Mission Beach or Pacific Beach?

Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are two different places. A lot of times tourists ask us to take them to Mission Beach but what they really want is Pacific Beach (or vice versa); and then they end up calling another taxi or walking 40 minutes to get to where they want to go.
Yes, Mission Beach is a great beach and there are a few great spots to grab a drink or burger, but Pacific Beach and North Pacific Beach offer a larger restaurant and bar scene.
Then, to confuse things even more, there's also Mission Bay.

Here are the highlights for Mission Beach, Mission Bay, Pacific Beach (PB), and North Pacific Beach (North PB):

Pacific Beach:
Warning: Watch your step, i.e. the stop signs are just suggestions for PB residents. 
A lot of people aged 21 to 35 live here and drive here. It's definitiely a fun and lively place to hang out (if you like people).
Lots of Bars - Check out our blog about Pacific Beach Bars

North Pacific Beach:
North Pacific Beach, as I see it, is everything North of Beryl Street and South of Birdrock. North PB is quieter and a little classier than straight Pacifc Beach. In fact, I've noticed that as you go North up the coast of San DIego away from Ocean Beach, the atmosphere becomes more sophisticated, more on that in this blog.
Restaurants - You will find many good restaurants, wine bars, and cafes in this area; no chains or franchises here. ​
Scenic Drive - The La Jolla Scenic drive is a must do. Start in La Jolla Mount Soledad and follow the scenic route down to North Pacific Beach. On a clear day or at sunset the views will bring tears to your eyes. See map below.

Mission Beach:
If you've got kiddos bring them to Mission Beach.
Belmont Park (3146 Mission Blvd, 92109)- little roller coaster and carnival-like rides.
Draft (3105 Ocean Front Walk, 92109) - extensive craft beer menu and good food with views of the boardwalk for ocean and people watching.
The WaveHouse (3125 Ocean Front Walk, 92109)  You can ride a wave inside the restaurant! It's super fun (and often funny) to watch your friends or family try to surf while you eat lunch.
Boardwalks - The boardwalks are a great place to ride bikes, rollerblade, jog, etc. There are two boardwalks to explore: one is bay-side and the other is the obvious one on the ocean-side. To get to the bayside boardwalk simply walk away from the ocean, across the street and through the alleys and houses.
Hotels and Vacation Rentals - Mission Beach has million-dollar-houses for rent right on the boardwalk and awesome hotels, including the Bahia, Catamaran, and Hyatt.

Mission Bay:
Water Sports: Jet skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, hydroflying, you name it! Just do not expect to do any snorkeling because you can't even see your own feet under the surface of this water.
Fiesta Island - All island (peninsula technically); a big beach park. Great for a bonfire, your kids, your dog, or even your horse. It's one big playground. Be sure to bring your own water and food though because you will not find any convenience stores or restaurants here. Note, there is no camping allowed. The park is open from 6am to 10pm, so don't get to comfortable. 
Campland on the Bay - (2211 Pacific Beach Dr, 92109) First Class Trailor Park! Bring your RV but be sure to make a reservation before you come, it's always full.