Bonita Cove

Bonita Cove is the gold standard for families with young children looking for a beach day in San Diego without the intensity of the Pacific Ocean. Located at the western end of Mission Bay at 1100 W Mission Bay Dr., this protected cove offers some of the calmest, shallowest water on the entire 27-mile bay shoreline.

The bay water here is genuinely different from ocean beaches. No waves, no rip currents, no sudden drop-offs — just a gradual sandy bottom that stays shallow for a long stretch from shore. Toddlers who aren't ready for ocean surf can wade freely at Bonita Cove, and parents can let them explore the water's edge without constant high-alert intervention.

That alone makes this cove worth the drive for families with under-5s.

The sandy beach area is substantial, giving families room to spread out even on busy days. On-site restrooms and outdoor showers mean you can actually clean up before the drive home — a rare and appreciated amenity. The adjacent Maruta Gardner Playground is within easy walking distance, giving families a natural rhythm of beach → playground → beach throughout the morning.

The one consistent challenge is summer weekend parking. The main Bonita Cove lot is popular and fills by mid-morning on busy summer days. Arrive before 8am or accept the possibility of using street meters. Weekday mornings are a completely different experience — often just a handful of families, easy parking, and a beach that feels like it's yours alone.

Paddle equipment rentals through Mission Bay Sportcenter are accessible from within the broader Mission Bay park system for families with older kids who want on-water activity.