Planning Your Trip to Bonita Cove
As you plan to visit Bonita Cove Park, there are some important things you need to know.
Dogs Allowed Mornings & Evenings
Dogs on a leash are allowed in the park only during certain hours. They are permitted from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at all times of the year. From November to March, leashed dogs are allowed from 4:00 p.m. to close, and from April to October, leashed dogs are permitted in the park from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Water Quality Tested Weekly
The San Diego Department of Environmental Health conducts water quality tests at the beach of Bonita Cove on a weekly basis. The results of the water quality tests are available online on the San Diego Coastkeeper's website. You may want to monitor this before planning a swimming trip to Bonita Cove Park.
Belmont Park Amusement Park Nearby
Across Mission Boulevard from Bonita Cove Park, on the ocean side of Mission Beach Peninsula, is Belmont Park Amusement Park. This historic amusement park is nearly 100 years old and offers a distinctly retro vibe. Entrance to the park is free, but there are costs to ride the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and other rides.
Improvements in the Works
Bonita Cove Park is slated to undergo improvements beginning in 2020. The construction project is estimated to cost $3.4 million and will include the following:
- Enhanced security lighting
- ADA-compliant pedestrian curb ramps and sidewalks
- New shade structure
- Comfort station replacement
- Playground renovation
In addition to the much-needed renovations, the playground will also receive a new name. Maruta Gardner was a 69-year-old woman, much beloved by the Mission Beach community, who was tragically killed by a hit-and-run driver in 2016 as she cleaned up graffiti. The playground is named in her honor, and her husband was present with the mayor for the ground-breaking ceremony in November 2019.