Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: lions (47) seals (29) beautiful (26) Jolla (18) spot (16) area (15) experience (14) beach (14) views (14) parking (13)
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  • 5/5 Jeremy J. 2 years ago on Google
    La Jolla Cove is an amazing place to experience both seals and sea lions! They are absolutely beautiful to see in person and the beach around them is absolutely picturesque. The area surrounding the cove is awesome with bars, restaurants, museums, etc. so you can definitely make a day of coming down to the area. I don't shoot a lot of wildlife photos, but I definitely loved shooting the wildlife down at the cove. A word of warning though, the smell from the poop can be overbearing at times so if you have an uneasy stomach just beware. There's lots of areas to swim, dive, and kayak in La Jolla too so after going to the cove you can make time for some adventures!
    41 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Donna M. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful place to walk along the coast or along on the coastal trail. Peaceful, beautiful place to relax, go for a swim, see the sea lions, pelicans, cormorants, listen to the ocean and see artists setup booths.
    12 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Mohamed K. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a wonderful place to visit, just off the Pacific Coast in San Diego. The highlight is the large number of Seals and Sea Lions on the shore and on the rocks - so close that you can almost touch them. Parking gets full, so arrive early!
    11 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 roma m. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing time spend at this beauty beach! Watching the sea lions and seals, sea gulls was amazing experience in itself! Beautiful stores and many healthy restaurants nearby to choose from.... hustling and bustling with people everywhere... a must visit when in San Diego!
    9 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 ktzpawz 1 year ago on Google
    One of the most beautiful beaches in California! It was a nice walk along the beach seeing the different animals. Even saw a bunny. The showers and bathrooms were clean and well kept. Some local vendors to buy your memorabilia. So peaceful. So relaxing. I didnโ€™t want to leave! Iโ€™m so grateful for San Diego โค๏ธ
    8 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Mark T. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to spend the weekend walking around town visiting the art galleries and restaurants! There is an impressive art museum also. Plenty to do and see along the coast including birds sea life and amazing sunsets.
    6 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Ondล™ej L. 7 months ago on Google
    Nice walk by the coast, unfortunately at the time we were here it was cloudy and a bit cold, but we took a walk anyway. We could see the sea lions and seals in the โ€œwildโ€ which was pretty unforgettable experience although the smell was terrible we enjoyed this place with those beautiful animals
    6 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Dustin W. 1 year ago on Google
    La Jolla Cove is an absolutely gorgeous area. The snorkeling is fantastic, can get a bit crowded near the the shore but plenty of room for all once youโ€™re in the water. The views from above the shoreline are absolutely incredible. Great opportunity to get up close with sea lions and seals in their natural habitat. The views are absolutely stunning. If youโ€™re in the area I highly recommend you cost. The city itself is really cool too, small town feel with a bunch of shops and restaurants.
    6 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Amy B. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome! Find a volunteer with a blue shirt to tell you about the sea lions and seals.
    6 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Sarah Q. 8 months ago on Google
    Absolutely gorgeous spot for views of the ocean. There is always great wildlife including seals and sea lions. Must see during your Southern California trip!
    5 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Doug B. 2 years ago on Google
    Magnificent views of the cliffs, sea caves, and sea lions.
    4 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Cindy C. 11 months ago on Google
    Loving the view of the sea plus the Seals. Beautiful getaway with family since we just pick them up in LAX airport. Wildflowers, beautiful park and more.
    4 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Gabriela P. 1 year ago on Google
    Gorgeous views! Well worth the drive. We saw plenty of sea lions and their pups. The sunset was absolutely stunning. Parking is free... you just have to be patient.
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Weiqin 1 year ago on Google
    There are too many tourists, but it is worth visiting. This is the gathering place for pelicans, seabirds, sea lions and seals. Observe these lovely animals at close range. I thank nature for giving us these gentle animals. Being with them, I feel It's peaceful and beautiful.
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Queen Of the S. 1 year ago on Google
    The water has beautiful shades of dark blue. The cool breeze feels as if you opened the fridge as you watch the waves break the cove. We got to see a seal on the beach and it was not bothered by people nearby. Very peaceful.
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Mohamed A. 2 years ago on Google
    Bit crowded but good place to watch the Seals. Finding parking may take a while or use public parking
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Honey P. 10 months ago on Google
    A beautiful and must see place in San Diego. You can see lots of sea lions there. You can access the beach and there is beautiful garden for family picnic. You can see caves from there and lots of people kayaking around the caves. One cave is accessible from ground, entry fee is 10$ per person and waiting time is around 1hr to enter. Getting parking is very difficult and public parking is too expensive. We had to park a bit far on the street and come walking to the cove. There are lots of good restaurants around. We roamed around walking and it felt great.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Chetan S. 10 months ago on Google
    An amazing spot to catch a whole number of birds, sea lions, seals, dolphins and if lucky, whales too. There's a nice lawn to have picnics and play around. There's a bunch of people going snorkeling in the coves as well. A must see spot on your visit to San Diego.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Mel N. 2 years ago on Google
    A great place for a walk.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Lale K. 9 months ago on Google
    One of the most beautiful places! The wildlife makes it so much better as well, sea lions, seals, pelicans, squirrels, if you are lucky dolphins!
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Olia 5 months ago on Google
