Crown Point Beach

On our list of the best activities in San Diego.

Crown Point splits into three sections along Mission Bay, each carrying its own fire rings, picnic tables and grills, with a boat launch at the middle stretch and a lifeguarded swim area at the north end in summer. Dogs get the beach only outside the 9-to-6 daytime window, and no alcohol or glass makes it onto the sand at any hour. The park stays open from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m., though cars have to clear the lot by 10 p.m., and a paved path along the water works for a bike ride or a run before the fire rings fill up at sunset.