While Mission Beach, a few short steps away, is crowded on the hottest summer days, Mission Bay remains pretty quiet year ‘round. It’s especially nice if you have young ones, since the bay is calm and you don’t have to worry about waves.
Local Tip: If you like urban camping, check out Campland on the Bay. You get to enjoy the bay’s natural amenities, and with a decent restaurant (that serves alcohol!) on premises, you won’t even have to cook.