Mission Bay has more than 4,000 acres of bay, bike paths, and parks to play in and on. First named “False Bay” by explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542, Mission Bay supports all types of boating activities and has boat docks and launches. Other water sports include sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing, jet skiing, rowing, and swimming.

Rent a sailboat and cruise the bay or bicycle around the bay on the bike paths that wind for miles. Picnickers and sunbathers will revel in the endless supply of green grassy knolls at Mission Bay. The sports-minded can enjoy basketball, volleyball, and over-the-line games. If you’re bringing kids to the bay, take them to the playground at Tecolote Shores (1500 East Mission Bay Drive), which was designed to accommodate physically challenged children. Also see Mission Bay’s plant and animal life at the nature reserve near Crown Point to the north.