Making relaxation a priority every once in a while is certainly an important thing to do. If you only have a short time to make it happen, heading to Mission Beach, California for a sun-soaked day of fun is always the right choice! Here, a getaway that truly embodies a pristine coastal retreat is right at your fingertips in every season. Whether you’re looking for some much-needed serenity on the sand or you’re up for a day filled with high-energy thrills, this is always the place you’re going to find it. When you’re excited to make the most of every single moment of your day trip, the following plan is the place to start planning what to do in Mission Beach.
Get Your Adventure Started Early to Maximize the Experience
Mission Beach, California is a vacation destination with a lot to offer in the way of entertainment and fun, so above all, you want to be sure that you’re making plans to get your day trip this way underway as early as possible. Not only does this allow you to maximize your time here, but you’ll also treat yourself to a spectacular sunrise over the water that you deserve to enjoy. The perfect place to plan on watching the sun rise over the waves on your own, as a couple, or alongside family and friends on your day trip is the iconic Mission Beach Boardwalk. As you stroll along this beloved landmark in the early morning hours, you’ll find you have a prime vantage point over the water, reflecting the beginning-of-the-day pastel hues that are sure to inspire.
Fuel Up for the Day Ahead at Better Buzz Coffee
While the sunrise view that’s built into the start of your Mission Beach day trip experience is sure to delight, there’s a good chance that you’ll be looking for a place where you can easily fuel up for the fun to come. A great place to do exactly that is Better Buzz Coffee, located at 3745 Mission Boulevard. This popular coffee shop in the area opens up as early as 4:30 am, so no matter when you arrive, the doors are likely to be open for business. Better Buzz Coffee is loved by locals and visitors alike for its stylish ambiance, robust selection of lattes, and friendly service as well. Here, you can easily pair your perfect cup of java with a breakfast sandwich, wrap, smoothie, avocado toast, or an acai bowl as you anticipate the day’s activities to come, while enjoying stunning beach views too.
Include Learning a New Skill into Your Mission Beach Day Trip Fun Lineup of Activities
After breakfast, make your way onto the sand and gift yourself some downtime to just enjoy the scenery in good company. This is a great time to unwind on the shoreline while you reap the benefits of your beginning of the day meal. It’s also a great time of day to take in the view without having to contend with midday crowds.
Once you’ve enjoyed some time watching the waves roll in and the shore birds catch their breakfast, it’s time to look ahead to options to pick up the pace of your adventure. By 9:00 am, the doors open for business over at Surfari Surf Shop located right at 3740 Mission Boulevard. While this is a top-rated destination in the area among those experienced surfers looking for board rentals, it’s also the perfect place to be when you’re excited to try surfing in Mission Beach for the very first time. That’s because they run a comprehensive surf school on-site, as well as options to book paddleboarding lessons alongside experts too. Lessons typically run for an hour at a time and can be booked as private or semi-private experiences depending on your preferences. Lessons are suitable for learners ages 6 and up, and prices begin at around $106 per person.
Booking a lesson of this kind is a great way to get to understand the water, how to navigate your time on a surfboard, and to get a handle on safety instructions before trying your skills out on the water too. Your instructor will be there every step of the way to make sure you’re confident to go out, try surfing for yourself, and hopefully develop a true passion for this sport before you head home.
Set Your Sights on Belmont Park
Once you’ve had some quality time on the waves and hopefully found your balance in the process, take a little time to join a game of beach volleyball before heading back to your vacation rental to change clothes and get ready for even more thrills ahead. Next up is a late morning arrival at Belmont Park, where there’s truly something for visitors of all ages to enjoy on-site. Belmont Park is an iconic and historic beachfront amusement park, and a trip this way might not really feel complete until you’ve taken time to experience Belmont Park for yourself.
Your first stop when you get here should most definitely be the Giant Dipper, which is a wooden roller coaster rising 75 feet up in the air that was built in the mid-1920s and continues to be a fan-favorite ride today! The thrills only continue when you make your way to the Beach Blaster & Flip Out that pairs high-speed spins with gorgeous ocean views. If you’re looking for a challenge, time on the sky ropes and ziplines here are sure to delight, while those hoping for a competitive edge might find that time in the laser tag arena at Belmont Park ends up being the highlight of their stay. From the bumper cars and carousel to the fair-inspired food to enjoy along the way, Belmont Park is a stop you won’t want to leave off your Mission Beach day trip to-do list this year.
Make Lunch Delicious and Memorable
After you’ve had your fill of thrill rides, there’s a good chance you’ll have worked up an appetite. That’s when you and your fellow travelers will want to make your way to Cannonball. This eatery is found conveniently on-site at Belmont Park, and is located at 3105 Ocean Front Walk. They open at noon on weekdays and at 11:00 am on weekends, so you’ll want to plan your lunch stop accordingly. Cannonball is an inviting and stylish place to enjoy small Japanese dishes and sushi from a comfortable and scenic place on their rooftop dining patio. Whether you find you could go for some sashimi, a poke bowl, or a specialty roll, they’re all perfectly matched with a bird’s eye view out over the ocean, right from your table.
