Things To Do
Local Attractions Near Campland
Things to Do
Welcome to our Neighborhood!
Just in case you’d like to venture outside of Campland and all it offers, you have all the exciting San Diego attractions of “America’s Finest City”. Campland is located just 2.5 miles from Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach (known simply as “P.B.” to the locals), one of the most popular beaches in San Diego. Make a day of it, and bike over to Ocean Front Walk and experience the beach vibe.
- The boardwalk lines the beach and features local shops, restaurants, and bars.
- Located at the North end of the beach, Tourmaline Surfing Park is a favorite destination for surfers, kite surfers, and sailboarders all year.
- Pacific Beach is one of nine beaches that has permanent lifeguard stations patrolled by San Diego Lifeguards
- Rent a bike at the Campland Marina and explore 12 miles of trails around Mission Bay. (Bring your own lock if you want to stop along the way.)
Fishing on Crystal Pier
Like to fish? There are no fees/California Sport Fishing Licenses required to fish on Crystal Pier.
- If you’re having a good day, you may catch surf perch, shovelnose guitarfish, leopard sharks, bat rays and halibut.
- Crystal Pier is open from 8 am to sunset daily.
- Check out the Campland Marina for bait and tackle supplies.
Visit Mission Bay
Did you know Mission Bay is the nation’s largest aquatic park? Mission Bay is a water enthusiasts’ dream destination, offering a 14-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail around the bay.
Surrounded by 27 miles of shorelines, Mission Bay Park is a 4,600-acre aquatic playground, the largest of its kind in the United States. The balmy climate, proximity to SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, and other area attractions, combined with Campland’s amenities, make this beachfront playground a legendary family retreat.
Nestled on the shores of Mission Bay, and one of the original commercial leasehold in Mission Bay Park, Campland has been a beloved vacation destination for families since 1969.
Enjoy Watersports
Enjoy water sports of all kinds at Campland on the Bay. Bring your own water toys or rent them at the Campland Marina. Here are just a few of the water activities adults and kids of all ages enjoy on the calm waters of Mission Bay:
- Wave Runners
- Sailing
- Water Skiing & Wake Boarding
- Standup Paddleboarding
- Kayaking
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There are a variety of waterways, inlets, and islets to explore in Mission Bay and it borders several beach communities.
You can even dock and dine at places like the infamous Barefoot Bar which features live music.
Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve
Keeping Nature Close with the Wetlands
Campland on the Bay is adjacent to the protected wetlands of the Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve. Campland is the only place you can camp overnight overlooking this scenic wildlife sanctuary, an ideal way to learn firsthand and teach younger generations about the surrounding natural environment.
Birding enthusiasts may see snowy egrets, black-crowned night herons, least herons, and ospreys to name a few. Two endangered species depend entirely on this marsh:
- the Light-footed Clapper Rail
- the Belding’s Savannah Sparrow
If you want to identify the birds you see, there is a free app that’s easy to use: http://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/
History of the Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve
In 1952, Lena Kendall donated 9 acres of salt marsh followed by a donation of an adjoining parcel by the A. H. Frost estate. Today, the Kendall-Frost Reserve protects 16 acres of salt marsh next to the Northern Wildlife Preserve owned by the City of San Diego. Natural habitats include restored coastal sage scrub, south coastal salt marsh, tidal channels, salt flats, mudflats, sand spit, and eelgrass beds.
Wildlife is Protected at Campland on the Bay
- Birds, (including ducks), stray cats, and other wildlife are on “mother nature’s” diet. Campland’s rules prohibit feeding the wildlife. RULES & REGULATIONS
- The wetland’s plants and animals may be admired from afar but not handled. It is a felony to harm, harass or disturb wildlife, and is subject to a $20,000.00 fine and/or imprisonment (SEC. 597 CA STATE PENAL CODE)!
Local San Diego Attractions
There’s so much to do at Campland on the Bay, you may not find any reason to leave the resort.
If you do decide to venture out to other areas of San Diego, there are plenty of local attractions and something for everyone to enjoy.
The Gaslamp Quarter
Eat, Drink, Shop in the historic Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego. Known for its nightlife and rooftop bars, the Gaslamp District is also a fun place to walk and shop during the day!
Sea World
Experience thrilling rides, feed the sea lions, and enjoy playful dolphin shows.
You can see Sea World, just across the bay from Campland on the Bay.
The USS Midway Museum
Once America’s longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, today the Midway is an interactive maritime museum for the whole family.
Old Town San Diego
Located just south of Mission Bay, Old Town was California’s first settlement. Today, you can enjoy delicious Mexican food and shopping and see historical buildings.
Balboa Park
16 museums, beautiful gardens, trails, and many other creative and recreational attractions.
The San Diego Zoo
One of the largest and most renowned zoos in the country, located within Balboa Park. The San Diego Zoo helped pioneer the concept of open-air, cageless exhibits and is home to over 12,000 animals and more than 650 species and subspecies.
For more information on San Diego and all it has to offer, visit SanDiego.org