    Such an awesome spot! Beautiful ocean views, cute cafes and sea lions in the wild right at your feet ๐Ÿ˜ such a great stop over! Some people were also snorkeling and surfing in the area ๐Ÿ‘Œ๐ŸŒŠ
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Ashley B. 6 months ago on Google
    Sat for hours and watched the sea lions. Remember to give them space, as they are wild animals and should stay that way. It was such a wonderful wind down time and entertaining.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Elyse M. 2 years ago on Google
    Relaxing place to walk around, beautiful views the town has nice resturants and galleries.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Tim M. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved spending time on the beach...enjoyed watching the seals and sea lions. The fauna is beautiful. Great area for snorkeling . (You can rent wet suits and equipment right on the beach).
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Katherine T. 3 years ago on Google
    Very crowded, can be hard to find a parking spot. Also crowded with wildlife as there are very few rocky places among endless sandy beaches. Sea-lions approach you as you dive, and you can even meet a dolphin in water. In winter time, lots of pelicans on the rocks.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Jacques Manuel (. 2 years ago on Google
    Love it, sunny, breezy, beautiful sea creatures and flying seagulls and pelicans, one of my fave memories made in San Diego.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Ronald D. 1 year ago on Google
    A favorite among locals and tourists. Have a picnic in the park, watch the sea lions play, snorkel in the cove, take in the beautiful sunset, and finish the day off with shopping and an ocean view dinner in the village.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Tiff W. 2 years ago on Google
    We had a beautiful time snorkeling ๐Ÿคฟ in La Jolla Cove. We rented our equipment from La Jolla Caves Snorkel & Paddleboard Rental and would highly recommend them if you plan to visit! You will see sea lions and seals here. You will not be allowed to have inflatables and itโ€™s not really a place to stop for a picnic but there are places close by for that. The sea lions may encounter you in the water and being quiet while swimming will grant you the best experience. The waves can come in aggressively at times and there are rocks so you should watch your children closely. While the sea lions are beautiful, this is their home. Be mindful and DO NOT approach them on land. Please, we witnessed a woman being snapped at as she was too close attempting to get a โ€œselfieโ€. She wasnโ€™t paying attention looking into her phone and the sea lion almost bit her. They wonโ€™t bother you so long as you give them space. We went out twice and had such a wonderful experience here. Highly recommend this beach.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Spirit J. 2 years ago on Google
    Omgggg this is an experience! The view, the seals and sea lions, the people, the vendors, THE VIEWWWWW! Absolutely amazing! I canโ€™t believe I almost passed up the opportunity to check this place out! Words can not explain my happiness and peace while I was there! Of all the places I went in San Diego this was my absolute favorite. The seals are so active, I believe the one in my photo was a model in the past life! You can swim near them! They have paddle board and canoe rentals! There were some people making huge bubbles lol, a few nice vendors outโ€” I just loved it, everyone was so happy, the weather was amazing! I wish I could upload videos!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Mina M. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place to see sunset and the seals. Hard to find parking but definetely worth visiting the shores. Great place for family and dogs
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Dana K. 3 years ago on Google
    My favorite spot
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Wei C. 1 year ago on Google
    Highly recommended. A nice place to see seals, sea lions, sea birds, and others. It is not easy to find parking during holidays or weekends. We parked on the street which is about 10min walking distance to coast.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Billy A. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful place. We've come from a place with plenty of good beaches and we were still amazed here. Nice to see the sea lions, seals and sea gulls just hanging around. Best to experience the sunset at this place
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Jason H. 6 months ago on Google
    Absolutely worth visiting! We loved the nature here. The experience was like being in a Nat Geo documentary. When you visit, you'll see seals, sea lions, pelicans, other birds, even dolphins! It's a beautiful area where the animals live and us humans observe them in their natural habitat. It was lovely to observe the animals living peacefully and naturally without being disturbed by humans. I really appreciated the respect for nature and wildlife here. If you're lucky, you might see the seals and sea lions playing and surfing the waves!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 DrivenTick 3 years ago on Google
    maybe someday Ill live in La Jolla, drinking cocktails out over the water
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 George Abraira J. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a wonderful nature experience. Seals, sea lions, many different birds, surfers, scuba divers, tons of energy, kids, dogs,tourists, vendors of all things and food.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Susie P. 1 year ago on Google
    Every time it is a different experience, from the sea lions barking, seeing all kinds of birds, the picture worthy views and just the local area in what it has; you can not pass this signature spot up. Dukes is a good spot to eat right after =]
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Don N. 5 months ago on Google
    Such a lovely ๐Ÿฅฐ place to visit! Great sunset โ˜€๏ธ! Awesome to watch the sea lions ๐Ÿฆญ play around! Highly recommend checking out this spot!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Joyce 9 months ago on Google
    Itโ€™s a nice place to bring your children here or spend a while standing there watch a whole bunch of sea lions๐Ÿฆญlaying on the sand and swim around.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Daniel H. 3 years ago on Google
    It was a breath taken experience
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Ellen G. 9 months ago on Google
    fantastic place to see sea lions and seals! it is always full of people but itโ€™s a great area and there are vendors selling things nearby. beware, the sea lions do smell ๐Ÿฆญ
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Senji Laxme R R. 9 months ago on Google
    A great place to watch seals, sea lions and sunset. Weekends are a bit crowded with tourists. You get to watch the seals pretty close up. There are also stalls selling merchandise and more.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Nikki K. 3 years ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful!

