La Jolla Cove
Time Needed: half-day
Experience Type: outdoor adventure, scenic views
La Jolla Cove captivates with its turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and lively marine life. This small yet stunning beach sits within a protected ecological reserve, offering a front-row seat to sea lions, colorful fish, and the vibrant beauty of Southern California’s coastline.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Watch Sea Lions and Seals – See playful sea lions at Point La Jolla and harbor seals lounging nearby at the Children’s Pool along the seawall.
- Snorkel in the Underwater Park – Swim through the San Diego–La Jolla Ecological Reserve to spot garibaldi, sea stars, and maybe a curious sea lion.
- Hike the Coast Walk Trail – Take in coastal views from this easy cliffside trail, then descend 143 steps to explore the Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave through The Cave Store.
- Picnic at Scripps Park – Relax above the cove at this scenic oceanfront park with grassy lawns, shaded huts, and panoramic Pacific views.
- Go Tidepooling in Winter – At low tide, discover hermit crabs, sea anemones, and other tiny creatures in rocky pools between the Cove and Children’s Pool.
Itinerary Idea: Book a guided kayak tour to search for marine life and paddle into the La Jolla sea caves. Tandem kayaks make it easy to share the adventure with a partner. Best of all, no paddling experience is needed.
Photo Credit: Olga_Fil/Pixabay