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Fun Things To Do in Mission Valley

By June 13, 2022San Diego
Mission Bay, San Diego

Mission Valley is a vibrant part of the county—where San Diegans live life, elevated. Residents of Mission Valley (and visitors) can discover summertime activities along with the laid-back, SoCal vibe San Diego is famous for. Conveniently situated minutes from everything, including the San Diego International Airport, beaches, Little Italy, and Downtown, there’s never a shortage of things to do – especially when summer comes.

Beach Bonfire, Mission Bay

Mission Bay
At Mission Bay, you can do everything from stand-up paddle boarding to sailing lessons, sport fishing, jet skiing, seasonal whale watching tours, and more. Surrounded by lush green spaces, there are ample picnic areas, as well as bike rentals and barbecue areas. You can also embark on a moonlit cruise via a Mississippi riverboat, have a beachside bonfire with friends, or ride the “Giant Dipper” roller coaster at the adjacent Mission Beach Belmont Park.

Minutes to Old Town San Diego
Just three miles south of Mission Valley and known as the birthplace of California, Old Town San Diego brims with colorful art galleries and festive theaters, boasting 17 museums and historical sites including the Whaley House, which has been featured on the Travel Channel’s America’s Most Haunted. Home to Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá, California’s first mission, as well as dozens of restaurants featuring authentic Mexican cuisine, Old Town San Diego is a blend of community and history.

Little Italy, San Diego

Little Italy
While San Diego is known for its Mexican food and fresh-caught seafood, you may be surprised to learn that the city’s walkable Little Italy has become a prime culinary attraction. It has an assortment of cuisine and sidewalk cafes (not just Italian food!) dotting the sidewalks as well as a weekend farmer’s market. Sure, you can find a great plate of pasta or two, but this foodie district is very much a melting pot of cultures, with everything from organic coffee shops to delectable fried chicken sandwiches.

San Diego, California

Parks & Recreation
With easy access to the 5 and 15 freeways, Mission Valley puts you close to all the entertainment San Diego has to offer—between the parks, LEGOLAND®, and San Diego Zoo Safari Park®—there’s quite literally never a dull moment. The bay is also home to Navy Pier, Seaport Village, the USS Midway Museum, the Star of India, and the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

Shop & Dine Mission Valley… and Beyond
Mission Valley is home to three major shopping malls: Fashion Valley Mall, Hazard Center, and Westfield Mission Valley. The upscale Fashion Valley Mall contains luxury department stores, as well as premium brands including the likes of Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, and Gucci, as well as an 18-screen movie theater. Hazard Center is an entertainment district with theaters, dance lessons, dining, and virtually everything in-between.Westfield Mission Valley’s anchor stores are Macy’s, Nordstrom Rack, and Target.

There’s also never a lack of restaurant and craft beer options in Mission Valley and just an easy jaunt to all the culinary adventures in downtown San Diego. Everything from Taste of San Diego, to Spirits by the Bay Festival, Restaurant Week, San Diego Beer Week, and San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival—in San Diego county—foodie culture is celebrated often.

The Village Mission Valley

Live Mission Valley
Mission Valley puts residents in the heart of scenic natural beauty, with the San Diego River and beaches just miles away. And now you can live in the heart of San Diego for seamless connectivity between daily destinations, from work, shopping, dining, and entertainment at one of Irvine Company’s four apartment communities in Mission Valley. Designed for wellness, light-filled apartment homes offer spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom living spaces, and townhomes with private garages – plus direct access to San Diego’s best trails and beaches.

Apartments in Mission Valley