Mission Bay, located just north of downtown San Diego, is a large aquatic park that offers all types of water sports, picnicking, kite flying and many other recreational opportunities. Originally a vast tidal marsh that often was confused by mariners with the larger bay of San Diego, the marsh was dredged and drained into its current configuration after World War II.

In addition to the aquatic sports park, many birds, fish and other animals call Mission Bay home. There is a nature reserve at Crown Point. Sea World, the marine- themed amusement park is located in Mission Valley and there are numerous hotels as well. Eight beaches offer plenty of places for swimming and sunning without some of the hazards of the open ocean beaches--there are no significant currents and no surf.