Belmont Park |
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OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF BELMONT PARK |
MISSION BAY The water is the main draw in Mission Bay . Enduringly popular with families for its many entertainment offerings , this 4,600-acre aquatic wonderland has become an equally trendy destination for visitors without kids in tow .
Located near Pacific Beach , Mission Bay is the ideal launch site for a host of water activities that include sailing , boating , paddleboarding , surfing , boogie boarding , swimming , kite boarding or simply heading out across the water in two-person FunCats ( electric catamarans ). If getting below the surface is more your style , an artificial reef composed of shipwrecks — dubbed Wreck Alley — lies about a mile or so from the
Sailing on Mission Bay
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coast and can be reached via a quick , 15- to 25-minute boat ride , offering plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and diving . Meanwhile , boats , kayaks , surfboards and paddleboards as well as bicycles , including electric bikes , surreys and beach cruisers for kids and adults , can be rented at Action Sport Rentals at multiple locations along the beach .
You can also stroll the wide boardwalk , then shake things up at Belmont Park , where oceanfront amusements have been thrilling visitors since 1925 . While there , be sure to ride the Giant Dipper , a historic wooden roller coaster that ranks as one of the oldest in the United States . Other excitements include the swinging Beach Blaster , which takes passengers 60 feet into the air ; a Crazy Submarine coaster ; and the rotating Control Freak ride .
Other attractions that require slightly less adrenaline include classic bumper cars in the form of the Krazy Kars and the Overdrive Bumper Cars , as well as the colorful Liberty Carousel . The park is also the location of Tiki Town Adventure Golf , where you can relax and putt away the afternoon while enjoying the sea breezes rolling in from the Pacific .
If images of SeaWorld splash to mind , that ’ s likely because this iconic sea life
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park features prominently within the Mission Bay landscape . SeaWorld ’ s new Emperor roller coaster , which opened in early 2022 and is named after the world ’ s largest penguin , is billed as the tallest , fastest and longest dive coaster in California . For younger kids , the aquarium-based Ocean Explorer attraction offers plenty of diversion . Visitors can get up close with animals like the giant Pacific octopus and Japanese spider crab or hop on Tentacle Twirl , a jellyfish-themed swing ride ; Aqua Scout , with mini submarines that spin , bump and bounce riders around ; or Sea Dragon Drop , a child-sized drop tower .
When you ’ re ready to slow down and enjoy a meal , great options in the Mission Bay area include Draft , which offers casual beach-side dining and more than 70 brews on tap — all with a side of people-watching . At Cannonball , sushi is served on a rooftop deck with decor that makes you feel like you ’ re lounging poolside . There are plenty of tables and chairs , but also lounge areas with fire pits . When it comes to fresh seafood , the restaurant offers oysters , poke , ceviche and more in addition to the sushi selections .
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MISSION : BEACH ! 29 |