Mission Beach is a happening place! Here cool rollerbladers whizz by on the boardwalk while kids play in the sand or splash in the cold water. The sand here is soft and abundant. Restaurants line the boardwalk, some with high up views where you can sit sheltered by glass. On weekends, Beach House Grill is open and you can sit cozy in the narrow wooden interior and have a burger for lunch or dinner, with the waves crashing just metres away. 

In the plaza behind Mission Beach is Belmont Park, an amusement park. You can ride a rollercoaster, go on all manner of freaky-looking rides that whirl you around, and "rock climb" up a palm tree!
Just on the boardwalk is a fitness club, Wave House Athletic Club, that has two outdoor wave pools! You can walk inside, grab a beer, and watch the surfers try out the crazy waves that suck them up if they aren't careful! Tons of people hang out under the grass-shack umbrellas and take in the scene. 
Across a huge lawn is a lovely lagoon bordered with palms galore where kids can play in the sand or on the two playgrounds. It's a serene, beautiful setting that almost reminded me of Ala Moana Beach in Hawaii!
If you like zoos, check out San Diego Zoo and enjoy its lush, tropical landscaping.

Directions

From Highway 5 southbound, take the Balboa Ave exit and merge onto Mission Bay Dr. Turn right on Garnet Avenue which turns into Balboa Avenue and then Grand Avenue. Turn left on Mission Blvd and follow it along until you come to Mission Beach.
From Highway 5 northbound, exit at Highway 8 West. Go 1.3 miles and then take the W. Mission Bay Dr exit. Follow W. Mission Bay Dr for 2 miles- you will go over a ramp. Then turn left at Mission Blvd.
There are several free parking lots.
You can also turn left on Mission Bay Dr and there is a good parking lot on your right, by the lagoon playground. This parking lot has no tow away rules.
Click "satellite" to see how gorgeous this area is from the air.
Beach House Grill, 3125 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego CA.
Belmont Park, 3146 Mission Boulevard, call (858) 488-1549.
Wave House Athletic Club, 3115 Ocean Front Walk, call (858) 228-9300.

Click on map for interactive view