La Jolla Cove: Fun Things to Do, Beach, Parking, Tips – A Local’s Guide

My family and I regularly walk around beautiful La Jolla Cove. It is one of the most popular attractions on the San Diego coastline and the heart of our La Jolla community.

In this guide, I’ll share why it’s worth visiting. I’ll tell you what to do in La Jolla Cove and where to eat nearby, and I’ll show you the best spots to see sea lions and seals. I’ll give you directions and explain how parking works. This way, you can make the most of your day in my neighborhood.

Grab your camera and walking shoes. Let’s get started!

What Is La Jolla Cove?

La Jolla Cove is a small coastal inlet surrounded by pretty sandstone cliffs that protect the popular La Jolla Cove Beach.

Gulls, cormorants, sea lions, and native plants line these bluffs above the Pacific Ocean, making this one of Southern California’s most pretty and photographed areas. (La Jolla is called “The Jewel” for a reason.)

La Jolla Cove is one of the most popular San Diego tourist spots. It’s in the heart of downtown La Jolla, which locals call the Village. This makes it an easy stop for anyone staying in La Jolla hotels or visiting our seaside community on a day trip. The Cove is right in front of La Valencia and a few other smaller hotels.

In addition to being pretty and conveniently located, there are quite a few things to do here— most of which are free.

La Jolla Cove Beach Amenities and Activities

The area’s highlight is La Jolla Cove Beach. (I think it’s also worth visiting several smaller nearby spots on my list of the best La Jolla beaches. I’ll address these in a minute.)

La Jolla Cove is a popular spot for families with small children because the waves are usually small to nonexistent.

The sandy beach isn’t very big. It can get crowded in the summer. But don’t let that stop you. Dip your toes in the water. And take some photos.

I have a couple of warnings, though. The waves can be strong when they break, so be careful. The beach is small, and your stuff can quickly get washed away during high tides.

You’ll see a small opening or cave once you walk down the stairs to the beach. But it’s not one of the famous La Jolla sea caves. Sea lions like to rest on the rocks here, so give them space if you see them.

You can walk through the cave at low tide, but be careful. Waves can be unpredictable. I wouldn’t recommend walking through unless the tide is very low, which happens occasionally.

Most people walk down the beach to look around. They might check out a lounging sea lion, and then they leave. But it’s okay to spend more time. Spread out a towel, let the kids play, and enjoy our Southern California sunshine!

Also, many people never step onto the sand. Instead, they enjoy the view of La Jolla Cove beach from the boardwalk.

La Jolla Cove Beach Amenities:

• Lifeguards staff the permanent lifeguard tower from about 9 a.m. to sunset daily.
• Showers and public restrooms are located on the bluffs.
• A few picnic tables are scattered throughout the adjacent Ellen Browning Scripps Park.
• Our coastal green huts along the boardwalk, the belvederes, also have shaded seating.

You can’t use boogie boards, surfboards, stand-up paddleboards, or kayaks at La Jolla Cove. This is because La Jolla Cove is part of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve. The reserve is special, and I’ll explain why.

La Jolla Sea Lions: Where To See Them

While they are mistakenly referred to as La Jolla Cove seals, California sea lions mainly hang out on the south bluff called Point La Jolla.

The sea lions’ more famous companions, the La Jolla seals (Pacific harbor seals), are just south at Children’s Pool Beach. It’s funny how the two pinniped types mostly stay separated.

The sea lions are a great reason to visit La Jolla Cove. You’ll see them huddled together, barking at each other, lounging on the beach, and playing in the water. The area can get a bit smelly, but I think seeing the sea lions is worth it.

The coastal walkway above the Cove has entry points to the bluffs. In some spots, you need only to hop over a small wall for access. However, Point La Jolla and Boomer Beach below are both permanently closed to people, thanks to many who abused the privilege.

Getting close to the sea lions is not recommended. They are wild animals and need space. Please give them at least 50 feet of space.

Bring a zoom lens (I do) for your camera. I promise you’ll be able to enjoy their fun antics from the boardwalk. They’re very cute, and kids love them.

