Mission Bay is a large, man-made saltwater bay and aquatic park in San Diego, California, offering approximately 27 miles of shoreline and encompassing around 2000 acres of water. The bay is characterized by its protected, calm waters, making it a popular and beginner-friendly destination for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. The overall paddling experience is relaxed and scenic, suitable for families, first-timers, and those seeking flatwater workouts. The bay's shape includes numerous coves, channels, and basins, with a main channel providing access to the Pacific Ocean. Paddlers share the water with various other users, including sailboats, water skiers, and jet skis, particularly in the main channels and near concrete boat ramps like South Shores.

There are many public access points for launching non-motorized craft. Key launch sites include sandy beaches at Bahia Point (Gleason Road), Fanuel Park on Sail Bay, Santa Clara Point, and Crown Point Park. Concrete boat ramps are available at South Shores and De Anza Cove, while dock access can be found at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center and Aqua Adventures, located at the west end of the bay near the channel to the open ocean. Parking availability varies by location, with some lots, like those at Bahia Point, filling up on weekends. Facilities such as restrooms are present at several parks, including Fanuel Park and South Shores.

Notable safety considerations include boat traffic, particularly in the central channels and near ramps frequented by powerboats and jet skis. Paddlers should be mindful of designated swim areas, such as the cove near Bahia Point, and avoid them. The bay features several no-wake, 5-mph zones, like the area east of Bahia Point and Sail Bay, which offer calmer conditions away from boat wakes. While the bay is generally protected, the western end near the Aqua Adventures dock provides easier access to the Mission Bay channel and the open ocean, which can involve different conditions. A specific regulation for rental users from the Mission Bay Aquatic Center prohibits paddling under any bridges.

The best times for paddling are during the early morning or dusk hours, and during the off-season between October and April, to avoid peak crowds. The water is having good quality due to tidal flow, which cycles ocean water in and out twice daily. Wildlife sightings can include Garibaldi fish, seals resting on docks in areas like Quivira Basin, rays, crabs, and various bird species such as the protected California least tern. The shoreline offers views of parks, the roller coasters of Mission Beach, and distant foothills. A circumnavigation of the entire bay is roughly 18 miles, offering a substantial day trip, while shorter routes explore the protected coves and shorelines of sub-areas like Sail Bay and Crown Point.