Southwest II

Mission Beach

Surfers at Mission Beach
The beach 'n' bay squeeze play
Mission Beach is the closest thing in San Diego to classic East Coast beaches like Atlantic City and Coney Island. At one time, it was a thriving summer circus of vacation rentals, carnival games and other seaside concessions. Over the years, bungalows have been turned into condos and hot dog stands have been replaced by hot night clubs, but the circus is clearly in town to stay. Expect to find all kinds of free-spirited folk, sporting all kinds of styles - from dreadlocks to designer jeans - and styling all kinds of sports - skating, skateboarding, surfing and cycling. But that's only one side of the Mission Beach story. A stone's throw from the beach, on the Mission Bay side, you'll find middle-age professionals out for a run, kids learning to sail at the Aquatic Center, and families picnicking on the grass.

North Mission Beach from Pacific Beach Drive south to the Roller Coaster is predominantly residential, with funky apartments along the beach and, out on the main drag, funkier clothing stores, smoothie bars and head shops. Many locals here forego material pleasures for the opportunity to live at the beach and revel in the carefree joys of youth. So relax, join the party and understand that in M.B. a torn thrift shop sofa serving as patio furniture is no eyesore, but a proud declaration of independence.

Most of the action centers around Belmont Park at the intersection of Mission Blvd. and West Mission Bay Drive where you can ride the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, or rent a set of rollerblades to ride up and down the boardwalk. This is where all walks of life all go out for a walk, a ride, a roll, a stroll, a surf, a beer or a bite to eat - or simply to watch other people out doing their thing. Rock on.

South Mission Beach offers the same scene and scenery found in North Mission, but the pace slows as you continue south, until you reach the end of the boardwalk, the end of the beach, and the end of the road at South Mission Beach Park. Here fishermen cast their lines off the jetty and watch the boats pass in and out through the Harbor Channel. You'd never know it to look, but a half-mile off the coast are a series of shipwrecks, placed here to create an artificial reef and a diver's Disneyland.


Directions
From the 5 FWY take Garnet Avenue west to Mission Blvd. south. Alternatively, take Sea World Drive to West Mission Bay Drive to the roller coaster. The city bus runs right through Mission Beach, call San Diego transit at 619-233-3004 for routes and schedules.


Offerings
On the beach side, miles of bustling boardwalk with lifeguard and bathroom outposts. On the bayside, quiet coves and pedestrian paths. Down the middle, takeout food and liquor stores, carnival rides, surf shops and beach bars. For info call 619-221-8899, or check out our listing for Mission Bay on this website.


Considerations
Don't count on finding parking on any of Mission Beach's narrow and densely inhabited residential streets and, if you do, check the signs before you count yourself lucky. Slightly better odds can be had at the public lots around Belmont Park, Santa Clara Point and South Mission Beach Park. A good place to visit by bus or bike. Alcohol is not permitted on the beach. No alcohol anytime on boardwalks, in parking lots, or at Santa Clara Point. Mission Beach may give youngsters a lot to wonder about, and parents a lot to worry about...

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Batman The Ride 54" MAX Gotham City Backlot Yes
Batman The Ride combines state-of-the-art thrill ride technology with Batman movie magic.
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Superman The Escape 48" MODERATE Samurai Summit
Live the legend of DC Comics’ Superman by accelerating from 0 to 100 mph in seven seconds before shooting straight up a 41-story tower.
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Atom Smasher 42" MODERATE Gotham City Backlot
For a smashing good time, take a spin on this whirling, twirling ride that puts you on the edge of your seat.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


Buccaneer None w/ adult MODERATE Colossus County Fair
Ahoy, maties. Climb aboard this wacky pirate ship run amok. 42" min. to ride alone, no height min. with adult.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


Canyon Blaster 33" w/adult MILD BUGS BUNNY World
Here’s a blast for the whole family. Enjoy a thrilling roller coaster designed for you and the little ones to enjoy together. 33" min. w/adult. 36" min. to ride alone.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


Colossus 48" MODERATE Colossus County Fair Yes
For a colossal good time, think big. Take a giant ride on a classic dual track wooden coaster.
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Cyclone 500 58" MILD Cyclone Bay
Ready to test your driving skills? Rev your engines for this high-speed road race. Drive solo or with a friend. Ride requires an additional fee. Shoes required. 58" min. to drive, see attendant for other restrictions.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


Déjà Vu 54" MAX Cyclone Bay Yes
Experience the sensation of flying forwards and then backwards Déjà Vu. 54" min. to ride, 76" max.
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Daffy’s Adventure Tours None w/ adult MILD BUGS BUNNY World
With Daffy Duck driving an out-of-control tour bus, you know this will be one crazy fun ride. 36" min. to ride alone, no height min. with adult.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


Dive Devil 48" MODERATE Cyclone Bay
Try skydiving—without a parachute—on this 15 story, 60 mph free fall. Ride solo or with two other friends. Ride requires an additional fee.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


ELMER’S Weather Balloons None w/ adult MILD BUGS BUNNY World
Take in the breathtaking view and have a bundle of laughs on this fun, twisty-turny hot-air balloon adventure. 42" min. to ride alone, no height min. with adult.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


FOGHORN LEGHORN’S Barn and Railway None w/ adult MILD BUGS BUNNY World
All aboard for a big adventure on this pint-sized train made just for the pint-sized set. 36" min. to to ride alone, no height min. with adult.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


Goldrusher 48" MODERATE The Movie District Yes
The rush is on. Experience a rush of dips, dives, twists and turns on this runaway roller coaster.
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Goliath 48" MAX Colossus County Fair Yes
Hold onto your hat (and stomach) as you climb 26 stories, then race down at 85 mph on one of the fastest coasters around.
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Grand Carousel None w/ adult MILD Six Flags Plaza
Ready to bring back the good old days? Enjoy a nostalgic ride on this restored 1912 classic. 42" min. to ride alone, no height min. with adult.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