If you walk on any bluffs when the sea lions are out in the water, it’s wise to have an extra pair of shoes and a plastic bag in the car. If you or the kids step in the brown puddles, you’ll want to put your shoes in the bag. The puddles might be sea lion poop mixed with water, and it will smell awful.

Read my guide: Exactly How to See the La Jolla Seals and Sea Lions

Water Sports: Swimming, Snorkeling & Diving

La Jolla Cove Beach is popular for its access to the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, our human-made and protected marine reserve.

Snorkelers, divers, and swimmers enter the ocean here to exercise, sightsee, and explore sea life in this underwater park. You may also book a guided tour.

La Jolla Cove Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

La Jolla Cove snorkeling is some of the best along the California coast. The water isn’t super clear like Hawaii, but you can see up to 30 feet deep in some spots.

Good visibility lets divers and snorkelers see bright orange Garibaldi (California’s state fish), guitarfish, kelp bass, sea stars, anemones, and more amazing marine life that live in the kelp beds, sand flats, and submarine canyons. And don’t be surprised if a friendly sea lion joins you.

Some companies offer guided La Jolla Cove snorkeling or diving experiences. I recommend checking these out to maximize your time here. Tours include the necessary kayak, diving, and snorkeling gear.

Guided kayak tours and many La Jolla snorkeling tours depart from La Jolla Shores Beach. These three start at La Jolla Cove because they don’t require flotation devices.

• La Jolla Kayak: La Jolla Cove Snorkel Tour (they’ll let you keep the gear for the rest of the day)
• Snorkel San Diego: La Jolla Cove Snorkel Tour
• Snorkel and Scuba: La Jolla Cove and Caves Tour, daily 8 a.m. two-tank group diving, classes, and more

Snorkel Rentals

You can usually rent gear in front of The Cave Store. Try La Jolla Outpost near the Cove on Girard (between Prospect and Coast Blvd) also rents gear. They don’t have a website.

La Jolla Swim and Sport rents beach chairs, wetsuits, boogie boards, umbrellas, surfboards, and more. They also offer guided La Jolla Cove swim tours.

Ocean Swimming

Many consider La Jolla Cove one of the best places in the world for open ocean swimming. Some people swim here daily, even as far as the Scripps Pier (3 miles away).

The La Jolla Swim Club offers useful advice on the water conditions here. Two ocean buoys mark 1/4 mile and 1/2 mile, but remember you must swim back! You can also look for organized open water swimming events to join.

A Note About Kayaking

You can go kayaking here too. But most people enter the water with kayaks on the La Jolla Shores Beach side. Due to the ecological reserve rules, you can’t use floatation devices at La Jolla Cove. Fishing is not allowed there.

Other Fun Things to Do Near La Jolla Cove

Many nearby attractions that deserve exploration, including parks, La Jolla sea caves, shops, and more sightseeing activities, are located just steps away from La Jolla Cove.

The Village of La Jolla area (our downtown neighborhood) isn’t big. Anything on a list of things to do in La Jolla located here can be paired with a visit to La Jolla Cove. However, what I’ve listed below tends to be what people do when their fun day itinerary includes the beach or seals.

Explore Tide Pools (Winter)

We have some of the best tide pools in San Diego. Our La Jolla tide pools appear during minus tides in the winter months. You can check a tide calendar in advance to see exactly what date and time to go tide pooling.

You can walk on the boardwalk between the tide pool areas of La Jolla Cove to past the Children’s Pool. Tide pooling is my favorite winter outdoor activity in San Diego. It’s a great way to unplug and go to the beaches.

You should see lots of crabs and sea anemones. But there are also limpets, sea cucumbers, and small fish. You may even see a sea star or octopus if you’re lucky.

Ellen Browning Scripps Park

A large fun grassy area called Ellen Browning Scripps Park is adjacent to La Jolla Cove.

Theodore Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) lived in La Jolla. From his office, he could see the windblown trees in the park, which are said to have inspired the truffula trees in his book The Lorax.

Pack a picnic, fly a kite, or do a yoga session while you’re here. Bring a waterproof blanket. The grass can be wet in the morning and take time to dry out.

