Boat ramp guide
South Shores Boat Launch (Mission Bay)
San Diego, San Diego County, CA
Overview
South Shores Park is a small City of San Diego park on the south side of Mission Bay, just before SeaWorld on Mission Bay Parkway, built mainly for boating. Its launch ramp is backed by a large parking lot laid out for vehicles with trailers, and a 72-hour parking allowance that suits owners heading out for more than a day.
Layout and who uses it
Most of the park is ramp and trailer parking, with a restroom, a few picnic tables near the comfort stations and an RV dump station. Parking for cars without trailers is limited, so it's less of a beach spot than other Mission Bay parks. Vehicles can stay up to 72 hours while their owners are out boating, but overnight camping isn't allowed.
What's different about boating here
The ramp opens onto the south-east part of the bay. Mission Bay is 5 mph from sunset to sunrise, and in daylight within 100 feet of shore, near bridges and within 100 feet of other boats. To reach the ocean, follow the bay west to the Mission Bay Channel, which is maintained at about 20 feet at mean low tide; much of the rest of the bay averages around 8 feet.
Good to know
Hours are 4 a.m. to 2 a.m. Food is fine, but no glass and no alcohol.
Getting there & access
By road
From I-5, take the Sea World Drive exit and head southwest. South Shores Park and its ramp are on the right before you reach SeaWorld.
Parking
The large lot is designed mainly for vehicles with trailers, with only limited parking for cars without trailers. Vehicles may stay up to 72 hours while the owner is boating; overnight camping is not allowed.
Heading out by water
Run west through the bay to the Mission Bay Channel for ocean access. Keep 5 mph within 100 feet of shore, near bridges, within 100 feet of other boats and everywhere from sunset to sunrise.
Overnight on the bay
If you plan to stay out overnight, anchoring is allowed only in Mariners Basin, for up to 72 hours.
Amenities
- Launch ramp — Public ramp on Mission Bay's south shore
- Trailer parking — Large lot built mainly for vehicles with trailers
- Restrooms — Comfort station on site
- RV dump station — In the park
- Picnic tables — A few, near the comfort stations
Rules & official resources
- Vehicles may park up to 72 hours while the owner is boating; overnight camping is not allowed
- Park hours are 4 a.m. to 2 a.m.; no glass containers and no alcohol
- Mission Bay speed limit is 5 mph from sunset to sunrise
- In daylight, 5 mph applies wherever 5 mph buoys are posted, near bridges, within 100 feet of shore and within 100 feet of another vessel
- Overnight anchoring is allowed only in Mariners Basin, limited to 72 hours
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Engine service for bigger trailer boats
Boats launching here are often larger trailer boats making longer runs to the ocean. Salt-water outboards and sterndrives need regular flushing, impeller and anode service.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Electronics for ocean runs
Boats heading out the Mission Bay Channel to the ocean benefit from well-maintained chartplotters, VHF radios and batteries.
Find Marine Electrical & Electronics providers →Washing and detailing
After multi-day trips, salt and grime build up on hulls, decks and trailers. A thorough wash and wax protects the boat between outings.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Dry storage between trips
Because ramp parking is capped at 72 hours, owners need a storage yard or slip for longer-term keeping.
Find Marinas, Storage & Dock Services providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 6, 2026