La Jolla Cove
La Jolla, CA
A small sheltered cove where sea lions haul out on the rocks and harbor seals rest at the nearby Children’s Pool. Snorkelling is good in summer; street parking is scarce, so come early or use paid garages.
La Jolla Cove is a small cove with a narrow beach, surrounded by cliffs. Point La Jolla forms its south side. Hundreds of California sea lions rest on the rocks and swim in the cove; their numbers have grown since the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. A little to the south lies Children's Pool, built behind a seawall in the 1930s as a family beach and now occupied by harbor seals, which you can watch from the plaza above. The cove is part of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park; swimming, snorkeling, and diving are popular, while fishing and boards are prohibited.
Free parking is available only on the street, is very scarce, and comes with time limits; paid parking garages are an alternative. Arriving early in the morning gives you the best chance of a spot. Keep a respectful distance from the animals. Expect a smell from the rocks; in late spring, morning fog is common.
- Nearest town
- La Jolla, CA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 32.8503, -117.2713
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually all year round. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Mission Bay RV ResortMotorhome stopover5 mi from La Jolla Cove · 200 pitchesMotorhomes
- Surf and Turf RV ParkMotorhome stopover9 mi from La Jolla Cove · 70 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Kumeyaay Lake CampgroundCampsite14 mi from La Jolla CoveTentsCaravansDrinking water
- San Diego KOA CampgroundMotorhome stopover17 mi from La Jolla CoveMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- South Carlsbad State Beach CampgroundCampsite18 mi from La Jolla CoveTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Tijuana River Valley Regional CampgroundCampsite23 mi from La Jolla CoveTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is La Jolla Cove?
La Jolla Cove is in La Jolla, CA, at GPS 32.8503, -117.2713. It is about 11 mi from San Diego.
Can you camp near La Jolla Cove?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Santa Fe Resort RV Park, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 32 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass La Jolla Cove?
La Jolla Cove is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Pacific Coast Highway south: Malibu to San Diego.
What is there to see near La Jolla Cove?
Places worth a stop nearby: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (5 mi), Mission San Juan Capistrano (50 mi), Crystal Cove State Park (60 mi) and Galleta Meadows sculptures (61 mi).
When is the best time to visit La Jolla Cove?
The most pleasant months are usually all year round. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)