  • 5/5 Prasenjit S. 5 months ago on Google
    La Jolla Cove is a definite highlight in San Diego. It offers a unique experience with sea lions lounging on the shore, making it a must-visit spot. The beauty of the Pacific Ocean is on full display, creating a memorable and distinctive visit for anyone in the area.

  • 5/5 Nico S. 9 months ago on Google
    Worth a visit for the kayaking experience. Not much of a place for a hike given the heavy foot traffic. Watching the sea lions can be a real treat if theyโ€™re not all sleeping.

  • 5/5 Brooke H. 10 months ago on Google
    Seals + bubbles on the park makes for a good day. Huge tourist spot, prepared to be weaving in and out of people throughout the entire coastline j during the summer months.

  • 5/5 Gina F. 10 months ago on Google
    La Jolla Cove in California is a breathtaking coastal destination perfect for families. Watch playful seals and sea lions frolic in the clear waters while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of the pristine sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs. It's a free and unforgettable experience that will create cherished memories for all. Don't miss out on this nature-filled wonderland!

  • 5/5 Nil F. 1 year ago on Google
    Love visiting here, so relaxing. You can walk around and visit shops or eat at any of the restaurants. Great place to make it a day trip!!

  • 4/5 C. K. 1 year ago on Google
    Good location for seals/sea lions sighting, 20 minutes drive from old Town. Many local shops and restaurants and cafes in the town centre which is only 5 minutes walk from the beaches

  • 5/5 Justin H. 1 year ago on Google
    Fun and crowded swimming cove. No Kayakโ€™s allowed in the cove, only swimming. Itโ€™s really unique to see people swimming right next to seals and sea lions.

  • 5/5 Ane 7 months ago on Google
    You can see seal and sea lions and have a nice walk through the pier and the sea side. You can even see gray whales from December to April. There is a lot of fog and grey sky so donโ€™t expect to go sunbathing there:)

  • 5/5 L A. 1 year ago on Google
    Itโ€™s an awesome place to walk, run, jog, or just stand there and stare into the deep, ever ending ocean. Plus, there are sea lions so close to you as well. There is parking available with patience hahaha and many shops around the area. The view are magnificent and you see folks from all age groups and surfers ๐Ÿ„โ€โ™‚๏ธ as well. This place is a must if youโ€™re visit the San Diego Bay Area

  • 5/5 Lance H. 1 year ago on Google
    The best beach in San Diego by far! So beautiful and blue. This is on Christmas 2022! Big waves had a blast. Parking is very limited though so if you want parking on the beach you have to arrive early. We just parked by the college and walked down.

