Score 87/100 · Order: Boardwalk, Belmont Park, or beach day · Free
Mission Beach combines a wide sandy beach with a full entertainment district. Belmont Park offers a roller coaster, arcade, and restaurants, and the boardwalk connects to Pacific Beach for miles of walking and biking. The beach itself is good for swimming, sunbathing, and sand sports, and the waves are manageable for most visitors. The atmosphere is more touristy than Windansea or Coronado, but the convenience is unbeatable. It is the best beach for families who want a full day of activities without leaving the neighborhood.