La Jolla Cove
San Diego, California
Description
Added by Tiffany Nguyen
Take a short walk from the eastern end of La Jolla Cove heading west with great viewpoints along the way. La Jolla Cove is ecologically protected so you’ll find lots of marine life if you snorkel or scuba.
La Jolla Cove is one of the most photographed beaches in San Diego, located on the coast just south of Torrey Pines Natural Reserve. La Jolla Cove is also one of the best spots in San Diego for snorkeling and scuba diving. This calm cove is ecologically protected with many animals making their home here, including some bright orange garibaldi. There is parking nearby at paid lots, meters, or even free street parking if you’re lucky. Although it is a small beach, there is still a lot to explore here. Because the water is protected, no surfboards, bodyboards, or floating devices are allowed.
Start your day at the Cave Store to check out Sunny Jim’s Cave, the only land accessible cave in La Jolla. All the other caves in La Jolla are only accessible by kayak. Pay the $5 fee for adults or $3 for children 16 and under and take a short walk down the stairs to check out this unique cave. The cave was named by The Wizard of Oz author Frank Baum who noticed that the shape of the cave’s opening resembled a cartoon mascot from the 1920s for British Force Wheat Cereal.
After you’re done exploring the cave, walk out to the cliffs just outside the Cave Store to get a bird’s eye view above the cove. Scripps Pier can be seen in the distance to the northeast and the rest of La Jolla Cove awaits to the west. Look around and you’ll find yourself surrounded by seals along the cliffs at Seal Rock. The tide pools down at the beach are also not to be missed.
Download the Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Get the appFeatures
La Jolla Cove Reviews
Tons of seals with a county worker restricting tourists from close contact. Local food trucks and vendors all along the cove. Tons of flowers were in bloom in April
5.0
If you're visiting San Diego La Jolla Cove is a must-stop location. You will find the classic cave views your google search showed you, as well as plenty of fresh, breathtaking views. Shop around the local spots, grab a bite to eat, and end your evening watching the sunset over the hundreds of seals snoozing on the red cliffs.
5.0
So much fun. Worth a stop. The cliffs are gorgeous. I have seen seals everytime I have been here. The water color is pretty and the town is cute!
4.0
La Jolla Cove is a surreal place. With all the pinnipeds, sea caves, old school vibe from the local shops 9one could spends days or hours here. Take a kayak and explore the cove. You’ll be glad you did.
5.0
The La Jolla cliffs are some of the prettiest shoreline in California. If you’re lucky, you’ll see seals and dolphins! The restaurants on the cliff are great places to stop for dinner after exploring down on the beach. Parking can be chaos, due to it being such a popular place.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Swim in La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Coast Walk Trail
Photographing Hospitals Reef
Dive La Jolla Shores
Surf Scripps Pier
Windansea Beach
Community
Mobile Apps
© 2024 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy