Field guide
Mission Bay Park parking, paths, and facilities
Official information for runners and hikers at Mission Bay Park. Learn about the park's walking paths, 27 miles of shoreline, and available facilities.
Mission Bay Park is the largest aquatic park of its kind in the country. It covers over 4,235 acres, divided into roughly equal parts of land and water.
This guide provides information for runners and hikers based on official sources. It covers the park's paths, shoreline, and public facilities.
Official facts at a glance
- Type of park
- Largest aquatic park of its kind in the country
- Bike path length
- Close to 14 miles
- Restrooms and showers
- Public restrooms and showers are available
- Area
- Over 4,235 acres in roughly equal parts land and water
- Shoreline length
- 27 miles of shoreline
- Sandy beaches and swimming areas
- 19 miles of sandy beaches with eight locations designated as official swimming areas
- West end features
- Network of channels and islands – a perfect spot for everyone from windsurfers to water-skiers
- Activities
- Swim, enjoy the sun or rent a boat to explore the thousands of acres of waterways
- Facilities
- Boat docks and launching facilities, sailboat and motor rentals, bike and walking paths, basketball courts and children's playgrounds
- Lifeguard stations
- Located in designated areas
Source: Mission Bay Park (sandiego.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Running and walking routes
The park provides close to 14 miles of paths designated for bikes and walking. Visitors should be aware that these routes are shared spaces.
Beyond the paved paths, the park has 27 miles of shoreline. This includes 19 miles of sandy beaches, offering varied surfaces for running or walking.
Park layout and features
The park's large area includes a network of waterways, channels, and islands, especially on its west end. The landscape combines developed areas with natural shorelines.
Available public facilities
Public restrooms and showers are available for visitors. Lifeguard stations are located in designated areas, particularly near the eight official swimming areas.
Before you go
- The park has close to 14 miles of multi-use paths for cyclists and pedestrians.
- There are 27 miles of shoreline, including 19 miles of sandy beach.
- Public restrooms and showers are located within the park.
- The total area is over 4,235 acres, so it is useful to review a map.
- Check official sources for current park hours, rules, and alerts before visiting.
Nearby options: running and active spots in San Diego. All cities: City running and hiking guides.