Santa Clara Point

Home of the Mission Bay Aquatic Center and other activity centers, Santa Clara Point offers fun and relaxation for visitors of all ages and interests.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Why you'll love this beach
Why you'll love this beach
Relax with Family at Mission Bay Aquatic Center and Mission Bay Sportscenter
Santa Clara Point
Overview
Things to Do
Bundle & 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

Mission Bay Sports Center at Santa Clara PointMission Bay Sports Center Pedal Boats at Santa Clara Point

Santa Clara Point is a peninsula that extends into Mission Bay from the west side of Mission Beach. It is a fun little strip of land known best for being home to several recreation centers.

There is a sandy beach around the peninsula. However, most people come to the area to head out on the water.

Since Mission Bay is protected from the surf and currents of the Pacific Ocean, it is much calmer than the other side of Mission Beach. This makes it perfect for activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking and sailing, even for relatively inexperienced ocean goers.

Between Mission Bay Aquatic Center, Mission Bay Sportscenter and the Mission Bay Recreation Center, there is no shortage of fun activities for visitors of all ages. If you want to find a place in San Diego that can provide hours of fun for the entire family, Santa Clara Point should be high on your list.

Things to Do

Basketball Courts
Basketball Courts
Kayaking
Kayaking
Paddle Boarding
Paddle Boarding
Running
Running
Sailing
Sailing
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Surfing
Surfing
Swimming
Swimming

Reasons to Visit Santa Clara Point

Santa Clara Point is home to several watersports and recreation centers. It is a popular boat launching area. If you want to head out on Mission Bay, this is a great place to get started.

Relaxing Beach

The beach at Santa Clara Point extends all the way around the peninsula. It is the perfect place to just relax and watch the boats out in the bay.

If you are visiting one of the recreation centers on the point and want to take a break to hang out in the sun, the beach is the perfect place for that. It isn’t the widest beach, but there is plenty of space for sitting out in the sun.

Mission Bay Aquatic Center

Mission Bay Aquatic Center is operated by San Diego State University and the University of California San Diego. It is open to the general public and provides rentals, classes and water-based events.

They offer a wide range of activities including surfing, sailing, wake surfing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, rowing, paddle boarding, windsurfing and kayaking. Rentals for sailboats require certification to ensure you know how to sail first.

If you are heading to the Mission Bay area, this is one of the best places to rent from. It is definitely worth a visit.

Local Tips
Visit the Santa Clara Point Recreation Center
The Santa Clara Point Recreation Center here has an aquatic center, kayak and dive center, ball field, tennis court, basketball courts, workout facility, and watercraft rentals of all types.

Mission Bay Sportscenter

On the northeast corner of the point is the Mission Bay Sportscenter. This private organization rents out powerboats, catamarans, personal watercraft, paddleboards and more. They even have water jetpacks.

In addition to rentals, the center also provides classes. It is well-known for its youth programs. Local kids often participate in a summer-long youth camp.

Alternatively, you can charter a boat or take a tour. In short, this is a great place to go if you want to enjoy the Mission Bay waters.

Mission Bay Recreation Center

The Santa Clara Recreation Center is a public venue operated by the city. It is significantly less known than the other options on the point. The center has a number of activity options including tennis, basketball, softball and a weight room.

There is also a playground and picnic area that overlooks the bay. If you want to spend a little time doing something out of the water, this is the choice for you.

Spend More Time at Santa Clara Point & Stay Nearby

The Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa is a 5-minute walk from Santa Clara Point directly on Sail Bay. The Catamaran Resort is bayfront with its own beach and dock which rents boats, paddle boards and more. You can even catch a ride on the Bahia Belle, a classic Mississippi Style sternwheeler boat, which goes across the bay to the sister hotel the Bahia Resort Hotel.

Safari Park+Zoo = Go Pass

San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Visit this 1,800 acre park featuring over 3,000 animals in their natural habitats as you ride the African tram! Buy an All-Inclusive Go Pass and admission to the San Diego Zoo is included!
Buy Now
Local Tips
What kind of deals does the Go City San Diego pass offer?

The Go City San Diego pass gives visitors the ability to save up to 55% on attraction admissions.

Combine our exclusive 5% discount to save even more and consider the All-Inclusive pass to maximize your savings. Plus the pass gives you the ability to skip the line when visiting select attractions.

Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

How to Get There & Parking

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

Reaching Santa Clara Point is simple. Exit I-5 toward Grand Avenue. Follow this to the ocean and turn on Mission Boulevard.

Stay on Mission Boulevard into Mission Beach and turn west on Santa Clara Place. Simply follow this road out onto the point. There is ample parking in the large lot on the peninsula.

If approaching from the south, exit I-8 onto West Mission Bay Drive. Follow that to Mission Boulevard and head north. The rest of the route is the same.

Featured Activity

Gray Whale during Whale Watching Tour in San Diego
Half Day Whale Watching Tour
Enjoy a 3.5 to 4-hour expert led tour departing from beautiful San Diego Bay on a two-story whale watching yacht. Take in the views, enjoy the marine life, dolphin & marvel at the majestic gray whales as they migrate along the coast.
Buy Now

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
Picnic Tables
Picnic Tables
Playground
Playground
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
Shade
Shade
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available

Things to Know Before You Arrive

Mission Beach

Santa Clara Point is immediately adjacent to Mission Beach, a popular beach neighborhood. You can easily mix a trip to the peninsula with a visit to the boardwalk and beach. The area is full of activities and attractions.

Protected Waters

Some of the waters around Santa Clara Point are protected. Be careful with any trash or pollutants. The locals, San Diego and the state take protecting the local nature very seriously.

El Carmel Point

Just south of Santa Clara Point lies El Carmel Point. This is another watersports area. Again, you can easily spend a day mixing activities between a few spots in the area.

No Lifeguards

If you are on the beach, keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on Santa Clara Point. The various activity centers have staff that will provide appropriate safety instruction and supervision. However, be cautious at the water if you are just hanging out on the beach.

Santa Clara Point
is Known For:
Paddle Boarding
Paddle Boarding
Know This:
Boat Launch
Boat Launch
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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