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La Jolla Cove

Beach and Scenic Lookout

Village, San Diego

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La Jolla Cove

9.5^/10

2,093

ratings

Ranked #8 for scenic views in San Diego
Go here. Experience the sunsets. It's worth it.
"Amazing place to see seals, pelicans and the sunset."(51 Tips)
"Beautiful beach with sand and natural habitat of sea lions."(28 Tips)
"Beautiful beach with lots of seals"(4 Tips)
"sea Lyons sleeping calmly at the beach..."(3 Tips)

202 Tips and reviews

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CADENCE®, a world of travel, in sync with you.June 12, 2013
Our building is just down the street from the La Jolla Cove... We are always taking the short walk to enjoy the scenery. Bring your lunch to the park- such a refreshing view to break up the day!
Byron O'NealSeptember 5, 2012
Great sunset photography location along the boardwalk. Bring your split ND filter or plan on bracketing and arrive early in season to stake your spot before the crowds arrive.
Upvoted Mar 20
S DJune 29, 2013
Don't forget to bring your own snorkel.. nice to do around the cove .. u can also relax and do picnic at the park.. or try one of the restaurants some come with gorgeous view..
Upvoted Feb 24
Lisa SicardOctober 26, 2013
You must visit this if you are able to walk the stairs and spend 30 minutes there. The cost is very minimal- around $5. It was awesome! I would go back again.
Smruthi SriramJuly 7, 2019
Love coming to La Jolla Cove! Scenic views, a nice little beach, and lots of seals & sea lions! There’s also a great gelato place, (Bobboi Gelato) and dog-friendly park (Ellen Scripps) super close by!
Mingfei YanSeptember 1, 2014
It's just magical. It has a very long beach line that directly facing the west towards Pacific Ocean. Where else do you need to find for a magnificent sunset!
Lina BellDecember 2, 2022
Beautiful beach with lots of seals, sea lions, pellicans, and other types of birds. Just be prepared for the strong stench. Hat off to anyone brave enough to swim there.
Anilton VasconcelosSeptember 3, 2015
You will see close to you sea Lyons sleeping calmly at the beach... Beautiful place, however it may stinks a little, depending on where you are...
@socalwithkidsApril 1, 2011
This area is one of the most scenic places in San Diego. Bring your camera! Enjoy walking the paved path or trails. Scripps Park is great for having a picnic. Check out the link below for more info. Read more
ChelseaJune 5, 2019
Parking is always a pain so be prepared. Recommend to try to avoid on weekends and super hot days (baked sea lion poo is not a pleasant smell). Beautiful spot if conditions are 👍
Courtyard San DiegoApril 29, 2012
Located just 10 minutes from the hotel, La Jolla Cove is the perfect place to spend an afternoon while in SD. World class restaurants, beautiful ocean views, shopping, seals, sightseeing, you name it!
Ocean EnterprisesJuly 10, 2012
One of the most visited places in San Diego. This is a protected Marine Park, so there is tons of marine life to see, including sea lions frolicking in the waves. Great dive spot!
Abbie WMarch 16, 2013
Food and wine: The clear waters and beautiful sandstone cliffs of La Jolla Cove make it one of the San Diego area’s most breathtaking spots. Time your visit with sunset.
Hannah CopelandDecember 31, 2018
Amazing view of sea lions and seals. But don’t be a jerk and get close enough to disturb the animals! They are there to rest.
Radu G.December 4, 2014
Great view of the ocean and lots of seals to get close by. Great spot for kids. Be aware of the smell, apparently those seals eat lots of fish :)
Aleli SorianoApril 27, 2014
nice, bright, open space in la Jolla! very picnic friendly! a lot of families hangout and play ball on the park grounds. Be prepared to fight for parking though.
Jenan JamalFebruary 1, 2020
Very nice place to see Sea lions or Seal! Take care to not go near by to them, they ran after me 😱🙈😂
MeilissaMay 17, 2015
Seals everywhere! And they're so cute just laying down there. Just be careful, give them some space and don't get them angry
markMarch 26, 2016
One of the best spots in San Diego. Can get up close and personal with sea lions, surrounded by great shopping and food spots.
