La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove (1100 Coast Boulevard) 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 it's 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 safety tips section provides an explanation of rip currents and some methods of freeing yourself if caught in a rip current. The best advice is to swim near a lifeguard.

Water Activity Zones:

The waters off this beach are reserved for swimming and diving only. Every couple of years the surf will grow to 15 feet + then the surfers come out and charge it!

Scuba:

This is an excellent beach for scuba diving diving when surf conditions are low. Telephone the beach information line 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.

Beach Fires:

There are no receptacles for beach fires. Open fires are therefore prohibited.

Regulations -- Standard San Diego beach regulations apply, with the following modifications:

• The taking or possession of sea life or artifacts is prohibited.
• Floatation devices are prohibited in La Jolla Cove.
• Spears are prohibited in La Jolla Cove.
• Alcohol is permitted only between 12:00 noon and 8:00 p.m.

Directions:

From the north, take Interstate 5 to La Jolla Village Drive, westbound. Turn left on Torrey Pines Road at the signalized intersection. Follow Torrey Pines Road to the signalized intersection at Prospect Street and turn right. Watch for the signs and bear right on Coast Boulevard.

From the south, take Interstate 5 north to Ardath Road. Continue on Ardath Road as it becomes Torrey Pines Road. Follow Torrey Pines Road to the signalized intersection at Prospect Street and turn right. Watch for the signs and stay right on Coast Boulevard.

Public Transit:

Call San Diego Transit at (619) 233-3004 for buses that serve this beach.

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.

Large Groups:

The basic rule of thumb is that any gathering of over 75 people requires a permit from the Park and Recreation Department. A permit is also required for a wedding, water event, athletic event, voice and/or music amplification, or use of special setup equipment (such as an inflatable party jump, dunk tank, canopy, etc.) For permit information call Regional Parks at (619) 235-1169