Mission Beach are the most popular way to stay
since most hotels are along of the edge of the beach and on Mission Bay.

For some great deals on Mission Beach hotels and attraction ticket packages
call 1-800-632-1698.




Mission Beach - The #1 Beach Destination in San Diego"

and Southern California!


When it comes to great beaches, certainly there are dozens that encompass a true beach experience with warm sand, a nice ocean view, tanning oil etc.....but Mission Beach for me stands out as a one-of-a-kind place to visit and live.

Mission Beach San Diego is by far the BEST beach community and beach destination for people looking to get away to Southern California beaches. I love all the beaches in Southern California.

In the last 5 years I have made a point of visiting all of the Southern California beaches and trying to experience the way of life they offer. It is in fact difficult to say that "one beach is better than another", when in fact each community treasures their own beach areas as "the best".

Each beach in Southern California has it's own "flavor" if you will and vibe that makes them unique. Malibu California is a lot of tiny beach spots with no real downtown going down the Pacific Coast Highway for over 20 miles.

Santa Monica has a huge beach community and a pier with an amusement park, arcade and restaurants on it and tons of classy hotels around...a bit more upscale but a far contrast to Venice Beach, which is the next beach directly south and the only place in Southern California where street vendors are allowed to line the boardwalk with arts and crafts and "sideshows.

It is a bit crazy to say the least and a stark contrast to Santa Monica right next to it and as you go down it is the same....Manhattan Beach is awesome and a bit more upscale than Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach, which cater to a younger age demographic of people. They are all nice and great places to visit but they cannot compare to Mission Beach San Diego.

When I tell people what makes Mission Beach "The Best" beach in Southern California, the first thing I mention is the fact that the beach extends beyond the coastline. Mission Beach is in fact a 2.5 mile peninsula that runs south from Pacific Beach and has the Pacific Ocean on one side and Mission Bay and over 4,000 acres of parks and wetlands on the other. Most beach communities have a nice beach and as soon as you walk off it you are in a concrete jungle. Not Mission Beach.

When you walk off the beach in Mission Beach there is Mission Bay one block inland and then thousands of acres of parks and wetlands on Mission Bay. It is always covered with green grass, hundreds of palm trees and beautiful boat sails from all of the sailboats and Hobie craft that enjoy the waters. Mission Beach has boardwalk areas that run for miles on the beach and boardwalk and plenty of places to stop and visit along the way. Here are a few recommended.

Belmont Amusement Park When it comes to attractions, Mission Beach is the only other Southern California beach community to offer a beachfront amusement park. Belmont Park originally opened in 1925 and was call the "Mission Beach Amusement Park". Under the the watchful eye of business tycoon John Spreckels, the park was built with a roller coaster (The Giant Dipper, opened July 4rth 1925) and some of the most state of the art rides and attractions. Belmont Park to this day is still on the cutting edge of offering great rides and attractions.

The Giant Dipper Roller Coaster is still going strong after over 80 years and The Wave House features a 10foot man made wave than can be ridden while people watch and have lunch right on the boardwalk. There is a great arcade, a miniature golf course and great restaurants like North Shore and Canes in addition to shopping and rentals. Belmont Park offers a little bit for everyone and the beach front restaurants are always a popular place for locals and visitors alike.

What to Do and Where to Go:

 1. Walk The Beach - When you come to Mission Beach you have to take off your shoes and socks and walk the beach. There is something almost therapeutic about letting the water message your feet as you go. If you get up and walk early in the morning you can normally see dolphins and pelicans out in the water. Start walking about an hour before low tide if you want to find sand dollars and sea shells by the dozens.

 2. Restaurants and Places to EatThere are a lot of great places to eat and hang out in Mission Beach.

Here are a few I recommend.


>>Gabianos Pizza - great pizza, salads and sandwiches - fast delivery! Call them at 858-488-4010 -

>>North Shore Cafe - on the boardwalk This place is located right next to the main lifeguard tower in Mission Beach and offers a great breakfast or lunch. They close by 4pm and are located right on the boardwalk.

>>Canes Bar and Grill - Great rooftop views and a great place for lunch >>>located in Belmont Park right on the boardwalk.

>>Luigis Pizza Located on the corner of Mission Blvd. and Ventura Place. The best Italian food at the beach. Very casual and also delivery on weekends -TV's with sports normally playing 858-488-2818

>>The Wave House -located right next to Canes Bar and Grill in Belmont Park right on the boardwalk. This place has an outdoor seating area that features people trying to surf on a man made wave machine. A fun place in the late afternoon for locals and singles.

