Disclosure: This section features several affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if you purchase through these links. However, not all links posted are affiliate links. Click here to learn more.
Overall, La Jolla Cove Beach gets a score of 5.6/10. It is a nice place to visit if you're looking to take in the stunning coastline, be close to multiple amenities, relax, or enjoy some calmer water activities. The overall rating was brought down by the limited free parking available, and average ratings in multiple categories. However, the beach is located very centrally in La Jolla and on a calm, clear day it is truly a beautiful place to visit and enjoy the scenery.
Overall Score: 5.6/10
Let’s dive deeper into the individual scores, as well as waterfront accommodation, dining, and activities in La Jolla Cove.
Parking: 2/10
The parking at La Jolla Cove can be extremely difficult, and at peak times it comes to a matter of luck.
There is very limited street parking nearby. It's a busy area, so there are always people looking for parking as well. This makes it even more difficult to get a spot when you do see people leaving.
In order to secure a spot, the best chances would be to try for street parking a couple streets back from the ocean in La Jolla Village.
If you're not able to find free street parking available, then there are multiple paid lots right next to La Jolla Cove and throughout La Jolla Village where you'd be able to get a spot.
Going to La Jolla Cove in the morning, especially on weekdays, will make it easier to find parking.
On weekdays throughout most of spring, fall, and winter, it shouldn't be too hard to find free street parking near La Jolla Cove or in La Jolla Village.
Crowds: 5/10
The stretch of beach at La Jolla Cove is quite small, and during high tides or big swells, there can be little to no beach space available.
A lot of people will walk onto the beach here to check it out, which can make it seem crowded at times, but it's typically not difficult to find a free spot in the sand to hang out at.
Amenities: 7/10
There are bathrooms available, picnic tables, benches, walking paths, and endless options for food and drinks all within a few steps from the beach area.
There's multiple hotels close by, shops, café's, and more.
You'll also find some rental shops for kayaks or snorkel equipment within a close distance as well.
There is a very large grass area just steps from the beach, which can be a popular place for farmer's markets and for people to sit and admire the views of the coast.
Safety: 7/10
The beach is considered relatively safe, with lifeguards patrolling the area to ensure visitors' well-being.
With any natural environment, visitors should exercise caution, especially in highly trafficked areas like the beach and ocean, and a lot of people coming and going from the area.
There are a lot of seals in this area of La Jolla, and they will often be on the beach, rocks nearby, or in the water, so it's always important to be cautious and aware of any wildlife and not to interfere with them in their natural habitat.
Beach Cleanliness: 6/10
The beach is relatively clean and doesn't really stand out either way as being extremely clean or dirty.
The sand is your typical plush, white sand, and there typically isn't much litter on this beach.
Overall, there aren't typically any concerns about the cleanliness or quality of sand here.
Water Quality: 7/10
The water quality in La Jolla Cove is generally safe for swimming.
Like all San Diego beaches, it is advisable to avoid entering the water for at least 72 hours after heavy rainfall.
Activities: 5/10
La Jolla Cove doesn't necessarily stand out as a place beaming with activities available to be enjoyed.
What's available to do will also heavily depend on the wave conditions, as sometimes the water can be flat making for good snorkeling, scuba diving, or swimming conditions, and other times there can be waves that allow for boogie boarding.
You'll see people kayaking or going out on paddle boards in this area as well.
This is not a beach to go to for surfing, or certain beach games like volleyball as there isn't enough space.
Oceanfront Accommodation
Vacation Rentals
Staying in vacation rentals from sites like VRBO, Airbnb, Homestay, etc. can be a great choice for staying near La Jolla Cove, and there are typically options available near La Jolla Village. There might be more limited choices for rentals directly on the beach or with views of the water though. If you are traveling with a big family or group of people, it could be beneficial to have the extra space of a house; a lot of them do have patios, balconies, or rooftop decks with unobstructed views of the ocean.
Hotels
La Jolla Cove Hotel and Suites - Overlooking the picturesque La Jolla Cove, the La Jolla Cove Hotel and Suites offers guests an intimate coastal retreat with stunning ocean views. Amenities include complimentary continental breakfast, an oceanfront heated pool and spa, beach chair and umbrella rentals, and easy access to the shops and restaurants of La Jolla Village.
La Valencia Hotel - La Valencia Hotel radiates historic charm with its iconic pink exterior and Mediterranean-inspired architecture. Guests can enjoy rooms with ocean views, an oceanfront restaurant and bar, as well as amenities such as an outdoor heated pool, a full-service spa, and live entertainment at the historic La Sala Lounge.
Pantai Inn- Pantai Inn provides a serene oasis overlooking the Pacific Ocean and La Jolla Cove. Amenities include a lush courtyard garden, complimentary gourmet breakfast served in a charming dining room, beach gear rentals, and personalized concierge services to ensure a memorable stay.
