Mission Bay

(NEED NEW MAP) Balancing Recreation with Environmental Stewardship

Situated between Bay Park, Crown Point, Mission Beach, and Pacific Beach, Mission Bay is iconic for its summer BBQs and recreational fun. SeaWorld serves as the backdrop to a large portion of the bay, with its nightly fireworks lighting up the sky and making for a truly magical experience. From the annual Over The Line World Tournament held on the bay’s Fiesta Island to the Thunderboat races held every September, Mission Bay has excitement to offer for everyone.

Aside from being a recreational hub, this 4,235-acre aquatic park is a critical focus of environmental conservation efforts. Organizations like San Diego Coastkeeper are constantly working to protect the bay’s delicate ecosystem by monitoring water quality and reducing pollution. Although Mission Bay was created by San Diegans through extensive dredging in the 1940s, this artificial bay is home to diverse marine life and protected flora and fauna in the many conservation areas along its 27 mile shoreline. 

Latest Updates & Campaigns

Protecting and Enhancing San Diego Bay’s Ecosystem.

Water Quality Monitoring
ReWild Mission Bay (need blog post & new picture)

Mission Bay Timeline

2022

SDSU Mission Valley Snapdragon Stadium opened, and groundbreaking began at the River Park, marking ongoing development along the river

1982

The First San Diego River Improvement Project (FSDRIP) was approved, creating a natural-bottom flood-control channel

1948

The Mission Bay and San Diego River jetties were built to control the river’s flow

1935

El Capitan Dam was constructed, significantly reducing sediment flow into the bay and providing drinking water for the city

1916

The worst floods in county history occurred, washing away bridges along the San Diego River

1876

A more successful levee was built, preventing further diversions into San Diego Bay

1862

The worst flood in the area occurred, inundating Mission Valley and flooding lower Old Town

1853

The Derby Dike was constructed to divert the river from San Diego Harbor into Mission Bay, but failed after two years

1821

A significant flood changed the river’s course, diverting its main flow into False Bay (now Mission Bay)

1813

The Old Mission Dam was constructed, marking the first major water engineering project on the west coast of the United States

1769

Spanish colonists arrived and established settlements, recognizing the river’s importance for survival

Blog

Insights and Stories into Mission Bay's Past and Present

Explore the rich history, ongoing projects, and environmental efforts shaping Mission Bay. Dive into stories of transformation, resilience, and the bay’s impact on the community.

Blog

The Comeback of the Black Sea Turtle in San Diego Bay

Blog

San Diego Bay: What's new in the massive cleanup?

Our Active Campaigns for Change

Water Quality Monitoring
Coastkeeper Partner Cleanup Challenge - beach cleanup box
Beach Cleanups
Legislation & Policy

Protecting and Restoring Waters in San Diego County

At San Diego Coastkeeper, our mission is to protect and restore San Diego’s coastal and inland waters through community engagement, education, and advocacy. We strive for a sustainable and thriving marine environment that benefits everyone. Join us in our efforts to safeguard the natural beauty and ecological health of our coastline.

Phillip Musegaas, San Diego Coastkeeper Executive Director

Phillip Musegaas

President