Fit Wanderlust Runner: Places To Run In San Diego: Mission Beach

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Places To Run In San Diego: Mission Beach

Who wouldn't love a good run by the beach? If you're one of those people that hates the beach then we cannot be friends. I'm kidding...kinda. The beach is my zen place and it just so happens that I live where there are an abundant amount of beaches to run at. Lately I have been checking out Mission Beach just because it happens to be one of the most popular beaches to check out in San Diego.

Yes this beach is pretty touristy but on this beach you will find a mixture of both tourists and locals. There is a very beautiful boardwalk that separates the sand from million dollar houses. I am not kidding when I say these houses are pretty amazing. Some are rentals of course but then there are the lucky folks that get to wake up to the sounds of crashing waves on a daily basis. Not going to lie, when I run around here I always wonder what exactly do these people do in order to afford such a lavish house.

One major drawback: It can get pretty busy here on the weekends and especially during the summer. Remember everyone wants to head to San Diego during the summer to catch some rays. The boardwalk is shared with roller bladers, walkers, runners, and people cruising on their bikes. So you can imagine during the busy hours how packed it can get. I've been running here in the mornings and it has been really nice, not packed at all. If you really want to get a good workout though, try just running on the sand instead of the boardwalk.

Getting here is actually pretty easy. Head west on the 8 and follow the signs toward the beaches. Exit on Mission Bay Drive and follow the signs toward Mission Beach. It will actually lead you towards the famous Belmont Park. This is the main reason Mission Beach is so famous and touristy. Belmont Park is the home of the Giant Dipper along with other activities and attractions.

The Giant Dipper is a wooden roller coaster that was built in 1925.

I've been on it once and once was enough for me.

The park also happens to have good restaurants, beach rental equipment, shopping, other carnival type attractions, and souvenirs. Since this park brings in the tourists, parking can be an issue. If you come to late, good luck trying to find anything. You'll be one of those people stalking people as they walk back to their car to see if they are leaving. I have yet to come in the evening to see if it as packed as it gets during mid-day.

Restrooms can be found at the park only along with drinking fountains and outside showers. Since we are in a drought, this beach happens to be one of the last ones that hasn't turned off the water for visitors...yet. Best part about running in Mission beach is that once you are done with your run you can either:

Treat yourself.

Or head to the beach for a dip in the ocean.

Or enjoy a good volleyball game.

If you are looking for a new place to run in San Diego or coming to visit, I would highly recommend checking this beach out. Definitely try to get your run in before the heavy traffic starts to arrive though. This beach boardwalk also happens to connect to another beach too (more to come on that beach next week) so you can make your run as long or as short as you'd like. Oh and if you really do want to visit Belmont Park...Groupon will almost always have deals on the attractions. Just a little tip for you. Also don't forget to wear sunscreen!