La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove
4.5
About
At this beach surronded by sandstone cliffs on the San Diego coast, the water is calm enough for travelers to enjoy diving and snorkeling. Walk along the rocky shore to spot large colonies of sea lions lounging in their natural habitat and looking after their pups, and have a picnic while soaking up the views of the ocean from the cliffs at sunset. If you visit at low tide, you’ll get to swim in the crystal clear tidal pools as well. You can also visit Sunny Jim's Sea Cave which is accessible via a tunnel. Visit early in the morning to find a parking space more easily. – Tripadvisor
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience La Jolla Cove
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
257 within 5 kms
Attractions
152 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Roberts69Northampton, United Kingdom18,912 contributionsA very pleasant place to get some fresh sea air away from the bustle of San Diego.When in San Diego for a couple of days on business I drove out to La Jolla to see the cave shop and to take a walk along the waterfront to the Cove. It was a very pleasant place to visit, really picturesque and relaxing. There was plenty of flora and fauna to see, with seals, sea lions, pelicans and many other seabirds and flowers. I would certainly recommend a visit to La Jolla Cove, it was free to park my car and a very memorable and refreshing experience. In the town there are shops and places to get refreshments.Visited September 2023Travelled soloWritten March 17, 2024
- Carrie D.Cleveland, Ohio2,444 contributionsBeautiful Coastline!It wasn’t my first time visiting the La Jolla Cove, but every time I’m dazzled by the views and by the playful seals & sea lions. I could literally watch them for hours. Parking was tough late on a Saturday afternoon, a couple of hours before sunset, but we circled a few times and eventually got lucky. The only thing about the La Jolla Cove that bothers me is how irresponsible people can be with the wildlife. It’s always both shocking and disappointing to me that so many people let their kids run right up to the seals & sea lions, or throw food to them. It’s just so disruptive to the environment, as well as dangerous for the kids. If you can put that aside, it was a great place to spend a couple of hours on our first night in southern California.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten March 17, 2024
- Amanda FAppleton, Wisconsin57 contributionsSeals and Sea Lions, oh my!So many seals and sea lions! It was so exciting to see them out in their natural habitat. They were lined up on the beaches and rocks. It was almost like they were putting on a show for the humans watching them as they were watching us right back. Parking can be difficult to find as it is pretty busy area but we didn’t mind the extra walking along the shoreline.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten March 24, 2024
- Karin SDeerfield, Illinois66 contributionsAmazing!Was not sure what to expect here, but it was amazing! We saw so many sea lions and seals in their own habitat and had so much fun. Street parking was difficult to find, so we paid $15 to park at the pink hotel across the street and it worked out perfectly.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten March 27, 2024
- Kimitaka STaichung, Taiwan15,540 contributionsSeal habitatThis is a popular tourist spot in San Diego where you can get up close and personal with wild seals and seabirds. There are pleasant walking paths in the area, so it's a good idea to spend about half a day wandering around. There are many domestic and international tourists, so if you go by car, it can be difficult to find a parking space.Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten May 5, 2024
- DePereDe Pere, Wisconsin497 contributionsMuch Nicer than I ExpectedArrived at La Jolla Cove at 10:00 A.M. on May 8 and were lucky enough to find free street parking. Saw lots of sea lions, harbor seals, brown pelicans, nesting Brandt’s cormorants, and ground squirrels. Seals and sea lions were active both in and out of the water. Viewing is excellent from the sidewalk that follows the coastline. Access to walk on one section of the beach was permitted but further down the beach/break water access is prohibited until May 15. Cormorants are currently nesting and many of the nests are on the cliffs adjacent to the sidewalk. We spent approximately 2.5 hours at the cove and surrounding area.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten May 9, 2024
- CrazyBubba007Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania47 contributionsMust see - beautiful!Beautiful place, views are great, sea lions are so cool! You can easily spend a few hours here. Make sure to eat at George’s restaurant, great view of the ocean and seals and great food albeit a little price but nothing is cheap anymore. No need to take a tour, you can easily walk and see everything.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten May 11, 2024
