San Diego’s Mission Bay

Mission Bay: From Marshland to Retreat Destination

Before it became a peaceful haven for paddleboarders, cyclists, and beachgoers, Mission Bay was a sprawling tidal marshland known as "False Bay." For thousands of years, it was home to the Kumeyaay people, who fished and gathered along its estuaries. When Spanish explorers arrived in the 1700s, the marsh remained largely untouched, seen more as an obstacle than an opportunity.

Everything changed in the mid-20th century. Starting in the 1940s, the City of San Diego launched one of the largest coastal transformation projects in the country. Dredging operations moved over 25 million cubic yards of sand and silt, reshaping the landscape to create a massive aquatic park for recreation and tourism. The work continued into the 1960s, resulting in a stunning manmade blend of 27 miles of shoreline and over 4,000 acres of water and land. Today, Mission Bay is the largest aquatic park of its kind in the United States.

Fun fact: Fiesta Island, now a popular spot for joggers, dog walkers, and bonfires, was entirely built from dredged material. SeaWorld San Diego, which opened in 1964, was one of the final pieces of the Mission Bay master plan and helped establish the area as a tourist magnet. The park also hosts sailing regattas, rowing competitions, and some of the best sunset views on the West Coast.

So, why do we host retreats here?

Mission Bay offers a rare combination of natural beauty, calm waters, and convenience. It's just 15 minutes from the airport, 10 minutes from downtown, and walking distance to beaches, trails, and waterfront dining. The vibe is laid-back and restorative—exactly the kind of atmosphere we want you to experience during your retreat.

The Mission Bay Resort was an easy choice for our events. With waterfront views, cozy fire pits, on-site dining, and direct access to the bay, it offers both comfort and flexibility. Whether you’re arriving early, extending your stay, or just soaking it all in between sessions, you’ll find plenty of space to slow down and recharge.

From its wild past as a coastal marsh to its present-day role as a peaceful escape, Mission Bay is more than just a pretty backdrop—it’s the ideal setting to reconnect with yourself and your community.