  • 4/5 Fart l. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nha (Original) Nha

  • 5/5 Jake S. 3 years ago on Google
    Tons to see

  • 5/5 Josue m. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The place is totally recommended (Original) Es exelente el lugar totalmente recomendado

  • 5/5 N M. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful!

  • 5/5 Myron R. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful as always and the seafood are a cool thing to see

  • 5/5 Hannelore G. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nice place! We went directly in the morning about 9 clock. Got a parking for 2 hours, which was free. (You had to drive away from 11 clock) The rocks were really worth seeing and if you go a bit further, then of course the sea lions and seals (you should just not be sensitive, as far as the smell is concerned). Short trip, which is definitely worth it. But not in the water. (Original) Toller Ort! Wir sind direkt in der Frรผh ca. 9 Uhr hingefahren. Haben einen Parkplatz fรผr 2 Stunden bekommen, der kostenlos war. (Man musste ab 11 Uhr wegfahren) Die Felsen an sich waren total sehenswert und wenn man noch ein Stรผck weitergeht, dann natรผrlich auch die Seelรถwen und Robben (Man sollte nur nicht empfindlich sein, was den Geruch angeht). Kurzer Abstecher, der sich auf jeden Fall lohnt. Waren aber nicht im Wasser.

  • 5/5 a a. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) One of the most beautiful places in Sandego ... the luxurious Lahoya neighborhood and overlooking the ocean ... is worth a visit (Original) ู…ู† ุงุฌู…ู„ ุงู„ุงู…ุงูƒู† ููŠ ุณุงู†ุฏูŠุบูˆ .. ุญู‰ ู„ุงู‡ูˆูŠุง ุงู„ูุฎู… ูˆุงุทู„ุงู„ุฉ ุนู„ู‰ ุงู„ู…ุญูŠุท ..ูŠุณุชุญู‚ ุงู„ุฒูŠุงุฑุฉ

  • 5/5 Imraan A. 3 years ago on Google
    Is this a little piece of heaven? Seems like it! Beautiful ocean views. Sea loins. Blue skies. Sand. Chic restaurants. Just go there already!

  • 5/5 Patricia S. 3 years ago on Google
    If you're looking for a little place to enjoy the view, relax with a cup of coffee โ˜•, and enjoy the Seals and Sea Lions ๐Ÿฆ this is the place to be.

  • 5/5 Lisha B. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Itโ€™s very relaxing here, the sea is beautiful, walking, cycling, shooting and swimming in the sea while relaxing on the beach are great. I like it very much. (Original) ่ฟ™้‡Œๅพˆๆ”พๆพ๏ผŒๅคงๆตทๅพˆ็พŽ๏ผŒ่ตฐ่ทฏ้ช‘่ฝฆๆ‹ๆ‘„ๅœจๆฒ™ๆปฉไผ‘้—ฒๆตท้‡Œๆธธๆณณ้ƒฝๅพˆๆฃ’ใ€‚ๆˆ‘ๅพˆๅ–œๆฌข่ฟ™้‡Œใ€‚

  • 5/5 please s. 3 years ago on Google
    Scenic views are amazing.super nice drive cruising la Jolla during sunset.

  • 5/5 Manuela G. 3 years ago on Google
    A lovely place to come see the sea lions here especially when itโ€™s a bright sunny day. Kids enjoyed looking at the sea lions. Sitting down and watching the waves roll in was also a nice thing to do with the kids. Highly recommend this place.

  • 5/5 Mohammed A. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing views we will go there again for sure.

  • 5/5 D B. 3 years ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful and loved seeing all the wild seals.

  • 5/5 Tim 3 years ago on Google
    I walked here from La Jolla beach. It is a great hike for most of it. A little bit on sidewalks. Great views.

