Mission Bay of San Diego
Mission Bay is a large water recreational area consisting over 4235 acres (17.14km2) of land and water. The perimeter of the bay is undulated with 27 miles of shoreline: most of it is sandy beaches (19 miles) but also includes areas of gravely rocks, boulders, grassy turf, and pedestrian/bike trails. See schematic map.
However, the rest of Mission Bay is available for all sorts of water activities including motor boating, sailing, jet skiing, water-skiers, rowing, kayaking, swimming and fishing. Because this area is a bay, the water is more calm and a little warmer than the water at the Pacific ocean. Note: some restrictions apply. For example, fishing not allowed in designated swimming areas and on bridges. Some areas are designated for motorized watercraft sports only.
Formally, MissionBayPark also includes:
The surround area is lined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, marinas, small shops, and 2 RV campgrounds. Fiesta Island has a dog park where dogs can run free without a leash. Fiesta Island also has a youth campground; permit required and adults not permitted (858-581-7602).
Originally, this area was a natural tidal marsh filled with ill-smelling, mud flats. It was named "False Bay" by early explorers because it was smaller and north of the "real" bay (San Diego Bay). In the 1940's, civic leaders developed "False Bay" into a recreational area to encourage tourism and increase the city's diversity. The marsh was heavily dredged and filled to form "Mission Bay Park". Decades later, a total of 25 million cubic yards of sand and silt were moved to shape the shoreline into what is now MissionBay: the largest man-made aquatic park in the USA. More history here.
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The north end of the Bay (Crown Point) is a natural reserve which is home to native birds, fish and animals. 
