La Jolla Cove: Address, Phone Number, La Jolla Cove Reviews: 4.5/5
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove
4.5
About
San Diego's most desirable spot for swimming, diving and snorkeling. The water is calm and the cove is ecologically protected. There is also a world famous dive site that is located in the La Jolla ecological preserve.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Features animals
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What is Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travellers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Learn moreTop ways to experience La Jolla Cove
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
254 within 5 kms
Bobboi Natural Gelato
703
0.3 kmR • Dessert • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
1Â 447
0.2 kmRRRR • American • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly
Burger Lounge
362
0.4 kmRR - RRR • Quick Bites • American • Fast food
NINE-TEN Restaurant & Bar
660
0.4 kmRRRR • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Cody's
1Â 212
0.3 kmRR - RRR • American • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly
Puesto
1Â 024
0.4 kmRR - RRR • Mexican • Latin • Vegetarian Friendly
We Olive & Wine Bar
191
0.2 kmRR - RRR • Mediterranean • Wine Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
Catania
312
0.5 kmRR - RRR • Italian • Mediterranean • Vegetarian Friendly
Brockton Villa Restaurant
1Â 023
0.2 kmRR - RRR • American • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly
Duke's La Jolla
958
0.2 kmRR - RRR • American • Bar • Seafood
Attractions
94 within 10 kms
Ellen Browning Scripps Park
212
0.2 kmParks
Africa and Beyond
28
0.2 kmArt Galleries
Shell Beach Tide Pools
171
0.2 kmNature & Wildlife Areas
La Jolla Caves
730
0.3 kmCaverns & Caves
Gallery La Jolla
5
0.2 kmArt Galleries
RC Gorman Navajo Gallery
4
0.2 kmArt Galleries
Legends Gallery
15
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
National Geographic Fine Art Galleries
1
0.2 kmArt Galleries
Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier
6
0.2 kmBeaches
Simic Gallery
5
0.2 kmArt Galleries
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
13Â 605 reviews
Excellent
9Â 463
Very good
3Â 259
Average
654
Poor
160
Terrible
69
Kyle G
6 contributions
like going to the zoo but you can walk up to the animals and take pictures. not a lot of parking get there early Hawaiian restaurant nearby is expensive
Written 8 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joline A
Lafayette, IN268 contributions
Couples
I suggest going early before it gets crowded. Many people sunbathe and hang out on the beachy area, snorkel, and swim in the cold water. There are some great spots to get a picture, so wear sandals or shoes you don’t mind getting wet. They have a shower area so you can wash off your feet. The sea lions are everywhere and so neat to see. They come right up and bark. This is also close by to restaurants and shops, so there’s plenty to do in this area.
Written 6 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tigcokie
Marlborough, MA33 contributions
parking took a minute but the sights well worth it the seals were sunbathing and the ocean walk amazing
Written 5 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DannyWasserman
Virginia Beach, VA4Â 021 contributions
The La Jolla caves are amazing as you get to see the seals in the caves and see the nature at its best. The whole area along the coastline is surreal with beautiful views of the ocean. Parking is a premium, so get there early and get lucky .
Written 5 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sophia Hernandez
1 contribution
Solo
Great spot to snorkel. Gets busy on weekends. Best time to go early for a nice snorkel and beat the crowds. Top place for me to snorkel
Written 31 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Eastlake C
2 contributions
The cove was a fun experience with my friends and family. Just incredibly beautiful if you love nature.
Written 25 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ben H
1 contribution
Solo
I was very excited to go snorkeling at La Jolla. I was informed that the tour was canceled due to rough sea. I was told I need to call and ask trip advisor for a refund. I cannot find where to contact and receive my refund from Trip Advisor.
Written 17 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Armando R
el paso89 contributions
Family
Watching seals in the wild very close up was a memorable experience. They share the same beaches and water with humans!!! However, the beach is small, and it's not a classic beach with waves where you can go swim.
Written 16 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DanielPofMI
Williamston, MI1Â 995 contributions
If you've wanted to see a lot of seals and sea lions in their natural environment, this is probably your easiest and sure fire way to see them. Located right on the shore north of the main business district, you'll hear their barking (and smell them, too!). You'll walk along a pathway located above the beach. You can't go down on the beach with them because you may disturb them and might cause a mother seal to abandon her pup. And they can bite as well. So stay on the pathway. You can get pretty good pictures from there.
Written 12 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sunsun69s
Hong Kong, China620 contributions
My local friend brought me there on a very very sunny afternoon.
I like the place as one can really "smell" the sea and the vibrance of all the activities connected to it.
Lots of lazy seals and sea lions sunbathing and we were lucky to see a bunch of baby flippers staying very close to their mums for food and protection.
Other than that, plenty of squirrels/ rabbits and dogs occupy the area, and they together exhibit a harmonic eco-system co-existing with mankind.
It is really great for someone like us who has little choice but to spend too much time in the middle of a desert.
I like the place as one can really "smell" the sea and the vibrance of all the activities connected to it.
Lots of lazy seals and sea lions sunbathing and we were lucky to see a bunch of baby flippers staying very close to their mums for food and protection.