  • 5/5 Jade C. 3 years ago on Google
    My little paradise ๐ŸŒŠ๐Ÿ–

  • 5/5 Yushun L. 3 years ago on Google
    Cute seals

  • 5/5 Jesse C. 3 years ago on Google
    Most beautiful sunset I've ever seen tbh

  • 5/5 Pamela W. 3 years ago on Google
    So pretty

  • 5/5 Reena R. 3 years ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful spot to, especially in the evening. Was able to find free parking easily, and walked along both sides of the area. The Cove area has a cool spot to go down and see some sea lions that you can get real close to haha! Along he rocky cove are storks, quite the site! Really nice trail that's been outline to walk along as well. Lots of spots around the area of interest, lots of fancy dining available as well that have great views of the ocean. Would definitely recommend.

  • 5/5 Hayder A. 3 years ago on Google
    Great please for relax ๐Ÿ˜˜

  • 5/5 Yannis K. 3 years ago on Google
    The staff is all accommodating and obviously loved their jobs well. Highly recommended!

  • 4/5 Comfort P. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to see the sun setting over San Diego. Shame about all those smelly seals stinking up the place though!

  • 5/5 Leslie R. 3 years ago on Google
    Went here in summer and looks wonderful

  • 5/5 Rob L. 3 years ago on Google
    Came here to see the specific ocean and the caves. Stayed because the sea lions and all of the pelican poop all over the place. Neat little spot cool to walk around and see what's arou d the area.

  • 5/5 Lucia G. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice

  • 5/5 Ashok A. 3 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful and refreshing place.

  • 4/5 Bob T. 3 years ago on Google
    La Jolla Cove is definitely worth a look, if you've never been here before. You'll discover sandstone rocks carved by the sea in unusual channels, patterns, & caves. You'll notice sheer sandstone cliffs, and sweeping elevated views of the lovely La Jolla coastline, as you follow a wide concrete walking trail on a bluff that parallels the coast below. During minus tides, large bright green algae-coated rocks will be visible here. La Jolla Cove is also a great place to snorkel and scuba dive, as the water clarity is usually really good and marine life is plentiful here. As far as animal life, you'll find both harbor seals and sea lions lazing on the rocks and beach, birds aplenty, including the familiar sea gulls, the less attractive cormorants, which can sometimes be seen holding their short wings out to dry, and my personal favorite- the brown pelicans, masters of effortlessly gliding through the air. Sometimes on the rocks here, you can see the pelicans pull their gullar pouches over their upper bill. This looks quite gross. Speaking of gross, from time to time you'll catch a whiff of the smell of rotting fish. This is no doubt caused by the fish eating animals that live on these La Jolla rocks. There's a handful of shorebird species you'll find here as well, especially at low tide. Ground squirrels are quite visible, usually popping in and out of the ice plant that lines the concrete walking trail. There's also a large, nicely landscaped grassy park in front of La Jolla Cove, where you can relax and hang out, if you like. Parking can be problematic at this place. Seems like there's always more cars than free parking spots along the loop drive. There are privately owned underground parking garages that charge by the hour, just in case you aren't lucky enough to find a free spot. Several times, I've spent close to $20 total just to park near La Jolla Cove, which saps some of the fun out of coming here. Currently, on 10/28/20, it should be noted that their large public restrooms are closed and completely fenced off. Perhaps they are working on rehabbing them. They do have a long string of Port-A-Potties lined up in front of the park, by the street. This place gets really busy on the weekends and also during the summer-time, as tourists from around the world like to visit La Jolla Cove, to take in its sheer beauty.

  • 4/5 Alex O. 3 years ago on Google
    Really cool place to hang out and see the sea lions. It often smells really bad like poop though so just know that going into it. If you have a really bad aversion to smells then this may not be the place for you. Otherwise its a cool spot to go out and snorkel as well.

  • 5/5 Laura 3 years ago on Google
    honestly never get tired of coming here - touristy, but oh so beautiful. watch sea lions and pelicans and cormorants in the wild! stroll or picnic, or head to the beach - you can't go wrong

  • 4/5 Eli R. 3 years ago on Google
    As a native san diegan, La Jolla Cove is one of my favorite spots in San Diego. Especially during the summer when the sky is clear!

  • 5/5 Riley S. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful. Clean. An incredible stop on a vacation.

  • 5/5 Nora S. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing place to view the sunset.

  • 5/5 Leugim j. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) That good (Original) Esa good

  • 5/5 Frank L. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful.


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