La Jolla Cove Beach

La Jolla Cove Beach is a stunning beach located at the northeast end of Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla. This beach is protected by a rocky point which blocks waves rolling in from the west most of the time and creates a safe swimming beach. Since it is north-facing, there are shaded areas at the back of the beach. It is popular on sunny days, and because of its small size, you probably won’t get a spot on the sand unless you get there early.

Two stairs lead you down to the beach from the park above. At the south end of the cove there is a tunnel through the rock wall that you can explore if you’re willing to hop around on large boulders. Tide pools can be found at the end of this tunnel.

Scuba divers and experienced snorkelers love this cove because of the easy entrance and great diving. The water off the cove is called La Jolla Underwater Park and is protected by by Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve.

Parking near Scripps Park can be difficult so plan to drive around on Coast Boulevard looking for a spot then walking a ways to get to the cove. Prospect Street also has parking and is a good place to grab a coffee or a bite to eat as restaurants are plentiful there.

From La Jolla Cove you can walk the shore in both directions along bluffs that have a wide walkway above them. This path is known as the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail. Birds and seals on the rocks can be watched from the bluff trail, but note that this is a smelly area.

Sunny Jim Cave is just east (feels like north) and can be accessed through The Cave Store. The store and the cave are recommended if you haven’t been there before.

Address

1160 Coast Blvd
La Jolla, CA 92037

Phone

619-221-8899

Park Name

Ellen Browning Scripps Park, Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve, La Jolla Underwater Park

Owner

City Park

Pet Details

Leashed dogs allowed on beach before 9am and after 6pm from April-Oct. (changes to 4pm Nov.-March).

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Swimming, Birdwatching, Wildlife Watching

Amenities

Lifeguard, Restrooms, Showers, Benches, Picnic Tables, Grass Park, Paved Paths, Tunnel, Tide Pools

Links

Tide Chart
Water Quality
Water Temps