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.
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
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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
President