People also get married here because of the spectacular natural beauty surrounding this park.

Street vendors line the park and boardwalk, selling things like coconut water and jewelry. While this is controversial with residents, it is something to be aware of during your visit. They do make the area feel more touristy than it should.

Sunny Jim Sea Cave

Walk a few minutes north from the Cove along Coast Boulevard to The Cave Store. Inside this souvenir shop, you can enter the only sea cave in the state that you can reach by land, Sunny Jim sea cave.

The stairs into the cave can be slippery, so be careful with young kids. Once inside, it’s fun to hear the echo of the ocean and the occasional sea lion bark. A small admission fee is required.

You’ll pass Clam’s Cave along the way to The Cave Store. This is another of La Jolla’s seven sea caves, and it’s the only sea cave in California you can see from land.

This side trip doesn’t need much planning. You can schedule around 30 minutes, including the walk from La Jolla Cove. If you’re short on time, it’s not required, but it’s neat.

The Belvederes (Green Viewing Huts)

Several belvederes (green huts) line Ellen Browning Scripps Park. People stop in them to take in the scenery. I see people reading books and toasting sunsets inside these little historic gems.

The ocean air and birds have worn down the belvederes a bit., but they are still fun to sit in. They also make great props for photos against the ocean and (usually) blue skies.

Shell Beach

Walk south along the beach from La Jolla Cove towards the Children’s Pool. Near the green hut pictured above, you’ll see stairs leading down to the beach.

This is Shell Beach. It’s called that because seashells often wash up on the water’s edge.

If the tide is right, people sunbathe here as a quieter alternative to busier La Jolla Cove. There are great tide pools to explore during low tides, even during the summer.

Children’s Pool Beach

Take the short walk from the Cove and head toward the Children’s Pool. That’s where the harbor seals hang out.

It’s not a good beach for swimming due to the bacteria levels created by the seals. People also can’t walk on the sand during pupping season, when seal pups are born.

However, watching the seals from the boardwalk or the seawall is a particularly enjoyable experience. Many visitors sit on the benches for hours just to watch them sleep, move around, and swim. They are adorable.

Behind the Children’s Pool is another small sandy beach called South Casa Beach. This beach is great for tide pooling, sunbathing, and swimming. You can also continue walking along the coastline from here.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La Jolla

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La Jolla, is across the street, just past the Children’s Pool. The newly-renovated museum has over 5,500 pieces of art made after World War II. Check the calendar for kid-friendly and special events.

La Jolla Coast Walk Trail

Just behind The Cave Store, you’ll find a trailhead that leads north along the sea cliffs to La Jolla Shores. This trail is called La Jolla Coast Walk Trail and is a lovely half-mile walk with views of the marine refuge area.

Shopping

If you have extra time, walk to Prospect Street which people call the Rodeo Drive of San Diego. It’s less fancy but you’ll find mostly local boutiques and a few brand names sprinkled in.

Ivanhoe and Girard Avenues are streets that cross Prospect Street, where you’ll find even more boutique shops and restaurants.

See also: Where to Go Shopping in La Jolla

My Favorite La Jolla Cove Restaurants

Do plan to visit one of the nearby La Jolla Cove restaurants. These are my top choices for more casual daytime dining. After all, you’re visiting the beach!

Cove House

Head to Cove House La Jolla for fresh California fare in a beachy atmosphere steps away from the Cove. They serve breakfast and lunch. On the seasonal menu, you’ll find delicious avocado toast, fish tacos, ceviche, and the signature “Sam I Am” Green Eggs (a nod to Dr. Seuss, who lived in La Jolla). You can pair these with wines, beers, spritzers, and mimosas. I like dining outside on their patio.

Brockton Villa

If you’re searching for where to eat in La Jolla Cove with a close-up look at the ocean and cove activity, Brockton Villa is your place. The historic cottage serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Brockton Villa is famous for brioche French toast called Coast Toast (yes, I have the recipe). They also have different types of Meg’s Eggs, nice salads, and seafood. There is 3-hour free public parking in front of Brockton Villa on Coast Blvd.

