Mission Beach

Book excerpt: Mission Beach has always been a favorite destination for San Diego's beach-loving locals and tourists. Every year, millions crowd onto this spit of white sand separating tranquil Mission Bay from the frothy waves of the Pacific Ocean. Bicyclists, skateboarders, in-line skaters, walkers, and joggers can also enjoy the beach while navigating the 2.5-mile-long cement boardwalk along the ocean's edge and historic Belmont Park. But this is also a neighborhood of narrow streets with homes that began in the early 1900s as modest summer vacation cottages, many of which are now being replaced by million-dollar-plus condominiums. This new volume pays tribute to the residents and visitors who played a part in the development of this classic seaside community.