Other than that, plenty of squirrels/ rabbits and dogs occupy the area, and they together exhibit a harmonic eco-system co-existing with mankind.
It is really great for someone like us who has little choice but to spend too much time in the middle of a desert.
Written 5 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chewy5Griffin
New Market, MD
Where can you park
qwestcruiser
Minneapolis, MN207 contributions
Busy there we took uber
Jennies_travels
Michigan600 contributions
Is there a time of day that you're more likely to see seals and sea lions? Or do they hang out pretty much all day?
HeatherB029281
Inverness, FL93 contributions
From what I seen, they are basically there all day. To avoid the larger crowds and to find decent parking, come in the morning
jemmaheckford
Dorset, UK13 contributions
Is the water warm enough to swim without wetsuits in July?
Jenny L
Mississauga, Canada26 contributions
Water will still be a bit cold even in the summer months, typical of ocean temperatures.
Hello, do you have to pay to come to La Jolla Cove, or is it free? Trying to plan a trip with children and I'm looking for as many free activities as possible!
cmkcmk
Fairfield, OH510 contributions
No admission fee. It is a park, really. The only difficulty is finding parking. You might have to circle around several times to find a spot, or park a ways away and walk down to the area. Depends on the day of the week and time of day. Just be patient. :-)
Jennifer L
Live Oak, TX1 contribution
We are going in the beginning of May but I saw a picture that says the beach is closed until May 15th. Will all of it closed for pup season or is this just one particular area?
477renees
Murrieta, CA26 contributions
Yes the lower deck to the Sea Lions is closed; however, there is still plenty of scenic views, beach areas, hiking & depending on water temperature (cuz of Sharks) and current, snorkeling & kayaking is generally available. La Jolla has tons of incredible shops, restaurants & museums too. Del Mar Beach, Solana Beach, Seaport Village in San Diego are all close by & beautiful.
Beesister
Tacoma, WA2 contributions
Is snorkeling possible in February or is it too cold, undesirable?
Yosemitesteve
Modesto, CA592 contributions
We were there late October and there were many people in the water.They rent wetsuits and snorkeling gear nearby.
Tina M
Warwickshire, UK4 contributions
Hi I have heard in the summer months there are many leopard sharks around. Has any one noticed a lot this year and about how many?
Cheryl W
62 contributions
My family spent 2 days snorkeling the cove this July and didn't see any. We were able to swim with sea lions, which was amazing! Again, it doesn't mean they were not there, we just didn't see any.
Rain S
Imperial, CA
We'd like to go to the beach to swim and to see the sea lions. Are these within walking distance of each other? I'm unsure if the cove is where the sea lions are located and the place for swimming is at an entirely different location. Thank you in advance for your time and help!
panpanda
Atlanta, GA920 contributions
PBWorldTraveler did a great job answering your questions. You can't see this is the photos , but the seals and sea lions are very smelly. Plus, they are protected from by law from harassment by people. You don't want to swim next to them!
Wyopooh
Laramie, WY309 contributions
Are there limited areas for kayaking or can you go into any caves? Our adult girls want to snorkel and mom & dad want to kayak along side them. Can this be done? Also, how much time would you estimate to get to caves, spend a hour, then come back to beach? Not knowing the area, we just don’t have a good sense of where things are located.
juliogrupo
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico50 contributions
All is in minutes kayaking, snorkeling.
It all depends of your skills.
There are guided trips for both snorkeling and kayaking or you can be on your own.
All safe and easy, as long you are a swimmer or know how to swim.
We're a sports family, it is so easy. Depends on your skills
Best
Frequently Asked Questions about La Jolla Cove
- We recommend booking La Jolla Cove tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 27 La Jolla Cove tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience La Jolla Cove:
- The La Jolla Tour (From RÂ 2Â 638,70)
- San Diego Scenic Tour (From RÂ 1Â 410,62)
- Private Segway Experience Through La Jolla (From RÂ 2Â 207,21)
- The San Diego Highlights Tour (From RÂ 4Â 464,21)
- San Diego Life at the Beach Tour (From RÂ 1Â 477,01)
- Hotels near La Jolla Cove:
- (0.11 km) La Jolla Cove Hotel & Suites
- (0.22 km) La Valencia Hotel
- (0.09 km) Seashore VII by AvantStay | Modern La Jolla Flat 5mins from the Beach!
- (0.33 km) Pantai Inn
- (0.42 km) Grande Colonial La Jolla
- Restaurants near La Jolla Cove:
- (0.16 km) Brockton Villa Restaurant
- (0.16 km) Duke's La Jolla
- (0.16 km) George's at the Cove
- (0.18 km) We Olive & Wine Bar
- (0.24 km) Eddie V's Prime Seafood
- Attractions near La Jolla Cove:
- (0.03 km) San Diego Scuba Pros
- (0.04 km) San Diego Scuba Guide
- (0.04 km) SeaStar Adventures
- (0.16 km) Ellen Browning Scripps Park
- (0.21 km) Zach's Scuba Shack