George’s Ocean Terrace

When the weather is beautiful, we usually take out-of-town guests to lunch at George’s Ocean Terrace. The rooftop restaurant is on Prospect Street and boasts panoramic views and excellent California cuisine. Order the fish tacos and the famous black bean soup. Remember to make a reservation.

Bobboi Gelato

For dessert or a quick snack to keep the kids refueled during your day out, it’s easy to walk up from the Cove to popular Bobboi Gelato for authentic, housemade Italian gelato.

You can choose a common flavor like strawberry or try something more unusual, like charcoal vanilla (I ordered this, and it’s excellent). They usually offer vegan flavor, too.

Best La Jolla Cove Hotels

Any Village of La Jolla hotel or vacation rentals will place you within walking distance of La Jolla Cove. The following two La Jolla hotels are my favorites in the area. They happen to be across the street or just a few blocks away from the Cove.

La Valencia Hotel

“The Pink Lady” sits on a prime Prospect Street location overlooking La Jolla Cove. This Mediterranean-style luxury boutique hotel offers fantastic dining (try Sunday brunch at The MED). The hotel is divided into rooms and villas.

The latter are a bit more nicely appointed and private and are also a little closer to the Cove. If possible, book the King Villa Ocean or King Villa Ocean Suite. I think they are the best rooms on the property for views and ocean breezes.

See also: Detailed Guide to La Valencia Hotel and Spa

Grande Colonial La Jolla

La Jolla’s first hotel is still one of its best. The European-style Grande Colonial La Jolla was built in 1913. It’s located on Prospect Street, within a short walk of the Cove and the Children’s Pool. One of San Diego’s best restaurants, NINE-TEN is located inside. Some of its menu items (like my favorite half-baked chocolate cake) are delivered via room service.

Some rooms offer ocean views. Junior suites have kitchenettes. Residential-style studios and suites in a more private area of the hotel are available for stays of any length. Plus, there are no extra resort fees.

How to Get to La Jolla Cove

📍 La Jolla Cove Address
1100 Coast Blvd., La Jolla, CA 92037

Type La Jolla Cove into Google Maps, and the location will appear. Alternatively, you can enter the address above. It takes about 15 minutes to reach La Jolla Cove from the I-5 freeway.

Directions if heading south on I-5 (from Carlsbad, Del Mar):

• Exit at La Jolla Village Drive and head west.
• Turn left on Torrey Pines Road.
• Turn right on Prospect Street.
• Veer right onto Coast Boulevard when the road splits.

Directions if heading north on I-5 (from Coronado, Downtown):

• Exit on La Jolla Parkway, which merges with Torrey Pines Road.
• Turn right on Prospect Street.
• Veer right onto Coast Boulevard when the road splits.

You can’t miss it. Then, wish for good parking juju.

La Jolla Cove Parking Tips

Finding a parking space at La Jolla Cove requires some strategy, especially on weekends and during the summer. There are a few options for parking.

You can try to find street parking or use the paid lots. The lots can fill up quickly, so it’s best to get there early.

Another choice is to park further away and walk to the Cove. This might take a little more time, but avoiding the crowds and finding a spot can be worth it. No matter which option you choose, be prepared for it to take some time to find parking at this popular spot.

Street Parking

There is some free street parking on Coast Blvd. and nearby streets. The time limit is 2-3 hours, depending on the location. Don’t exceed the time limit because the parking attendants are ruthless with their tickets.

The best times of day, in my experience, to secure free street parking on Coast Blvd are:

• before 8 a.m. year-round.
• before 9:30 a.m. on non-peak weekdays.
• late afternoons before people need dinner parking during non-peak weekdays — roughly between 2–4 p.m.

Any time of year, it’s worth driving on Coast Blvd between The Cave Store and Prospect Street. You might get lucky and find a parking spot. If not, try the nearby side streets.

Paid Parking Lots

Parking garages and lots are easy to find in this area. I recommend them if street parking isn’t available or you don’t want to be limited by timed street parking.

The closest paid parking lot to La Jolla Cove is in the La Jolla Financial Building. Exit the lot, and you can use a stairway on the north side of La Valencia Hotel to get down to the Cove from Prospect Street. If this lot is full, you can search for other La Jolla paid parking lots online. Address: 1200 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037.

