La Jolla Cove is a small beach that has the distinction of being one the most photographed in Southern California due to its extraordinary beauty. The beach and its deep water bay were formed between sandstone cliffs, where multiple fascinating sea caves help form a perfect habitat for marine life. Coupled with excellent water visibility often up to 30 feet, La Jolla Cove is a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers.
There are, however, restrictions on fishing or collecting any marine invertebrates, as the cove lies within the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve. In addition, you may not use any flotation or other devices while swimming, including surfboards, boogie boards, or rafts of any kind.
This protection pays off in the cove’s outstanding variety of marine life, including bright orange Garibaldi fish and kelp bass that find their home among the feather boa kelp. Further, the natural caves offer an opportunity for exploration, especially to kayakers who paddle over from La Jolla Shores Beach. For a nominal fee, you can descend to popular Sunny Jim’s Cave from a tunnel in the basement of the old Curio Shop (on Coast Boulevard just off Prospect Street).
Scripps Park, a grassy area excellent for picnicking, is located on the bluffs above the beach.
Beach Information
- Lifeguard Protection:
- Lifeguards are staffed daily throughout the year. During summer, lifeguard staffing hours are generally 9:00 a.m. to dusk. At other times of the year, lifeguard staffing may not commence until 10:00 a.m. Always check with lifeguards to check on any modification of staffing hours.
- Rip Currents:
- Most California beaches experience strong rip currents. The safety tips section on the government’s website provides an explanation of rip currents and some methods of freeing yourself if caught in a rip current. The best advice is to swim near a lifeguard.
- Regulated Water Activity Zones:
- The waters off this beach are reserved for swimming and diving only.
- Surfing:
- Surfing is not permitted on this beach.
- Scuba:
- This is an excellent beach for scuba diving when surf conditions are low. Telephone the beach information line (619-221-8824) before coming to the beach and always check with lifeguards before diving.
- Restrooms and Showers:
- A public restroom building with showers can be found in Scripps Park beside La Jolla Cove.
- Disabled Accessibility:
- Due to the steep hillside immediately adjacent, the beach itself is not wheelchair accessible. However, there is an excellent view from the park above and an extensive oceanside walkway in Scripps Park.
- Beach Fires:
- There are no receptacles for beach fires. Open fires are therefore prohibited.
- Regulations:
- Standard San Diego beach regulations apply with the following modifications. Please check the government website for a full regulation list.
- The taking or possession of sea life or artifacts is prohibited.
- Floatation devices are prohibited in La Jolla Cove.
