Stretching across a narrow sandbar between the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay, Mission Beach Park is a 3.5-acre coastal recreation area at 3000 Mission Blvd in the 92109. The beach community traces its development to 1914, when a syndicate led by businessman John D. Spreckels filed the original subdivision plans, and the area gained a lasting landmark in 1925 with the opening of the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster—now a National Historic Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. The park itself offers a wide grassy lawn beside the boardwalk with benches, picnic tables, barbecue grills, volleyball courts, a playground, and public restrooms. A 3.1-mile boardwalk connects the ocean and bay sides, buzzing with joggers, cyclists, and rollerbladers throughout the day. Swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, and paddleboarding are all popular in the adjacent waters, while the calm bay side draws kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders. 710 Beach Club anchors the south end of the boardwalk scene with live music and cold drinks. Visitors looking for a sit-down meal with ocean views can walk north to Costa Brava on Mission Blvd. The park is steps from Belmont Park’s amusement rides, arcades, and additional dining along the boardwalk.