Grinder Gearworks 42" MODERATE Gotham City Backlot
Escape the daily grind in the gears of this wild ride, as you twirl high into the air, plastered to the wall at a 45-degree angle.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


Jet Stream 42" MODERATE Cyclone Bay Yes
Whoosh into Jet Stream for a scenic adventure with a splashy 6 story plunge finale.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


Log Jammer None w/ adult MILD High Sierra Territory Yes
Splish, splash, zoom. Dive into a wet and wild trip through the mountainside in a hollowed-out log. 42" min. to ride alone, no height min. with adult.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


Merrie Melodies Carousel None w/ adult MILD BUGS BUNNY World
Pick your favorite horse and enjoy a gentle ride on this kid-sized version of a theme park classic. 36" min. to ride alone, no height min. with adult.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


Ninja 42" MODERATE Samurai Summit Yes
The thrills are awesome, but you won’t see them coming till it’s too late on Ninja—the black belt of all steel coasters.
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PEPE LE PEW’S Tea Party None w/ adult MILD BUGS BUNNY World
Spin along and enjoy the chase as PEPE pursues the love of his life in a twirling, whirling tea cup. At least 42" to ride alone, and not over 59" inchesADD TO FUN PLANNER


Revolution 48" MODERATE Baja Ridge Yes
Join the revolution and swoop onto the first looping coaster ever built.
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Roaring Rapids 42" MILD Rapids Camp Crossing Yes
Roar with delight as you rush through Western America’s first man-made white-water river.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


Sandblasters 42" MODERATE The Movie District
Wham, slam, bam! Have a blast as you bump your way around in these good old-fashioned bumper cars. 54" min. to drive, 42" to drive.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


Scrambler 36" MODERATE The Movie District
Twirl, twist, gyrate, whirl, spin and rotate. Things get kind of scrambled when you’re on the SCRAMBLER.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


Scream 54" MAX Colossus County Fair Yes
Scream with delight as our unique floorless train design lets you soar through the air at 65 mph.
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Sky Tower None MILD Rapids Camp Crossing
The well-known Six Flags Magic Mountain landmark featuring spectacular panoramic views of the park and the surrounding Santa Clarita Valley from the observation deck. Presented by CampusDoor.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


Swashbuckler 42" MODERATE Colossus County Fair
Get ready for full-scale adventure on this out-of-control spinning swing set.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


SYLVESTER’S Pounce and Bounce None w/ adult MILD BUGS BUNNY World
Bounce on over to this fun and wacky ride that will tickle your little one’s funny bone and wake up your inner child in just one—ok, maybe two—bounces. 36" min. to ride alone, no height min. with adult.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


Tatsu 54" MAX Samurai Summit Yes
Get ready to fly at the speed of fear. Soar on the tallest, fastest and longest flying coaster on Earth.
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Taz’s Trucking Co. 42" MILD BUGS BUNNY World
Grab your tot-sized wheels and take em’ for a spin, good buddy, ’cause we’ve got plenty of lumber that needs a-haulin’. Under 42" must be accompanied by an adult.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


TERMINATOR® SALVATION™:
THE RIDE 48" MAX Cyclone Bay Yes
Now Open! Dare to take on Terminator® Salvation™:
The Ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain, presented by Jeep. Get ready, as the Thrill Capital of the World brings you a wooden coaster like no other. Once you experience the full assault of speed, sight and sound, you’ll think you just stepped into battle in this year’s blockbuster movie, Terminator® Salvation™. The Flash Pass is available for for an additional fee, limited availability.
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The LOONEY TUNES Lodge None MILD BUGS BUNNY World
Dive into a fun zone filled with all kinds of slides, and thousands of foam balls for throwing, catapulting, and blasting. 54" max. height, adults allowed with children under 54".ADD TO FUN PLANNER


Thomas The Tank Engine None w/ adult MILD Thomas Town
All aboard. Departing from Knapford Station for a round trip around the Island of Sodor, parents and kids can take a journey on this replica tank engine. 48" to ride alone, no height min. with adult.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


Thrill Shot 54" MAX Cyclone Bay
White-knuckle rushes. Heart-palpitating action. Spine-tingling fun. The thrills keep coming on the aptly-named Thrill Shot. Requires an additional fee.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


Tidal Wave 42" MODERATE The Movie District Yes
Catch this wild wave for a wet-and-wild, heart-pounding plunge of a lifetime over a 50-foot waterfall.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


TWEETY’S Escape None MILD BUGS BUNNY World
Jump in a TWEETY cage and watch out for SYLVESTER in this classic BUGS BUNNY WORLD attraction.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


Viper 54" MAX Baja Ridge Yes
Take on the dark coils of Viper and experience an amazing seven head-over-heels inversions. It’s a Viper’s nest of fun.
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X2 48" MAX Baja Ridge Yes
We’ve taken extreme to the next level with X2. Completely redesigned trains and state-of-the-art visual, audio and sensory effects move X from the 4th dimension to the 5th as it transforms into X2! The Flash Pass is available for X2 for an additional fee, limited availability.
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YOSEMITE SAM Sierra Falls None w/ adult MILD High Sierra Territory
Take a splashingly cool family adventure down the untamed rivers of High Sierra Territory. 42" min. to ride alone, no height min. with adult.ADD TO FUN PLANNER


YOSEMITE SAM’s Flight School None w/ adult MILD BUGS BUNNY World

67 miles and 1 hour 15 minutes.