- Emily SChicago, Illinois59 contributionsTakes your breath away (literally, because it smells horrible)!None of the reviews mention the pungent odor immediately noticed when you open your car door. It can be nauseating, as it’s extremely overwhelming. While the views are breathtaking, so is the smell in the air. Thousands of birds as well as a few hundred sea lion and seals call this cove home. Keep in mind this is not a zoo, there is not a zoo keeper to clean up after the animals.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten May 24, 2024
- Jennifer BHouston, Texas39 contributionsStunning Coastal GemLa Jolla Cove is stunning! The clear waters, beautiful cliffs, and playful sea lions make it a perfect spot for a relaxing day. Great for snorkeling and breathtaking views. Don’t miss it!Visited June 2024Travelled soloWritten June 3, 2024
- Vegas GarDallas, Texas1,232 contributionsJust beautiful.Wow, what a beautiful place! We got there just before sunset and it did not disappoint. Just beautiful. Parking is a little tight, but we were able to find a spot and enjoy the beauty of it all. The Seals and/or Sea Lions were all over the place along with thousands of birds (I don't know what type of sea birds they were). It was a little crowded, but there were plenty of places to watch and take a lot of pictures and video. The only thing I really noticed was the smell of the animals. I noticed the smell the moment I got out of the car, but it's so beautiful, you don't notice for long. There are condos across the street from the cove. I wonder if the smell bothers them. Make sure and check this place out, it's amazing!Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten June 8, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
13,807 reviews
Excellent
9,625
Very good
3,286
Average
660
Poor
159
Terrible
77
John S
Saint Clair, MI607 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Very fun watching the sea lions and seals. You can go out near them on the beach and rocks at one cove (it's illegal to get close enough to disturb them, but you can walk out on the rocks and get a good look). The beach with the breakwater around it is closed off to people completely until mid may for puppy season, but you can still watch them from the walkways overhead.
I think the city has struck a nice balance with allowing people to get close, but also not allowing people to disturb them.
There's limited free parking, depending on the spot, it can be limited to 2 or 3 hours and it's enforced by a foot patrol that chalks tires. No problem finding a spot at 9:30am Wednesday, but spots were full by 11am.
I think the city has struck a nice balance with allowing people to get close, but also not allowing people to disturb them.
There's limited free parking, depending on the spot, it can be limited to 2 or 3 hours and it's enforced by a foot patrol that chalks tires. No problem finding a spot at 9:30am Wednesday, but spots were full by 11am.
Written April 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LarsieB
Denver, Colorado, USA2,084 contributions
Jun 2023
We loved this beautiful area of San Diego - La Jolla Cove is stunning. It's so wonderful to walk along and see the wonderful coastline, bird life, sea lions and seals. There are lots of restaurants and coffee shops in this area too - lots of eating and drinking options. Parking can be a little tricky because it gets busy. We ended up paying $20 for underground parking as we had no chance parking in the open spaces near the cove but it was also good to have the car undercover and out of the heat. I loved this area and would recommend taking sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, some water because you are exposed to the summertime elements. We really enjoyed watching and hearing the seals and sea lions in particular interact with each other. The sea lions are massive and bossy, and funny to watch!
Written July 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie C
Brooklyn Park, MN188 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
This place is awesome. Beautiful views of the ocean, the sea lions are so much fun to watch, there are a ton of birds to enjoy and places to swim; this place has it all! We enjoyed a walk along the coast in this area and stopped several times along the way to enjoy the view. There are two swimming areas here; we didn't use either when we came, but I wish we had! The one area that is closer to the sea lions would have been so much fun to snorkel at because the sea lions swim with you! This is a popular spot, so be prepared for a lot of people. We found free street parking pretty easily on a busy day, so I think the parking is ample. We also noted a ton of shops and restaurants in the city just above the cove, so this could be a very fun day trip!
Written July 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim G
7 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
How long can you hold your breath? This beach stinks to high heaven with all the seal poop all over the rocks. We couldn’t even eat at a restaurant near there unless it was enclosed, which is NOT what you want to do in nice weather. There are many beaches near there without the over crowded seal population stinking them up. Pick one and enjoy a much better experience at the beach.
Written February 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia - SavvyExploring
Snohomish, WA743 contributions
May 2022
Fun cove full of sea lion activity! They were surfing, jumping, and coming right up on the rocks by the shore.
