Saturday afternoons are a busy time in South Mission Beach. Tourists and locals alike are attracted by volleyball courts, a large picnic area, beach access and fishing along the Mission Beach jetty. I made the mistake of looking for parking in the late afternoon on a busy weekend. After navigating through the buzzing parking lots with no luck, I decided to head home and cruise back to the beach on my bike. I locked my bike up right by the jetty and made my way out onto the rocks barefoot. Although the rocks on the jetty are relatively large and sturdy, it’s important to take it slow and be careful with your footing. Along the jetty, many people had their fishing lines set up, eagerly awaiting their next catch.
About a third of the way down the jetty, you’ll find an interesting structure known as the old bait shop. The gutted structure, with openings cut into its sides, makes this spot feel like a gateway to the Pacific Ocean. Over the years, people have colorfully painted their names, quotes and poems all over the walls, giving it a unique feel. Past the bait shop, I found a big flat rock and spent a few hours relaxing and listening to the sound of the water crashing against the rocks. Just north of the jetty were schools of surfers catching waves.
After some time on the jetty, I headed back to the oceanside to swim and call it a day. Whether you want to take a scenic walk across the rocks, people-watch or brush up on your volleyball game, South Mission Beach, along North Jetty Road, is the perfect spot to do so. Helene Gerasimchuk is a freelance writer and group fitness instructor. Contact her at [email protected].