Mission Bay & Mission Beach are man-made waterfront around San Diego's center, where the big freeways merge (I-5 & I-8). Great spot to enjoy the day with your kids, ride a bike, skate (board), jet ski, kayak, surf, fish or just picnic & fly a kite. Weekends can be crowded, especially in the summer.
SeaWorld is located in this mini metropolis. Off in the distant north sits the La Jolla peninsula & Pacific Beach. Mission Beach, where the historic roller coaster is, where college kids rent beach flats & the bon fires can go all night (if you don't mind you're car getting locked in the bay parking lot overnight).