La Jolla Cove
One of San Diego’s most beautiful coves, its rocks covered in sea lions and cormorants. The clear water is ideal for snorkeling, and kayaks can explore the sea caves.
La Jolla Cove sits by the shore of La Jolla, an upscale neighborhood, and is a protected marine reserve. California sea lions bask on the rocks year-round. Keep your distance, as touching them is prohibited. In summer and autumn you can snorkel among the bright orange garibaldi fish, or join a kayak group to visit the seven sea caves, and descend the stairs to Sunny Jim Cave (admission charged). A coastal path runs all the way to Children’s Pool, a seal beach. The grassy Ellen Browning Scripps Park by the shore is a lovely spot to watch the sunset. Parking is hard to find, so arrive early, and note that the sea lions have a strong smell.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Children's Pool Beach
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies
- Pacific Beach & Crystal Pier
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- Mission Beach & Belmont Park
- SeaWorld San Diego