Right Beaches › San Diego › San Diego
South Mission Beach, San Diego
4.7★ · 2,548 Google ratings · San Diego, California
✓ Parking✓ Restrooms✓ Good for kids✓ Free
At a glance
Parking
On-site lot · 120 ft away · free
Walk
150 yd · 2 min
Restrooms
Yes · 200 ft away
Cost
Free
Water
77°F
Tide
5 ft range today
Children
Reported good for young kids
Water quality
Poor · 100% of 90 over the limit · 2025
Crowds
Quietest Mon 8am
Map of South Mission Beach, San Diego
Guide
Good to know
Free parking reported
Visitors report no charge to park here.Mentioned by 14 visitors · 2017–2026
Reported good with little kids
Visitors often mention shallow or calm water. This is what reviewers report, not a safety assessment.Mentioned by 12 visitors · 2017–2026
Best for sunset watching
The western-facing beach and grassy area make this a popular spot for evening gatherings and bonfire activities.
Some shade is available
Visitors mention trees, cliffs or umbrellas to get out of the sun.Mentioned by 2 visitors · 2017–2026
Arrive early on weekends
The parking lot fills quickly during summer and holidays, though weekday evenings typically have spots available.
Watch for stingrays at low tide
One reviewer reported a stingray sting during low tide and warm weather conditions.
Restrooms need maintenance attention
While facilities exist, reviewers consistently note the bathrooms are poorly maintained.
Conditions
How it is right now
Air
70°F · clear
Water
77°F
Waves
3.6 ft · 10 s apart
Wind
6 mph from the NW
Shelter
Onshore · wind blowing straight in off the water
UV index
8 peak today
| Time | Tide | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 15:26 | High tide | ↑ |
| 23:47 | Low tide | ↓ |
Last updated Sep 4, 3:53 AM.
Crowds
When it gets busy
| 8a | 9a | 10a | 11a | 12p | 1p | 2p | 3p | 4p | 5p | 6p | 7p | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mo | ||||||||||||
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QuietBusy
Practical
Plan your visit
📍 San Diego, CA 92109
🅿 Parking 120 ft from the listing
🌊 Water 150 yd away, about 2 min walk
🚽 Restrooms 200 ft away
Nearby
Other beaches close by
525 yd away · shorter walk
1.4 miles away · shorter walk
1.4 miles away · shorter walk
2.1 miles away · shorter walk
2.5 miles away · shorter walk
2.9 miles away · shorter walk
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Questions
Common questions
Where do you park at South Mission Beach, San Diego?
The nearest mapped parking area is 120 ft from the listed location. Positions come from OpenStreetMap, not from review text.
How far is the walk to the water at South Mission Beach, San Diego?
150 yd in a straight line from the listing to the mapped shoreline, about 2 min. Soft sand and dune make the real walk longer than the straight line.
Does South Mission Beach, San Diego have restrooms?
Restrooms are mapped 200 ft from the listing.
When is South Mission Beach, San Diego least busy?
Google visit patterns put the quietest hour at Mon 8am and the busiest at Sat 4pm.
Measured from OpenStreetMap, public aerial imagery and live conditions data, and counted from visitor reviews. Every source, in full.