>>The Mission Cafe - A great place for breakfast The Mission Cafe has been filling up with customers for breakfast the last 15+ years. Located on Mission Blvd. this place has lines outside starting at 9AM Get there early and enjoy the banana blueberry pancakes.

>>The Sandbar Grill - Ventura Place and the boardwalk. The Sandbar Grill is a place that is part eatery and part social club. There are tons of tv's playing sports and plenty of singles packing in for happy hour and nightlife.

more places to eat in Mission Beach click here

Where to Stay - Mission Beach Hotels and Vacation Rentals

3. Mission Beach Hotels, Travel and Lodging The other thing that is great about Mission Beach is the number of hotels close by to stay in. Mission Beach is mostly residential so most of the hotels are in Pacific Beach and on Mission Bay.

There are tons of hotels and motels close by (within 5 minute drive) that can accommodate all budget types. Here are a few places I would recommend

1. Best Western Blue Sea Lodge Hotel (moderate) This place is located on the beach and is the ONLY oceanfront hotel in Mission Beach. The rooms range from $150 - $250 per night on average and it is within walking distance of everything. In addition each room is nice and has a mini kitchenette. Call 1-800-632-1698 to book a room or to check room rates.



2. The Catamaran Hotel & Resort (luxury) This place is amazing! It is a self enclosed resort on the north end of Mission Beach right on Mission Bay. There are live parrots in the lobby and walking areas in addition to a paddle wheeler (The Bahia Belle) that goes out on the bay for free cruises. Non guests can ride for $6.00. There are some good on site restaurants and bars and everything else is within walking distance. Room rates normally range from $169 to $299 - Call 1-800-632-1698 for discounted room rates and more information.



3. Pacific Shores Inn (budget) This hotel is just one block off the ocean and still close to everything. When you need a place that is easy on the budget, but close to all the fun, I recommend this as a starting choice. To check rates and availability call 1-800-632-1698. There are actually about 20+ more hotels around in the area. To check for more hotels visit http://www.missionbeachblogs.com/ or call 1-800-632-1698 to speak to a local reservation agent who can help you find the best deals.



More Mission Beach area hotels, motels and resorts click here

Mission Beach Vacation Rentals

4 Mission Beach Vacation Rentals

Mission Beach has hundreds of vacation rentals which are offered by the week in the summertime and normally a 3-4 day minimum in the off-season. To find Mission Beach vacation rentals to stay in click here or go to http://www.socalbeachmag.net/californiabeaches/missionbeach.html

 For more information on Mission Beach visit the following websites: http://www.missionbeachonline.com/http://www.missionbeachconcierge.com/  http://www.socalbeachmag.net/



Mission Beach



Visit Mission Beach San Diego!



Mission Beach has something for everyone and is the #1 beach for tourists who visit San Diego. For over 80 years Mission Beach has focused and attracting and entertaining guests.



I highly recommend Mission Beach for families and those looking for a places to get away, where once you park the car it stays there for days. Because the Mission Beach community plan was developed in the early 1900's before cars were popular, it is more friendly for bikes than motor vehicles.


Plan on parking your car and walking or biking for a few days! Mission Beach offers a host of things to do which are all close by (within 10 minutes) including: Downtown San Diego and the Gaslamp district, The San Diego Zoo, Seaworld San Diego (only 6 blocks away), Fashion Valley shopping mall, Qualcomm Stadium and more. Mission Beach offers more scenic beauty and things to do than any other beach in Southern California... I suggest you come see that for yourself!



San Diego area attractions & discount tickets click here



Enjoy the beach!





Sean

Sean Callahan

SoCal Beaches Magazine & Media 2965 Mission Blvd. #2B San Diego, Ca. 92109 Phone: 858-736-9310 Email: getinfo@san.rr.com Web: www.socalbeachmag.net Myspace: www.myspace.com/socalbeachesmagazine

Mission Beach San Diego







For more information and pictures of Mission Beach visit

http://socalbeachmag.net/californiabeaches/missionbeach.html



Dolphins in Mission Beach with a surfer




Mission Beach -  a day at the beach!




Visit Mission Beach San Diego

Call 1-800-632-1698 and Book a Hotel!
Mission Beach hotels and vacation rentals on the link below!
http://www.socalbeachmag.net/californiabeaches/missionbeach.html

http://www.socalbeachmag.net/

http://www.missionbeachblogs.com/ http://www.pacificbeachblogs.com/ http://www.lajollablogs.com/ http://www.socalbeachmodels.com/ http://www.socalbeachmag.net/ http://www.bestmissionbeachrentals.com/