Paddle Your Way through a Relaxing Afternoon
When lunch is done and you’re feeling ready to get out and explore once more, that means it’s time to make your way to the Mission Bay Sportcenter, located at 844 W. Mission Bay Drive. This recreational outfitter is open from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm daily, and is a convenient place to rent a kayak for a few hours and paddle your way to local sightseeing fun. With your gear in hand, you can head out on the tranquil waters of Mission Bay alongside your family and friends, and unwind on the waves at your own leisurely pace. This is also an amazing opportunity to grab a pair of binoculars and keep your eyes open for sightings of pelicans and herons along the way. Below your kayak, it’s entirely possible to spot a stingray or two as well, depending on where you roam.
Treat Your Tastebuds to a Sweet Moment
On those day trips where Mission Beach is your destination of choice, there’s absolutely no reason you can’t make your getaway a dessert-before-dinner experience. To that end, once you’ve successfully returned your kayak rental, it’s time to head over to the Sweet Shoppe located at 3146 Mission Boulevard. Open from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm most days of the week, this is a great place to order up a scoop of ice cream in the flavor of your choosing with options to enjoy your selection in a cup or handmade waffle cone upon request. They also have plenty of frozen yogurt options on the menu, so do not worry, because there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.
With ice cream in hand, you can take some time to stroll along the boardwalk once more, enjoying people watching as others rollerblade, bike, run, and take their dogs out for walks at your side. If your ice cream stop has you here toward the early evening hours, you might find you’re also right on time to enjoy settling into the sand once again and matching that sunrise you saw, with the perfect sunset view in Mission Beach too.
End Your Day with a Gorgeous Beach Bonfire
Much to the delight of day trippers heading this way, as well as those booking more extended stays, Mission Beach is set up with bonfire rings and fire pits in place. That means it’s entirely possible to end your day here with time gathered alongside family and friends around a beach bonfire that’s sure to inspire. While setting up your own beachside gathering is a great option, you can take the fun to the next level by letting the professionals over at Beach and Bay Bonfires handle the details of your experience too. Located at 3100 Mission Boulevard, Beach and Bay Bonfires is a 24/7 full-service beach bonfire provider in the area who is more than happy to help you pick the perfect location for your gathering, provide tiki torches to set a fun scene, and make sure your fire is bright and s’mores are firmly in place as well. They take care of everything from set up to clean up so you and your crew can relax, kick back, and make the most of the moment without any unnecessary stress.
Book a Mission Beach Rental Today!
Book Accommodations That Have You Enjoying the Luxury and Style Standards You Deserve on Your Day Trip Adventure
Even if you’re only in Mission Beach with the timeframe of a day trip to enjoy your surroundings, there’s no reason to leave elevated standards of luxury, comfort, or style out of the experience when it’s time to book your one-of-a-kind accommodations. At Pacific Sands Vacations, we’re proud to be a team of hospitality experts who are fully committed to making sure all of our guests enjoy a customized stay in Mission Beach that they deserve, no matter when they happen to arrive in California. Our impressive portfolio of inviting property options is vast and varied, giving travelers access to home-away-from-home options that don’t merely meet their travel needs, but effectively exceed their expectations too! Whether you’re on the hunt for just the right cozy abode by the sand, or you’re looking forward to time in a multi-level retreat with ocean views included, our team is here to help make it happen.
Our property options for day trip guests offer up a spacious layout to enjoy at all times. Floor plans are typically topped off with inviting furnishings that are comfortable, stylish, and lean into California-inspired aesthetics in many properties. When you’re not out exploring the flavorful options that come with a day trip in this direction, booking one of our rentals with a full kitchen included means you can just as easily end your day with a home-cooked meal as well. Our properties are set up with large master suites and guest rooms when rest is a priority, and it’s entirely possible to book a home with direct access to the sand. Those who are looking for more will love our rental options with rooftop patios to enjoy as well as homes with outdoor dining, impressive entertainment setups, and convenient fire pits on-site as well.
Take time to reach out to our team today to learn more about our exciting day trip rental selections available for your next getaway, as well as our properties that are perfect for an extended stay! We can’t wait to help you find a home that fits your unique travel style, and look forward to welcoming you to sunny Mission Beach soon.
There are times when you’re inevitably going to find yourself longing to get away from the demands of daily life and focus on relaxation at its best instead for a while. Then there are other moments when nothing sounds more inviting than a getaway where the focus is exclusively on adrenaline-pumping fun in the great outdoors.
