El Carmel Point

El Carmel Point in Mission Bay is the home of the Mission Bay Yacht Club, San Diego Rowing Club and much more boating activity. This area is fun to visit.
Todd Sarouhan
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Why you'll love this beach
Why you'll love this beach
Spend a Day on the Water at the Home of the Mission Bay Yacht Club and San Diego Rowing Club
El Carmel Point
Overview
Things to Do
Explore & Save
Popular Activities
Get There & Parking
Featured Activity
Know Before You Go
Stay Nearby
Similar Beaches

Highlights

Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking
Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking

Overview

El Carmel Point in ForegroundFirey Sunset on El Carmel Point at Mission Bay

In the Mission Bay area lies El Carmel Point, a small cape that forms San Juan Cove to the north and Santa Barbara Cove (otherwise known as Chicken Cove) to the south. It is a major location for boat launching in the bay.

The calm waters created by the bay make this an ideal spot for boating and rowing. Plus, Mission Bay is very expansive. There is plenty of room for both racing and casual boating.

El Carmel Point is home to the Mission Bay Yacht Club and the San Diego Rowing Club. Plenty of other people also launch their own boats and residents keep theirs in the surrounding coves.

While the beach area is relatively small, there is still sand to sit on while you look out on the water. If you are into boating and visiting San Diego, put this location on your to-visit list.

Things to Do

Jet Skiing
Jet Skiing
Kayaking
Kayaking
Running
Running
Sailing
Sailing
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Surfing
Surfing
Swimming
Swimming

Why You’ll Love El Carmel Point

El Carmel Point is most notable for its boating activities. However, there are a few more reasons to enjoy visiting this cape in Mission Bay.

Mission Bay Yacht Club (MBYC)

El Carmel Point is home to the Mission Bay Yacht Club. Located on the south side of the cape, it has a history dating back to 1927.

The club is a center for racing sailboats in Mission Bay and out into the Pacific Ocean. It has boats competing at many different levels from juniors to regional regattas.

Additionally, the club offers classes for kids and a community for sailors in the area. As with many other sailing clubs, the Mission Bay Yacht Club spends a lot of time helping juniors get into sailing.

Visitors to the area can come and watch the boats racing. There are also regular events open to the public. Check out MBYC’s website for more details.

San Diego Rowing Clubs

There are several boathouses for rowing in the area. This includes the San Diego Rowing Club and the UCSD & USD rowing clubs.

The San Diego Rowing Club has been the area since around 1888 when it was founded as the Excelsior Rowing and Swim Club. It relocated to Mission Bay and the Coggeshall Rowing Center after A.W. Coggeshall, a longtime member, passed away in 1987 and left money to the club.

Local Tips
Mission Bay Yacht Club
El Carmel Point is home to the Mission Bay Yacht Club and the San Diego Rowing Club.

The rowing center also houses the universities’ rowing clubs in their own boat bays. Whenever the schools are in session, it is common to see rowing crews out in the bay early in the mornings.

Out of town rowers can join in the fun at the San Diego Rowing Club as a guest rower. There are no rentals, but guests can row with members.

Consistent Surf

On the ocean side of El Carmel Point in Mission Beach, there is very consistent surf that is ideal for surfers of all experience levels. The waves are beach breakers over a sandy bottom. They come in fast and fun with moderate power.

During the best days, the waves are average length, but they are typically less than 150 feet. Expect to see very few surfers there most days.

San Juan Cove Nature Preserve

On the north side of El Carmel Point lies San Juan Cove. This small cover is a nature preserve. If you want to just relax by the water and watch some of the boats and marine life, this is a pleasant place to do so.

There is a very small amount of sandy beach around the outside of the cove. This is far from prime San Diego beach. However, it is more than enough for relaxing for a little while.

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Local Tips
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How to Get There & Parking

Free Parking
Free Parking
Lot Parking
Lot Parking
Neighborhood Parking
Neighborhood Parking
Street Parking
Street Parking

Getting to El Carmel Point

To get to El Carmel Point, exit I-8 onto the West Mission Bay Drive heading northwest. Follow this to Mission Boulevard and turn right. Finally, turn right on El Carmel Place.

From the north, simply follow Mission Boulevard south. Turn left onto El Carmel Place after passing Santa Clara Point.

Parking at El Carmel Point

There is a parking lot used by the Mission Bay Yacht Club that is open 24/7 however they are only for members or their guests. Additionally, there is quite a bit of parking along El Carmel Place.

Despite the ample parking, it can get very busy, especially during races and events. If you are visiting during an event, try to arrive early.

Featured Activity

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Know Before You Go & Tips

Boat Launch
Boat Launch
No Alcohol
No Alcohol
No Camping
No Camping
No Glass Containers
No Glass Containers
No Motorized Vehicles
No Motorized Vehicles
No Smoking
No Smoking
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
Restrooms
Restrooms
Shade
Shade
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available

Tips for Enjoying Your Visit to El Carmel Point

Facilities

There are bathrooms available along El Carmel Place. Additionally, the boathouses have facilities if you are visiting them.

Boating Focused

This area is very focused on boating. While you can pass some time here without going out on the water, be aware that there is boating activity all over the cape.

Mission Beach

El Carmel Point is immediately next to Mission Beach. If you are visiting the area, you can make the cape part of a broader visit to the boardwalk, amusement park at Belmont Park and beach.

Nature Preserve

The waters around El Carmel Point are protected. Be careful with any kind of trash or pollutants.

El Carmel Point
is Known For:
Sailing
Sailing
Know This:
Restrooms Available
Restrooms Available
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available
This Month's Forecast
63°F / 78°F
Sunny in October
Nov
56°F / 73°F
Sunny in November
Dec
51°F / 68°F
Sunny in December
Jan
51°F / 67°F
Sunny in January

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