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Print Friendly MapAs its name suggests, the Mission Beach-Pacific Beach Boardwalk conveniently links the two oceanfront communities north of downtown San Diego. The paved path, also known appropriately as Oceanfront Boardwalk, is technically open to cyclists and inline skaters, but speed is limited to 8 miles per hour. The boardwalk's overwhelming foot traffic makes such travel difficult anyway, so consider leaving your wheeled conveyance at home and joining the hordes on foot.
In addition to providing regular access to the popular beach throughout its route, the trail passes numerous shops, restaurants, houses, condominiums and parks, as well as the old-fashioned Belmont Park amusement park.
Parking and restrooms for the Mission Beach-Pacific Beach Boardwalk are available at its southern end at a park on N. Jetty Road in Mission Beach.
Sun, beach, rollerblading. Couldn't be better. Smooth cement paths. Be sure to slow down for congested pedestrian areas. Other areas OK to speed up. I must have put on 800 miles on these paths on one set of wheels. Park for free at the mission bay parking lot. The boardwalk is a 6 mile loop. When you add the bay, it's about 17 miles total.
Standing on its own, this is an enjoyable walk or ride to experience San Diego beach culture. However, you really should consider combining it with the Mission Bay Bike Path to make it great (see my March 2019 review of the Mission Beach Bike Path for my customized directions)!
Be sure to go all the way up to the bluff just beyond the north end of the path to Palisades Park for spectacular views.
A part of this trail can be congested with pedestrians at times, but the cool breezes, sunny sky, and beautiful sights make it worth your time! Take it slow, live for the moment, and say to yourself, "Life is good!"
I didn't walk the entire trail but did walk the Mission Beach area and up a ways but not all the way to Pacific Beach. I found the trail to be nice and wide, moderate traffic. The Mission Beach area had nice views around sunset and a number of shops and places to eat. The sand on the beach was plentiful and clean if you wanted to stop and rest. This is more of an exercise path vs. a site seeing scenic path. It was a nice path for walking, biking, skating, etc but if looking for a more scenic landscaping paths there were others in the San Diego area. If looking for a relaxing evening stroll this is the path to use.
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