Ventura Cove Park

Looking for a swimming beach that is just the right speed for your little ones? Ventura Cove Park is a great place for calm waves and swimming in Mission Bay.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Why you'll love this beach
Why you'll love this beach
Make Memories with Friends & Family in the Calm Waters of Ventura Cove Park
Ventura Cove Park
Overview
Things to Do
Bundle & Save
Popular Activities
Get There & Parking
Featured Activity
Know Before You Go
Stay Nearby
Similar Beaches

Highlights

Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking
Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking

Overview

Sunset at Ventura Cove Park in Mission BayTrees, Picnic Tables and a View of Mission Bay at Ventura Cove Park

Beach lovers who want to experience a quieter, calmer sandy spot should consider checking out Ventura Cove Park. This beach setting sits along the gentle waters of Mission Bay Park in San Diego. Instead of the powerful waves of the Pacific Ocean, visitors here can enjoy the soothing waters of quiet Mission Bay.

Ventura Cove is a swimming beach that is perfect for beginners and small children. This family-friendly spot is also a great place to hold a picnic or barbeque with friends. There is also a nice, clean grassy area and lots to do and see here besides swimming.

Ventura Cove Park is a beach area managed by the city of San Diego. During the summer, the beach is staffed with lifeguards during the day for safety. Restrooms are also conveniently located on the beach.

It's located right on Mission Bay near Bahia Point and Mariner's Point Park. Belmont Park, the historic beachfront amusement park, is also found a few minutes’ walk from this beach.

Visitors here can enjoy swimming in the calm water, kayaking, paddle boarding, picnicking, watching the boats from the bay or roasting hot dogs or s'mores in the fire pits at night. There is also a spot for some shallow snorkeling right along the beach.

Things to Do

Bikes Allowed
Bikes Allowed
Kayaking
Kayaking
Paddle Boarding
Paddle Boarding
Running
Running
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Swimming
Swimming

Why Visitors Should Add Ventura Cove to Their Must-See List

Bring your Kids

A visit to Ventura Cove is a great plan for families with small children. Inexperienced swimmers and little ones can safely navigate the shallow waters at this beach. In the summer, parents can get the added peace of mind of experienced lifeguards on duty.

Build a Sandcastle

The sand here is also soft and perfect for building sandcastles. Families can play in the sand in between running back and forth into the waters of this beach.

Relax on a Calm Beach

Ventura Cove is a nice break from some of San Diego's wilder beaches located on the Pacific Ocean. Visitors who want to simply relax and take a lazy day beach day instead of worrying about undertow and the unforgiving rip currents, can do that at this gentle beach.

Have a Picnic

This spot is also one of the best for a casual shindig or company picnic. If a group wants to have a last-minute party, they simply have to find a spot and an open fire ring or picnic table to have a good time.

Local Tips
Ride a Bike
The park has a scenic biking path for a waterfront trail experience. Bikers can follow the trail here and see the best of Mission Bay.

Ride a Bike

Additionally, the park has a scenic biking path for a waterfront trail experience. Bikers can follow the trail here and see the best of Mission Bay.

Stay Nearby at the Bahia Resort Hotel

The Bahia Resort Hotel is the perfect place to stay at while you explore Mission Bay and San Diego. This hotel boasts 314 rooms and it is bayfront on beautiful Mission Bay Park. The Bahia Resort Hotel not only has its own beach guests can the Bahia Belle, a Mississippi style sternwheeler boat, across Mission Bay to its sister property the Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa.

Bundle and SAVE!

USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
Explore the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum with your All-Inclusive Go City pass! Check out the hangar deck and flight deck, plus over 60 exhibits, displays and interactive experiences. Enjoy an authentic tour narrated by Midway sailors!
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Local Tips
What attractions are included with a Go City San Diego pass?

Attractions that you can visit with a Go City San Diego pass include:

The San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium, SeaWorld, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, Harbor Cruise, USS Midway Museum, the NAT Museum, Whaley House, PETCO Park Tour, iFLY San Diego and many, many more!

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

How to Get There & Parking

Free Parking
Free Parking
Lot Parking
Lot Parking

Getting to Ventura Cove Park is convenient and easy from almost anywhere in San Diego. Drivers should take West Mission Bay Drive to Gleason Drive to get to the beach.

Once they arrive, visitors can usually get a parking spot in the large lot right in front of the park. If that lot is full, there are two other huge parking lots off of Mariner's Way.

The number eight bus also makes a stop right in front of the beach for visitors who prefer to use public transportation.

Featured Activity

Gray Whale during Whale Watching Tour in San Diego
Half Day Whale Watching Tour
Enjoy a 3.5 to 4-hour expert led tour departing from beautiful San Diego Bay on a two-story whale watching yacht. Take in the views, enjoy the marine life, dolphin & marvel at the majestic gray whales as they migrate along the coast.
Buy Now

Know Before You Go & Tips

Firepits
Firepits
Lifeguards
Lifeguards
No Alcohol
No Alcohol
No Camping
No Camping
No Glass Containers
No Glass Containers
No Motorized Vehicles
No Motorized Vehicles
No Smoking
No Smoking
Picnic Tables
Picnic Tables
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
Shade
Shade

Know These Things Before You Head Out

Visitors should know a few tips about the area before venturing out. Here is what everyone should understand before taking a trip to Ventura Cove:

Check Tide Charts

Read over the day's tide charts before setting up beach chairs and equipment so they don't need to be moved when high tide arrives.

Pets

Keep pets at home during the day. Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach in the mornings before nine and in the evenings after six. In the winter months, dogs are allowed on the beach in the afternoon after four.

Picnics

Bring coolers and food to have a picnic. There are no food vendors or beachside restaurants in the park.

No Alcohol

No alcohol is allowed at any time on the beaches in San Diego.

Bring a Camera

A camera is another thing to bring along for a visit to Ventura Cove. Sunsets here are phenomenal, with the rise of Belmont Park's iconic roller coaster in the background.

Ventura Cove Park is a great family-friendly destination that offers visitors plenty of fun. See why this beach is so loved by residents in the San Diego area.

Ventura Cove Park
is Known For:
Swimming
Swimming
Know This:
Fire Pits
Fire Pits
Lifeguards
Lifeguards
Restrooms Available
Restrooms Available
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available
This Month's Forecast
51°F / 68°F
Sunny in December
Jan
51°F / 67°F
Sunny in January
Feb
53°F / 68°F
Sunny in February
Mar
56°F / 69°F
Sunny in March

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