La Jolla Cove Beach

La Jolla Cove Beach is 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, usually there are shaded areas at the back of the beach. It is very popular on sunny days and because of its size you probably won’t get a spot unless you are here early. Divers love this spot because of the easy entrance and great diving. Two stairs lead you down from the grass park above. At the south end of the cove there is a tunnel through the rock wall that you can explore if willing to hop around on large boulders. Tide pools can be found at the end of this tunnel. Parking near the park can be difficult so plan to drive around on Coast Boulevard looking for a spot then walking a ways to get here. From La Jolla Cove you can walk north or south along the bluffs that have a wide walkway above them. Birds and seals on the rocks can be watched from the bluff trail, but note that this is a smelly area. The La Jolla Coast Walk Trail continues north from here.

Address

1160 Coast Blvd
La Jolla, CA 92037

Park Name

Ellen Browning Scripps Park, Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve

Owner

City Park

Activities

Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Swimming, Birdwatching, Wildlife Watching

Amenities

Lifeguard, Restrooms, Showers, Benches, Picnic Tables, Grass Park, Tide Pools

Pet Policy

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

Fees

Free parking