Photographing Hospitals Reef

San Diego, CA
5.0
5 Reviews
Photographing Hospitals Reef
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About this place

Added by Tiffany Nguyen

The dynamic rocky shoreline provides awesome photographic opportunities. Take a walk through some unique sections of rock that look like the moon’s craters. Best time to photograph is during sunset or when the tide is low, revealing an abundance of tide pools.

Hospitals Reef is a photographer’s paradise. San Diego is known for its many beaches, but Hospitals Reef is one of my favorites to photograph. It’s easy to see why when you get there. The unique rocky shoreline is home to many unusual and wonderful sights.

There is a section of rocks filled with potholes which resemble the craters of the moon. During low tide on calm days, these craters are filled with water reflecting the clouds in the sky above. Located just south of Wipeout Beach, Hospitals Beach is also known for snorkeling and surfing. During low tide there is an abundance of tide pools and great shelling along the coast, where you’ll often times see divers during lobster season.

This location offers endless opportunities for creative composition with the many rocky features present. When walking across the rocks, exercise caution and be sure to have sandals or shoes with good traction as some rocks are coated with algae and can be very slippery. If you come during sunset, be sure to get there a little early because you’ll have to compete with a line of photographers all trying to post up at the perfect spot to catch the sunset.

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Andy
11/23/2020
Great photo spot
A great spot to take photos. Especially beautiful at sunset
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Elena P
7/10/2020
Sunset and animals
Beautiful place to watch the sunset, with occasional animal sightings!! So much fun to be had here.
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Noah Crider
6/18/2020
Great photos!
This is an amazing spot to capture the ocean at its finest.
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Jerry Chen
2/5/2016
Great place for sunset and landscape photos!
Make sure to bring your tripod and some ND filters. This place can have them most amazing sunsets. Love this location. But beware, if ...
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Grant
9/22/2015
Photos!
Tiffany has the best photos of this place...whether you're there to surf, snorkel, dive or just hang out, it's a gem in La Jolla.
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