Baywalk!

A Walk Around Mission Bay Park and Fiesta Island in San Diego

A sunset stroll, a beachside bike ride, a frolic with Fido, or a picnic in the park—whatever mission you choose to accept is waiting for you at Mission Bay. The bay per se is the lagoon aspect of the largest man-made aquatic park in the country, which you can explore on a 6.5-mile walk, run, bike, or blade along the shore, out to a peninsular island park, and back.

Park at Mission Bay Park and head south by your preferred mode of locomotion. If those are legs, alternate between the paved path, green grass, or soft sand, with constant views of the bay, Fiesta Island, and beyond to the sea. Seagulls, sandpipers, ducks, and coots will be your main aquatic-fowl companions along the palm-lined trek as you pass by the Hilton, a small dock, and various picnic spots and playgrounds, making your way to Tecolote Shores. Soon you’ll see the only lifeguard tower in the area—this is Enchanted Cove, a fun place to swim or kayak to the small Enchanted Isle. Shortly ahead, make a right turn for a land crossing over to Fiesta Island.

Continue right along the island perimeter to begin your loop of the island, home to the first-ever modern triathlon, an annual over-the-line tournament, and the best doggone dog park in the city. Whether or not you brought your pup, the loop is still cool, with plenty of play space and pelican sightings, plus views of the downtown SD skyline and the swooping thrill rides of Sea World to the south. At just before the 4-mile mark, you’ll complete the island loop and cross back to the Mission Bay shores and path, which takes you all the way back to your car. Mission complete!

BONUS REFRESHMENT: Hop across the freeway to enjoy some of America’s finest brews at Coronado Brewing Company’s San Diego Tasting Room and Kitchen. Though not the original location, the brewpub has all the original beers and an extensive seasonal tap list to complement pizzas and classic pub grub. Enjoy a Guava Islander IPA or Mermaid Red while playing cornhole on the dog-friendly patio. Or opt for a front-row seat inside to watch the magic happen at one of the city’s original five local breweries.

Take the I-5 to the Mission Bay Dr. Exit, turning left onto Mission Bay Dr., followed by an immediate right. The lot will be on your right. (Very) dog-friendly!

Watersports photos courtesy sandiego.org.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Picnic and a Pedal

    West Marin has all the right stuff for an afternoon getaway: bike paths, babbling brooks, canopy forests, and secluded picnic spots. Combine a picnic and a pedal at Samuel P. Taylor State Park by biking the easygoing Cross Marin Trail.

    View
  2. Hike the Oursan Trail alongside Briones Reservoir in the East Bay

    Opt for Oursan

    Hike the trail less traveled in the East Bay's Briones Regional Park. The Oursan Trail is pure serenity on a wide hiking path skirting the northern shores of Briones Reservoir.

    View
  3. Most Peaceful Hike of All

    Is this the most peaceful one-hour hike in the Bay Area? It's got our vote! Lake Lagunitas is the smallest lake in a series of five found on the north side of Mount Tam, so it’s got that tiny but mighty charm. Do a 1.5-mile loop around the lake's shore-hugging trail.

    View
  4. Sebastopol Food & Wine Roll

    One apple farm, three charming towns, multiple wineries, and infinite natural beauty. Savor a perfect autumn day in Sonoma County by biking the West County Regional Trail from Sebastopol to Forestville via Graton. It’s a 17-mile (round-trip) adventure. 

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Wine Down, Dine Out in Lake Chelan

    The fertile soil around Washington State's Lake Chelan is ripe for more than just the amazing apples. Vineyards here yield high quality grapes, and some of the country’s best less-discovered wineries. Locals know it, and you will too when you start choosing from the more than 30 wineries in the region.

    View
  2. Lace Up for Lacy

    Lacy Park in San Marino is a hidden gem that may very well be the most pristine green space in greater Los Angeles, and a concealed pair of nearby stairways makes it all the more appealing.

    View
  3. Hiker amid trees at Oak Glen Preserve in Yucaipa Southern California

    Apple of Your Eye

    That fall feeling is definitely in the air and on display at the Oak Glen Preserve. Apple orchards and colorful leaves are a bonus, as are the apple cider donuts and slushies you can enjoy post-hike.

    View
  4. Hike San Diego Volcan Mountain Wilderness

    Planet of the Oaks

    Let us count the number of oak tree species in the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve near Julian: coast, scrub, canyon, black, and Engelmann. Five! The preserve’s Five Oaks Trail is a 3.2-mile hike that boasts all five.

    View