La Jolla Cove, San Diego

4.7

#1 of 1,333 in Beaches in United States

Beach · Park

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Famous for its tide pools and sea lions, La Jolla Cove features a tiny beach surrounded by sandstone cliffs. Part of a protected reserve known for its rich marine life, this stretch of coastline counts among one of the most photographed sites in San Diego. You can swim, snorkel, or scuba dive here, taking advantage of the calm waters that provide an ecologically safe home for orange Garibaldi fish and several species of marine invertebrates. In order to protect all animals inside this area, lifeguards strictly enforce the rules forbidding surfboards, kayaks, boogie boards, and inflatable mattresses within the cove. Plan your La Jolla Cove visit and explore what else you can see and do in San Diego using our San Diego trip planner.

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La Jolla Cove reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

13,682 reviews

Google

4.8

By lovetowrite50

The sea lions are a must-see. Right below the seaside path are dozens of mamas and papas and cubs basking in the sun and playing in the shallows. The only drawback: Wish there were craftspeople on...

The sea lions are a must-see. Right below the seaside path are dozens of mamas and papas and cubs basking in the sun and playing in the shallows. The only drawback: Wish there were craftspeople on... more »
By Tal_Hameed

This beach and the villa was a great time to explore the day. The beach was a bit dirty but I saw a wild seal and it was a nice day to hang out.

This beach and the villa was a great time to explore the day. The beach was a bit dirty but I saw a wild seal and it was a nice day to hang out. more »

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Google

By Donna McCray

Beautiful place to walk along the coast or along on the coastal trail. Peaceful, beautiful place to relax, go for a swim, see the sea lions, pelicans, cormorants, listen to the ocean and see artists setup booths.

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By Dustin Weinbrecht

La Jolla Cove is an absolutely gorgeous area. The snorkeling is fantastic, can get a bit crowded near the the shore but plenty of room for all once you’re in the water. The views from above the shoreline are absolutely incredible. Great opportunity to get up close with sea lions and seals in their natural habitat. The views are absolutely stunning. If you’re in the area I highly recommend you cost. The city itself is really cool too, small town feel with a bunch of shops and restaurants.

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