We booked a snorkeling tour, which didn't go so well due to conditions. You can just rent the gear and go but I would recommend you get a guide unless you are an experienced ocean swimmer and even then it is good to know the currents where you are going, especially in the cave areas. When you swim out you have a fairly narrow channel with dangerous rocky areas on both sides. The waves were very strong when we were out there. A couple of us tried but got beat up by the waves (first time swimming in high surf) too much and didn't make it. Our guide took two people out and one started swimming the wrong way, straight into the rocks, and had to be rescued. The lifeguards called it and that was the end of the adventure, probably for the best.
We booked a snorkeling tour, which didn't go so well due to conditions. You can just rent the gear and go but I would recommend you get a guide unless you are an experienced ocean swimmer and even then it is good to know the currents where you are going, especially in the cave areas. When you swim out you have a fairly narrow channel with dangerous rocky areas on both sides. The waves were very strong when we were out there. A couple of us tried but got beat up by the waves (first time swimming in high surf) too much and didn't make it. Our guide took two people out and one started swimming the wrong way, straight into the rocks, and had to be rescued. The lifeguards called it and that was the end of the adventure, probably for the best.
Written May 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
degrawm
Buckeye, AZ463 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We arrived on a beautiful day. I can't believe how close you can get to seals! Parking is a bit tricky here, and once you find a spot, you have a three hour window to explore. There were little pop up vendors around as well as people painting. Very nice place. The best were the seals of course! They are a noisy bunch as well as the pelicans and other sea birds. We took so many beautiful scenic pictures here. People were actually swimming in the water believe it or not. I was told this was a great place to go diving as well, which I hope in the future to do. Restaurants were close by if you needed to stop. Definitely recommend!
Written January 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Local50
315 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
We had such a good time here. The sea lions were very entertaining, as were the snorkelers and kayakers. This little spot in La Jolla is very popular, so expect crowds, but everyone was friendly and just enjoying themselves. Another beautiful area of the Pacific coastline.
Written September 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jerRsaus
Rockville, MD27 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
La Jolla is a really family-friendly town with excellent opportunities to see sea lions, seals, pelicans, and cormorants. The parking can be difficult to find, but is typically free. The coastal sidewalk is typically crowded, but it offers great views of the sea and wildlife. We snorkeled in the cove and had the exciting experience of seeing sea lions and cormorants swimming with us. I would highly recommend renting a wet suit and equipment (about $30 for 2 hrs) and enjoying the wildlife interaction.
Written July 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristy D
Illinois117 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
If you are able at some point, go see seals and sea lions somewhere else in a more secluded setting, ie Big Sur or near San Simeon. This whole area is just too congested with people and traffic. Trying to find parking here was terrible, we ended up dropping $35 to park in a garage for an hour. The cove ( and childrens cove) is small, lots of people, not peaceful at all.
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BostonYF
Boston, MA43 contributions
Dec 2022
From Downtown San Diego, we took MTS rail to Old Town Center and then took Bus 30 to La Jolla Cove. San Diego's public transportation was amazingly easy to use, and many buses are frequent and convenient.
The scene was unbelievable: So many wild animals and so beautiful water and rocks. Walk from one stop to another is in minutes.
The scene was unbelievable: So many wild animals and so beautiful water and rocks. Walk from one stop to another is in minutes.
Written January 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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?
Written June 5, 2022
From what I seen, they are basically there all day. To avoid the larger crowds and to find decent parking, come in the morning
Written June 6, 2022
Is the water warm enough to swim without wetsuits in July?
Written April 30, 2022
Water will still be a bit cold even in the summer months, typical of ocean temperatures.
Written May 5, 2022
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!
Written February 27, 2020
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. :-)
Written February 27, 2020
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?
Written February 19, 2020
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.
Written February 20, 2020
Is snorkeling possible in February or is it too cold, undesirable?
Written January 28, 2020
We were there late October and there were many people in the water.They rent wetsuits and snorkeling gear nearby.
Written January 28, 2020
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?
Written July 26, 2019
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.
Written July 29, 2019
Rain S
Imperial, California
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!
Written June 13, 2019
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!
Written June 14, 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 70
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing