Sandy beaches border grassy knolls in six public swimming areas, which are off limits to boats and include picnic facilities and restrooms. Waterskiers have their own 1«-mile straight course, and jet-skiers are also allotted a special area free from boat traffic. At the bay's many marinas, one can buy, rent, charter, dock or store a full-range of watercraft. More than 2,000 boats can be accommodated with dockage, storage space and free launching ramps at park hotels and marinas. Visiting boats may also anchor in Quivira Basin for a 72-hour period at no charge.

The sailboat reigns supreme over the western cove of Mission Bay, with a strictly enforced speed limit inhibiting power craft. Major sailing regattas are held there each year, and several fleets of sailboats may be seen in rigorous competition almost every weekend year-round. Located on the Bay, Mission Bay Sportcenter is a complete watersports facility offering rentals and instruction in sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, kayaking, surfing and waverunners. www.missionbaysportcenter.com

The Annual San Diego Crew Classic rowing regatta, held each April, draws men's and women's teams from throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. The first major intercollegiate rowing regatta of the season, the Crew Classic gives coaches and teams their first glimpse of the season's competition. www.crewclassic.org

Within the quiet waters of Mission Bay, fishermen land halibut, bass, flounder, croaker and perch. Sportfishing boats carry eager anglers into the Pacific on half- or full-day expeditions in search of albacore, yellowtail, bonita, barracuda, sole, sea bass and, sometimes, marlin or sailfish. Tackle can be rented; bait is usually provided, and a day's catch may be filleted or smoked to take home.

Mission Bay Park offers a wide variety of challenges to fitness enthusiasts. Bicycle rentals are easily available for a leisurely ride along bike trails through the park's scenic landscape.

Joggers and walkers share more than 20 miles of running paths winding through sunlight and shade near the shoreline. Drinking fountains and park benches dot the course for refreshment and rest. The park also features a workout course that combines walking, jogging and exercise stations throughout the course. Athletes of varying abilities can test their endurance at a comfortable pace.

A favorite spot for families is an open, grassy field in the Tecolote Shores section of the park. Here, away from trees and overhead wires, children of all ages gather to launch colorful kites into the high-flying shore breezes. The wide variety of kites reflects the adventurous spirit of these pilots who soar with strings attached. Within the park there are also special areas for volleyball, softball and horseshoes.

Golf is also featured along Mission Bay. The 18-hole Mission Bay Golf Resort is open to the public and includes a driving range, miniature golf and a full service pro shop (www.campland.com). The tropical Paradise Point Resort & Spa features an 18-hole putting course for hotel guests and the public. The putting course contains bunkers, sand traps and all the challenges of an 18-hole course, but the playing time is much shorter. www.paradisepoint.com

One of Mission Bay's most popular year-round attractions is SeaWorld San Diego, a 189-acre marine park that features several major shows, including the park's star performer Shamu, and dozens of fascinating exhibits containing marine life from around the globe, including Wild Arctic, Penguin Encounter, Shark Encounter and Manatee Rescue. Opening Memorial Day weekend 2004 is "Journey to Atlantis," a new thrill ride heralded as the largest attraction in the park's 40-year history. Guests will board an eight-passenger Greek "fishing boat" and take a six minute journey that includes a 60-foot plunge. Against a backdrop of the sunken city visitors will hear a soundtrack of dolphin calls and view a 130,000 gallon tank where they can get up close and personal with exotic Commerson's dolphins. www.seaworld.com

Several major resort hotels and a number of smaller guest facilities provide rooms along Mission Bay and offer a wide spectrum of daily rates, from inexpensive family units to posh penthouse suites. Most are located close to the water and offer meeting facilities, restaurants, coffee shops, small boutiques and cocktail lounges, many with live entertainment.

Among the larger hotels and resorts are Bahia Resort Hotel (www.bahiahotel.com), Catamaran Resort Hotel (www.catamaranresort.com), The Dana on Mission Bay (www.thedana.net), Hilton San Diego Resort (www.sandiegoresort.hilton.com), Hyatt Regency Islandia Hotel & Marina (www.hyattregencyislandia.com) and the Paradise Point Resort & Spa (www.paradisepoint.com).

Campland On the Bay RV & Tent Camping Resort serves campers and RVers with 650 tent and recreation vehicle camping sites, a beach, marina, boat launch, cafe, market, laundry, pools and Jacuzzi. www.campland.com

For a nighttime treat, the "Bahia Belle," a stern-wheeler fashioned after a Mississippi riverboat, offers entertainment, drinks and dancing on moonlight cruises from the Bahia, Catamaran and Paradise Point Resort hotels. Boarding passes cost $6. www.bahiahotel.com

San Diego's mild climate and continual sunshine make Mission Bay Park an ideal location for family fun anytime of the year. Mission Bay Park is located within a ten-minute drive of the San Diego International Airport; information on the park and other San Diego attractions can be obtained from the San Diego Visitor Information Center, located just off Interstate 5 at 2688 East Mission Bay Drive. www.infosandiego.com

For more information on San Diego, visitors can contact the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau, 401 B Street, Ste. 1400, Dept. 700, San Diego, CA 92101-4237, or call (619) 236-1212. In San Diego, visit the International Visitor Information Center in downtown San Diego, located at the corner of West Broadway at Harbor Drive, and the La Jolla Visitor Center, located at the corner of Herschel Avenue and Prospect Street in La Jolla. Internet users can visit www.sandiego.org.