Maruta Gardner Playground
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 2-10
About
Maruta Gardner Playground at Bonita Cove on Mission Bay is one of San Diego's best kept free family secrets. While most visitors head straight to Mission Beach or Pacific Beach, this playground on the bay side offers something those spots can't: calm, shallow water just steps from a proper playground.
The bay at Bonita Cove is protected and flat, making it safe for toddlers and young kids to wade without worrying about waves or strong current. Combine that with the climbing structures, swings, and open grassy areas, and you've got a setup that keeps kids of multiple ages busy without anyone getting bored.
The playground itself is well-maintained and suits toddlers through kids around 10. There's enough shade from surrounding trees and structure covers to make midday visits manageable, though early morning is still the sweet spot for avoiding crowds and securing parking.
Restrooms are available on-site, which is a genuine plus for families with young kids. The grassy picnic areas around the cove are perfect for spreading out a blanket and letting kids run between the playground and the waterfront. There are no concessions on-site, so pack snacks and water.
Parking is free in the main Bonita Cove lot but fills quickly on summer weekends. Your best strategy is arriving before 9am or biking in from the Mission Beach boardwalk area. Weekday mornings are reliably calm.
After the playground, Mission Beach's boardwalk is a short drive north with casual food options including Kono's Cafe for breakfast burritos or any number of taco shops along Mission Blvd. This is a genuinely full morning for any San Diego family.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Limited
Kid Meals
N/A
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings for fewer crowds; arrive before 10am on weekends to snag parking at Bonita Cove
Wait Times
No wait; open public playground
Nearby Food
Mission Beach boardwalk has several casual spots within a short walk or drive, including Kono's Cafe (a local legend for breakfast burritos) and plenty of casual taco shops along Mission Blvd.
Why Kids Love It
Maruta Gardner Playground sits right on the shores of Mission Bay, giving kids the rare combo of a full playground AND easy beach access in the same spot. The playground features climbing structures suited for toddlers through grade schoolers, and the calm bay water is shallow enough for kids to wade safely. On a sunny San Diego day, families often spend hours between the swings and the water's edge.
What Parents Say
“Super nice place to have your toddler have a great time...the area is clean...people is very respectful and polite....with acces to the beach...plenty of...”
Pro Tips from Parents
- The bay water at Bonita Cove is calm and shallow — great for toddlers who aren't ready for ocean waves.
- Restrooms are available on-site at Bonita Cove park.
- Bring sand toys and a towel — kids will inevitably end up at the water's edge.
- The grassy areas near the playground are perfect for a picnic blanket and packed lunch.
- Parking fills fast on summer weekends — aim for early mornings or bring bikes.
What to Bring
- Sunscreen
- Sand toys
- Towel
- Water shoes
- Packed snacks/lunch
- Beach blanket
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0 admission.
Budget $10-15 for parking if the lot is full and you use street parking meters.
Bring your own snacks.
Tips to Save
- Parking at Bonita Cove is free in the main lot but fills fast on weekends.
- Arrive before 9am on summer weekends or walk/bike in from Mission Beach to avoid the hassle.