Alternatively, you can use the LAZ La Jolla valet in front of George’s at the Cove. This La Jolla parking option is usually available from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. It’s the easiest choice if you don’t mind waiting a bit for your car. The price varies by length of time and date, but it can sometimes be more reasonable than a parking lot day fee. Address: 1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037.

Best Time to Visit and Other Tips

The best time to visit La Jolla Cove depends on what you want to do. A half-day visit is common unless you plan to take a tour, spend a day at the beach, or explore downtown La Jolla. If you only want to see the seals and sea lions, you’ll need about an hour.

Best Time of Day to Go

Some people let the availability of free public parking make that decision for them. If this is you, then come in the morning to try to secure a 3-hour parking spot. We often pair breakfast at Brockton Villa with a visit to the sea lions. Park early, eat, walk, and get back to the car before the free street parking time is up. It’s easy.

I really enjoy walking along the coast in the mid-morning. The sun is out and starting to warm things up. But the golden hour at sunset is just as magical.

The Cove is one of the best places in San Diego to watch the sunset. You can sit in one of the green belvederes, on the grass, or on the sand to see it.

There’s no bad time to visit, but weekends and summer days get busy. I suggest you go when it’s best for you. Drive down Coast Blvd. to look for free parking and get a feel for the area.

There really isn’t a bad time to come, but weekends and peak summer days are busy. Otherwise, I recommend you visit when it’s convenient for you. You can read my advice on how to spend a day in La Jolla.

When to See the Sea Lions

The popular La Jolla Cove sea lions and the Children’s Pool harbor seals tend to flock to the water if it’s raining or windy. You’re less likely to see them in bad weather. I usually reliably see them from mid-morning to late afternoon, but there can be exceptions.

If it is low tide, they might gather on the rocks that are normally underwater. I assume it’s an effort to hang out somewhere new or escape the tourists. This means they will be farther away from where you can see them.

But you should visit during low tide anyway because our tide pools are beautiful and a fun way to experience nature. Again, I explain more about this in my La Jolla seals and sea lions guide.

La Jolla Cove Weather and Water Temperature

The weather at La Jolla Cove is similar to that of other coastal areas in San Diego. Unless it rains or is cloudy, you’ll likely have blue skies for amazing photos, which happens more often than not.

San Diego has odd weather during May and June. People call it “May Gray” and “June Gloom.” The coast becomes foggy in the morning due to the marine layer. But the fog usually goes away by the afternoon. If you plan to visit San Diego in these months, it’s good to know about this seasonal weather pattern so that you can plan.

Year-round, people enter the ocean from La Jolla Cove wearing full wetsuits because they are headed into the ecological reserve to swim, dive, or snorkel for long periods of time. The ocean temperature can be colder here than in other parts of San Diego. The ocean gets deep quickly, even though the water is shallow near the beach. During winter, most people just play at the water’s edge, so they don’t worry about the cold ocean temperatures.

The ocean starts getting warmer in May. Ocean temperature peaks in late August/early September and cools off again in October. You don’t need a wetsuit for simple swimming at the Cove between late spring and early fall.

Miscellaneous Beach and Ocean Tips

The water at La Jolla Cove sometimes has high bacteria levels due to sea lion poop. The City of San Diego regularly tests the water and posts warnings when necessary. You can check online to see if any advisories are active during your visit.

You can’t bring glass containers or alcohol to San Diego beaches. Dogs are allowed at Ellen Browning Scripps Park and on the boardwalk. Depending on the time of year, you can take them on the sand during certain morning and evening hours.

Honestly, La Jolla Cove Beach isn’t the best place for dogs because of the sea lions. I never take my dog on the sand.

FAQs About Visiting La Jolla Cove in San Diego

Whether you’re looking for breathtaking sunsets, a glimpse of the famous sea lions, or a picturesque spot for an ocean swim, hopefully, you now understand why La Jolla Cove is the perfect place.

To summarize, here are the most frequently asked questions I receive that also serve as a little pop quiz for what you just read.

Have questions? Feel free to ask.