Beach guide
La Jolla Cove
San Diego, San Diego County, CA
Overview
La Jolla Cove is a very small beach tucked between sandstone cliffs in La Jolla, and one of the most photographed beaches in Southern California. It's less a beach day for sunbathers than a gateway to the water: the cove faces north, the surf is small in summer, and visibility can sometimes exceed 30 feet.
Who goes here
Ocean swimmers, snorkelers and scuba divers use the cove as a protected entry point. The grassy park on the bluff above draws picnickers and sightseers. Space on the sand is very limited.
A no-take marine reserve
The cove lies inside the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve. Offshore it falls within Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve, where it is unlawful to injure, damage, take or possess any living, geological or cultural marine resource. Fishing and removing objects are prohibited, and possessing game here is unlawful. Leopard sharks gather in large numbers in the cove each summer and fall.
Safety and rules
The cove is a permanent, year-round San Diego Lifeguards station. Alcohol, glass, smoking, camping and dogs aren't permitted. Conditions change with swell and tide, so check with lifeguards before a long swim.
Getting in the water from elsewhere
Kayaks and small boats aren't launched at the cove itself. The City's beachfront launch is at La Jolla Shores, a short distance north along the same protected coastline.
Getting there & access
Getting there
The cove sits below the bluff-top park on the La Jolla village waterfront. The City's beach listing for the Cove doesn't include parking among its amenities, so check parking options before you go. La Jolla Shores, just north, has the Kellogg Park lot.
Entering the water
The north-facing cove sees small surf in summer, which makes it a popular entry for swimmers, snorkelers and divers. Talk to the lifeguards about current conditions before swimming beyond the cove.
Paddling from La Jolla Shores
The nearest beach launch for kayaks and small boats is La Jolla Shores, the only beachfront launch within San Diego city limits. The water between the two beaches is protected, so no fishing or collecting from your boat either.
Lifeguards and questions
San Diego Lifeguards staff a permanent station at the cove year-round. Call 619-221-8899 or email SDLG@sandiego.gov.
Amenities
- Lifeguard station — Permanent, staffed year-round
- Restrooms — On site
- Showers — On site, handy after snorkeling or diving
- Bluff-top park — Grassy park above the cove for picnics
- Snorkel & dive entry — Small summer surf and water clarity that can top 30 ft
Rules & official resources
- Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve: it is unlawful to injure, damage, take or possess any living, geological or cultural marine resource; no exceptions
- Fishing and removal of objects from the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve is prohibited, and possession of game is unlawful
- No dogs at La Jolla Cove
- No alcohol, glass containers or smoking on the beach, cliffs, walkways, park areas or adjacent parking lots
- No overnight camping, sleeping or parking on the beach, cliffs, walkways, park areas or adjacent lots
Common boat service needs here
Fresh-water rinse for dive and paddle gear
Divers and paddlers who come here from La Jolla Shores spend hours in salt water. Rinsing kayaks, boards and small boats in fresh water after each trip keeps hardware, rudders and trailers from corroding.
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Nearby providers
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Sources
Last verified October 7, 2026