Description - La Jolla Cove is a very small beach, tucked between adjacent sandstone cliffs. Due to its extraordinary beauty, La Jolla Cove is one of the most photographed beaches in Southern California. It is within a short walk of the commercial area of the community of La Jolla, but retains a character all its own. The north facing La Jolla Cove has unusually coarse sand. Grassy Scripps Park is immediately adjacent and an excellent area for picnicking. Water visibility at the Cove can sometimes exceed 30 feet, making it a popular location for scuba divers and snorklers. La Jolla Cove lies within the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, which helps to ensure that marine life remains plentiful. This is a look but don't touch area and the possession of game is unlawful.

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 currents. The best advice is to swim near a lifeguard.

Water Activity Zones - The waters off this beach are reserved for swimming and diving only.

Scuba - This is an excellent beach for scuba diving when surf conditions are low. Telephone the lifeguard beach information line (221-8884) 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.

Parking - There is no public parking lot for La Jolla Cove. On-street parking can be difficult to find, particularly in summer. It is limited to three hours at a time on weekdays and unlimited on weekends, but check the signs for any restrictions. Paid parking is available in downtown La Jolla at several locations and is a short walk from the beach.

Official Web Site

If you are trying to find La Jolla Cove , you have come to the right place. Our map is interactive, includes the streets/major attractions in the immediate area, and can be easily zoomed, reformatted or repositioned to meet your needs. If you see a map that is in error, please email us at maps@mustseesandiego.com.

Map of La Jolla Cove Location