Naomi FematJuly 3, 2017
Walk down the streets to see sea lions upfront or maybe enjoy a gelato while window shopping. You will always have a good time here
MahaSeptember 23, 2016
We finally tried for the first time to swim and snorkel next to sea lions. Although we didn't see anything but it was amazing. Do it guys break your fear
Ivana KurtovićJuly 3, 2019
Beautiful beach with sand and natural habitat of sea lions. Be sure not to touch them :)
Keith KaplanJuly 11, 2015
Super fun place to go. A bit smelly but its always fun to view the sea lions!
HawedaJuly 13, 2019
So great and must to visit
WATSONDecember 11, 2015
It's very pretty. Seals are just chilln everywhere! Went to a place had great tacos!! I'm obsessed with palm trees!!!
TylerSeptember 23, 2014
The beat cove. Seals. Girabaldi. Lifeguards. A park filled with Dr. Seuss' source of inspiration (goofy looking trees). What more do you need?
Lucille FisherNovember 27, 2015
The sea lions were nowhere to be found, but interesting birds & cove. Be prepared to get wet if you plan to get into the cove.
Tina PlattSeptember 21, 2017
Seals and ocean- should I say more? So peaceful and beautiful. I would definitely come back just for this!
Kira MaixnerMarch 14, 2015
Go check out the seals, and watch them lay on the rocks all over the beach! If you're tempted to go out onto the water, use GetMyBoat! Read more
Thierry LerondAugust 13, 2013
Great place! Within walking distance, there is a cave you can visit with a ticket purchase. The stairs are steep so wear good shoes.
KATIE GAugust 31, 2019
Get up close views of seals & sea lions, but don't feed or harass these beautiful animals. They're resting!
Joanna EscobarFebruary 18, 2013
My first time there we saw a sea lion give birth! It was amazing. The water is a beautiful clear blue, perfect for snorkeling!
Dennis MurraySeptember 6, 2015
Traffic is hellacious along with parking. Then the sea Lyons in the cove area really smells like, well use your imagination. Finally come early if you drive if you expect to find parking
Joel NowakNovember 11, 2010
The cave is still open (another tip says it isn't.) Be sure to check out cool short trail along cliffs behind shop. Great views up the coast and often seals, pelicans and other sea birds.
maria morenoFebruary 27, 2015
Just the best beach love it so relaxing good memories where my life change forever Thx to a guy in my life
michelleJuly 20, 2016
Great sunset views and unfortunately can say the same about the bird poop smell!
Paige CAugust 9, 2015
Come here and watch the sea lions (or swim with them!) beautiful area.
Vladyslav ZakharchenkoSeptember 3, 2016
Astonishing sunsets. A good place to walk along the beach and "just be"
SELF MagazineAugust 12, 2013
Take the Torrey Pines Trails for one of the most spectacular views, and make sure to get an early start to avoid the tourists.
Casey QuinnJuly 28, 2015
Great place lots of fun in the cove and on the beach a must go to see sea lions
Todd MaxwellJanuary 1, 2013
Amazing place to see seals, pelicans and the sunset. Bring some wine and sit on the rocks watching the sunset!
Alejandra EscobarJuly 24, 2021
Grab a bite to eat and bring a blanket to eat at the nearby park. Always relaxing.
Ryan AsaoAugust 11, 2011
The parking is a nightmare on the weekends so go early. Also, if you're not really into the tide pools, go to one of the other beaches in that same area. They are less crowded and just as enjoyable.
JonathanSeptember 18, 2016
Really fun to see the sea lions so close. Very crowed, and parking is hard to find.
Alex ChristanthoJune 28, 2013
Bring your camera and sunglasses, buy some gelato/beers, take a pic besides the seals, and enjoy this jewel beach!!
Social News NetworkDecember 5, 2013
This place is so pretty, and the seals on the rocks are huge and beautiful. Take plenty of pictures!
David HoltzJune 7, 2015
Get up close and personal with the seals! Unbelievable how close to them you can get.
Nisreen YoussefMay 2, 2018
Nice place must to see
Timothy HarmonFebruary 16, 2014
Been here 10+ times
Check out the tide pools and the sea lions basking in the sun or playing in the water.
Jackie YangDecember 31, 2016
Great view. Be careful of the seals. They may blocking your way back on a rock.

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