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Orca Travel Collection

Bonita Cove

A sheltered cove on Mission Bay behind Mission Beach, popular with families.

Directions Official page

Know before you go

Parking

Free lot.

Verified · City of San Diego Lifeguard Services · checked Oct 3, 2026

Fees

No fee at city-owned beach and bay lots (the city confirmed it does not charge, Aug 2026).

Verified · City of San Diego · checked Oct 3, 2026

Paying

Unknown – check locally

Getting down

W. Mission Bay Dr., at Mariners Way, Mission Bay.

Coastal Commission listing · California Coastal Commission

Tide & surf

No surf, but watch for steep drop-offs.

Verified · City of San Diego Lifeguard Services · checked Oct 3, 2026

Hours

Unknown – check locally

Dogs

No dogs on the beach, boardwalk or adjacent parks 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Nov 1 to Mar 31) or 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Apr 1 to Oct 31). Leashed at other hours.

Verified · City of San Diego Lifeguard Services · checked Oct 3, 2026

Restrooms

Restrooms with showers.

Verified · City of San Diego Lifeguard Services · checked Oct 3, 2026

Showers

Yes

Verified · City of San Diego Lifeguard Services · checked Oct 3, 2026

Accessibility

Disabled access listed.

Coastal Commission listing · California Coastal Commission

Lifeguards

The most consistently guarded Mission Bay beach; unguarded from November to spring break.

Verified · City of San Diego Lifeguard Services · checked Oct 3, 2026

Rules

No alcohol, glass, smoking or overnight camping. Fires only in provided fire pits, never midnight to 5 a.m.

Verified · City of San Diego Lifeguard Services · checked Oct 3, 2026

Information only, not safety advice. Conditions change. Always follow lifeguards and posted signs.

Tides & daylight · next 3 days

Orca Wine Country Series

Wine country nearby?

See the free California wine guide

Know someone planning a beach trip? Send them this guide.

Information only, not safety advice. Conditions change, so always follow lifeguards and posted signs. Data: official city, county, State Parks and National Park Service pages, the California Coastal Commission, NOAA and the National Weather Service · Facts checked Oct 3, 2026 · Map © OpenFreeMap © OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors.