Come evening, the party gets going at Belmont Beach, where revelers like to gather for music and socializing. There’s also the Big Dipper, of course, Mission’s famous roller coaster that dips and drops gleeful guests before a beautiful background of sea, sky, and San Diego. Beach fires are also a common sight; they must be made within designated containers and kept to a pretty tame size, but a few friends and a guitar can make for a wonderful evening made magic by a warm, orange glow.

A magnet for socializing and game-playing, Mission is also a great place to host special events. Weddings and large group activities are commonly held here, as are water sport competitions and musical performances. Free public parking makes things easier, and a ramp makes the beach wheelchair accessible as well. Everyone is welcomed to join in the entertainment here at Mission Beach.

This stretch of scenic coastline has a flavorful history beginning in the 1920’s. This is when Tent City was created by a community-planning visionary named J.M. Asher. He made it possible to actually live on the beach, which unsurprisingly, many people found attractive. The original neighborhood survives today, serves as a site for several homes and vacation rentals, and represents a colorful part of San Diego’s past.