If you’re looking for a vacation destination on the map where you can combine the best of both scenarios and design a “treat yourself” trip that’s one-of-a-kind, Mission Beach has you covered. This beautiful, inviting, and endlessly exciting place is one that’s absolutely adored by locals and visitors alike with good reason. Home to year-round sunshine and warm weather as well as waves that beckon to on-the-water enthusiasts in droves, Mission Beach is ideal on every front.
While it’s a picture-perfect place to spend time with friends, and a terrific destination for family getaways too, it’s hard to top as a place to land when you can’t wait to enjoy some much-needed self-care and time set aside to make the most of a trip on your own. Mission Beach is a must-visit destination for those who find their vacation state of mind most easily with their toes dug into the shoreline. Here, the soft sand beach is a tantalizing place to sunbathe, watch shorebirds come and go, build sandcastles, or admire surf enthusiasts as they put their skills to work on the waves.
If you’re looking to set aside quality time for swimming and snorkeling, the waters around Mission Beach are ideal for both activities. For those who feel revitalized when a little friendly competition is built into the agenda, Mission Beach is a great place to play a game of sand volleyball too. When you head this way for a “treat yourself” stay, you’ll find you’re never far from world-class spa options, delicious dining destinations, or adventures in the great outdoors.
From time on the boardwalk to time on the waves, Mission Beach puts options for fun of all kinds right at your fingertips during a “treat yourself” self-care vacation in Mission Beach. Whether you’re one for history, the arts, beach culture, or tasty moments in abundance, Mission Beach is designed to inspire. When you’re excited to turn those “treat yourself” trip plans into reality, the following guide is a helpful place to begin.
Why a “Treat Yourself” Vacation This Way Is Always Important and Worth Your While
In life, it’s often far too easy to prioritize everything else above your own well-being. With so many people to take care of, work that demands constant attention, and school requirements thrown into the mix as well, getting caught up in it all can feel like an endless cycle of stress. This has a way of eliminating “you time,” and when it’s time to remedy that situation, a “treat yourself” vacation to Mission Beach is the answer you’ve been looking for. Yes, a “treat yourself” vacation this way is going to be an experience in fun and entertainment, but it’s also a sure way to improve your mental health status and return home after a better and more revitalized version of yourself.
The near-constant sunshine and blue skies in Mission Beach make it simple to embrace a positive state of mind and let go of stress starting the moment you arrive. Even if you only have a short while to set aside for a trip of this type, you’ll find swapping out the daily to-do list for a focus on your hobbies, great scenery, and access fun instead can do wonders for your perspective on just about everything! As you treat yourself to spa sessions, time on the sand, healthy and delicious dinners, and opportunities to try new and exciting activities, you’ll find rejuvenation is within reach.
A “treat yourself” vacation to Mission Beach can be a good route to getting some mental clarity and even some creative inspiration along the way! All of these improvements can help you find more motivation and energy on your return home. This should last you until your next “treat yourself” trip opportunity rolls around!
Enjoy a Day Spa Filled with Well-Deserved Pampering
At least one day of your “treat yourself” vacation to Misson Beach deserves to be fully focused on luxury spa services. Fortunately, Mission Beach has many terrific options to choose from, and among them is the Spa at Paradise Point. Located at 1404 Vacation Road, Paradise Point sits in the scenic Misson Bay area just down the road from the heart of Mission Beach. The spa here is sure to inspire the senses thanks to the bungalow-style treatment rooms surrounded by lush on-site gardens and lagoons. The shoreline is visible from many treatment spaces as well setting an inviting and endlessly beautiful scene as you receive your massage, exfoliating treatment, wrap, or aromatherapy alike.
The spa is designed to truly double as a sanctuary for guests and has often been rated one of the top of its kind in all of San Diego. The professionally trained spa therapists contribute to the destination’s world-renowned success and popularity as well. They open at 9:00 am daily and some of the fan-favorite massage treatment selections on the menu include specialties like tropic relief, island stone massage, barefoot reflexology, Hapai, and couple’s massages too. These can always be paired with added services upon request like cupping, scalp massage, Reiki enhancement, facials, and CBD oil. When you want to focus on looking and feeling your best, service options at The Spa at Paradise Point like a muscle relief scrub are sure to satisfy. They also offer high tide hydration, rejuvenating body wraps, and a full island body buff. Salon services are also offered at The Spa at Paradise Point for those who would like to be on point for an elegant dinner out in style afterward.
