La Jolla Cove, California, United States

4.5 (13.7k reviews) Spent More than 3 hours Ranking #1 in California Beaches • Parks

The Most Exciting Beach

At this beach surronded by sandstone cliffs on the San Diego coast, the water is calm enough for travelers to enjoy diving and snorkeling. Walk along the rocky shore to spot large colonies of sea lions lounging in their natural habitat and looking after their pups, and have a picnic while soaking up the views of the ocean from the cliffs at sunset. If you visit at low tide, you’ll get to swim in the crystal clear tidal pools as well. You can also visit Sunny Jim's Sea Cave which is accessible via a tunnel. Visit early in the morning to find a parking space more easily. – Tripadvisor
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Address

1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037-3600

Current local date and time now

Friday, May 03, 2024, 14:40

User Ratings

4.5 based on (13.7k reviews)

Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%

Reviews

  • 5Patricia - SavvyExploring 5:00 PM May 9, 2022
    Sea lions & surf! Snorkeling weather dependent...
    Fun cove full of sea lion activity! They were surfing, jumping, and coming right up on the rocks by the shore. We booked a snorkeling tour, which didn't go so well due to conditions. You can just rent the gear and go but I would recommend you get a guide unless you are an experienced ocean swimmer and even then it is good to know the currents where you are going, especially in the cave areas. When you swim out you have a fairly narrow channel with dangerous rocky areas on both sides. The waves were very strong when we were out there. A couple of us tried but got beat up by the waves (first time swimming in high surf) too much and didn't make it. Our guide took two people out and one started swimming the wrong way, straight into the rocks, and had to be rescued. The lifeguards called it and that was the end of the adventure, probably for the best.
  • 5jerRsaus 5:00 PM Jul 1, 2021
    Snorkel with sea lions!!!
    La Jolla is a really family-friendly town with excellent opportunities to see sea lions, seals, pelicans, and cormorants. The parking can be difficult to find, but is typically free. The coastal sidewalk is typically crowded, but it offers great views of the sea and wildlife. We snorkeled in the cove and had the exciting experience of seeing sea lions and cormorants swimming with us. I would highly recommend renting a wet suit and equipment (about $30 for 2 hrs) and enjoying the wildlife interaction.

See also

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