Yet another terrific spa option to add to the lineup when you’re heading to Mission Beach for a “treat yourself” vacation is The Wellness Lounge and Day Spa in town. Located at 1441 Quivira Road, The Wellness Lounge and Day Spa sits on the grounds of the Hyatt Regency in Mission Bay. This is a beautiful and relaxing space to enjoy everything from massages and body wraps to scrubs and facials paired with stunning views and a serene setting that begins the moment you arrive. Access to the luxury steam room is an added benefit to booking services at The Wellness Lounge and Day Spa and there’s also a relaxation lounge on-site for guests to enjoy. Upon request, the team here can organize a private yoga session for your visit when you want to make sure your relaxation comes with an opportunity to balance out your chakras. Some of the top-rated services to consider adding to your day package at The Wellness Lounge and Day Spa include the marine dream facial, the deep dive detox wrap, and the sea spray exfoliation experience just to name a few of many.
Infuse Exceptional Fun into the Mix—You Deserve It!
Making the most of every moment of a “treat yourself” vacation to Mission Beach means customizing the details of your itinerary at every single turn. If you’re a traveler who is truly a kid at heart, spending time at Belmont Park while you’re in town is a great way to indulge your desire for fun at its very best! This historic amusement park has been delighting guests for nearly a century, and when you drop by to try out the rides and thrills, you’ll be a part of an important legacy in the area that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Your visit to Belmont Park deserves to include a ride on the Giant Dipper, which is a wooden roller coaster that first opened to the public back in 1925. Afterward, enjoy a round of mini golf or check out the arcade before heading over to explore the many delicious beachside eateries waiting to curb your cravings. At Belmont Park, you’re invited to purchase an all-access wristband for rides to enjoy throughout the day, or you can simply pay for the rides you want to enjoy individually. This makes it easy to tailor your time here according to your preferences and that’s always an important part of enjoying a “treat yourself” vacation to the fullest.
Check Out the Boardwalk at Your Own Preferred Pace
There’s absolutely no reason to rush when you make time on the calendar this year for a “treat yourself” self-care vacation in Mission Beach. The perfect place to put all of your preferences first is along the iconic boardwalk while you’re in town. The Mission Beach Boardwalk has earned its reputation for fun and excellence thanks to the fact that it’s absolutely packed with things to do. While some visitors come here to stroll leisurely and enjoy people-watching, others come with rollerblades on to skate their way to added fun. If you prefer to pedal your way through a stay instead, you can always rent a bike and make time for sightseeing on the boardwalk without a care in the world. The boardwalk is filled with fantastic eateries and souvenir shops to check out and it also puts you within easy reach of the sand if you want to stop, relax, and dig your toes into the shoreline for a while. Feel like casting a line? You’re not far from the waves where you might just reel in something exciting when you’re here. There’s a good chance that your visit will coincide with great street performances too and you’ll want to keep your eyes open for the public art installations that are set up along the boardwalk throughout the year and well worth admiring.
Enjoy Quality Time at the Mission Bay Beach Club
If you want to enjoy time lingering waterfront with everything you need included in the experience, the Mission Bay Beach Club is a good place to hang out for the day during a “treat yourself” getaway in this direction. You’ll find the Mission Bay Beach Club at 2688 E. Mission Bay Drive and time here is ideal for soaking up the sun from your place on the sand or enjoying savory waterfront bites at Superbloom Café. There’s a charming gift shop to check out on-site as well as bocce ball areas to try. When you’re not sipping a glass of wine from the on-site vineyard, you can pick up an ice cream cone by the shoreline instead. If you linger here into the evening hours, you can spend time enjoying the elegant atmosphere at the Moonlight Cocktail Bar too.
Treat Yourself to Dinner at Oceana Coastal Kitchen
Mission Beach has no shortage of world-class dining options available, but a “treat yourself” vacation this way definitely deserves to include at least one unforgettable meal enjoyed at Oceana Coastal Kitchen. You’ll find this elegant restaurant at 3999 Mission Boulevard, and they serve up breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Oceana Coastal Kitchen is a decidedly upscale place to settle in and savor delicious seafood dishes with bay views included in the experience too. The service here is always top-notch and there’s often live music to enjoy as well. Entrees like sushi and oysters on the half shell are sure to inspire the tastebuds, but you’ll be equally delighted with selections like the Hawaiian-style pad Thai, miso marinated salmon, of the grilled prime hanger steak. Sunday brunch here is always a delightful addition to the itinerary between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm but no matter when you arrive, you’ll want to be sure to have a reservation firmly in place ahead of time.
Book a Luxury Stay to Top Off Your Mission Beach Trip in Style
Taking your self-care vacation in Mission Beach to the next level of excellence starts with booking luxury accommodations for your stay through Pacific Sands Vacations. Our collection of local property options keeps travelers close to the places they’re excited to explore and experience while offering up impeccable on-site amenities, fantastic furnishings, and world-class comforts as well. Reach out to our team today to learn more about our thrilling selection of property options available and how we can help you design an unforgettable getaway from start to finish. We look forward to seeing you in sunny Mission Beach soon!