Cormorant Boutique Hotel- Nestled in the heart of La Jolla Village, the Cormorant Boutique Hotel offers boutique accommodations with each room having ocean or village views. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, relax on the rooftop terrace with panoramic ocean vistas, and explore the nearby boutiques, galleries, and restaurants of downtown La Jolla.
Grand Colonial- Located steps away from La Jolla Cove, the Grand Colonial Hotel offers guests a luxurious retreat with breathtaking ocean views and upscale amenities. Amenities include a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, a fitness center, complimentary continental breakfast, and personalized concierge services to enhance your stay.
There are other hotels located in or near La Jolla Cove that are near shops and restaurants, but don't provide views of the ocean or beach. Check out Expedia or Hotels.com to see what else might be available.
Oceanfront Dining
George's at the Cove - Situated atop a cliff overlooking the ocean, George's at the Cove offers stunning views and is open for lunch and dinner. Diners can savor contemporary American cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients while enjoying panoramic vistas of the Pacific.
Brockton Villa - Perched on the cliffs near La Jolla Cove, Brockton Villa provides ocean views and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can indulge in coastal-inspired dishes and signature cocktails while admiring the scenic beauty of the coastline.
Eddie V's Prime Seafood - Located near La Jolla Cove, Eddie V's Prime Seafood boasts ocean views and is open for dinner. Guests can indulge in prime seafood dishes and steaks in a sophisticated atmosphere with panoramic vistas of the water.
Duke's - With its beachfront location near La Jolla Cove, Duke's offers ocean views and is open for lunch and dinner. Diners can experience Hawaiian-inspired cuisine featuring fresh seafood and island flavors while enjoying the sights and sounds of the ocean.
The Mediterranean Room - Overlooking the water near La Jolla Cove, The Mediterranean Room offers ocean views and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can savor Mediterranean-inspired dishes paired with fine wines in an elegant setting with breathtaking views of the coastline.
Cody's - Located near La Jolla Cove, Cody's offers ocean views and is open for breakfast and lunch. Guests can enjoy a casual dining experience with fresh seafood dishes and classic American fare while soaking in the coastal ambiance.
Blue Ocean / Harumama - Situated near La Jolla Cove, Blue Ocean / Harumama offers water views and is open for lunch and dinner. Diners can enjoy a unique fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisine in a vibrant setting with coastal vistas.
Cove House - With its waterfront location near La Jolla Cove, Cove House offers ocean views and is open for lunch and dinner. Guests can savor fresh seafood and California-inspired dishes while taking in the serene beauty of the coastline.
Jose's Courtroom - Nestled near La Jolla Cove, Jose's Courtroom features water views and is open for lunch and dinner. Diners can enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine and handcrafted margaritas in a relaxed setting with glimpses of the ocean.
Olive and Basil Courtroom - Located with water views near La Jolla Cove, Olive and Basil Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Guests can savor Italian-inspired dishes made with fresh ingredients while enjoying scenic views of the waterfront.
There are several other restaurants and cafes located near La Jolla Cove, but I only included the ones offering views of the water. There are many places in La Jolla Village that offer dining, but not with ocean views.
Ocean-Related Activities/Tours
La Jolla Sea Cave and Kayak Tour - Explore the Seven Sea Caves on a kayak tour, and a giant kelp forest inhabited by wildlife like otters, harbor seals, and sea lions. Use of all kayaking equipment is included; no kayaking experience is necessary.
Snorkel Rental - Explore the beautiful waters off the La Jolla coast and rent a snorkel package with a wetsuit included for your convenience.
La Jolla Walking Tour - Embark on a 1.5 hour walking tour of La Jolla where much of the tour is spent by the ocean and you'll also see animals that live year round on the shores of La Jolla. You'll also explore a hidden cave overlooking the ocean, boutiques and hotels, and the best ice cream shop in California. There's also this historic walking tour available.
E-Bike Tour- Visit La Jolla and ride to the summit of Mount Soledad with a 2.5-hour guided tour by electric bike. Take in sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean from Soledad, then steer back to the water’s edge to explore the glamorous community’s most iconic spots. There's also this e-bike tour.
La Jolla Segway Tour - This scenery-packed Segway tour of San Diego's La Jolla neighborhood begins at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, where you'll set out to explore the hilly, oceanfront community of La Jolla — nicknamed 'The Jewel of San Diego.'
La Jolla Food & Drink Walking Tour - The Sip, Savor and Sea Tour offers guests an incredible food and drink tasting tour of one of the most beautiful beachside areas of San Diego.
Private La Jolla Tour by Sidecar - Enjoy a unique perspective as you cruise around La Jolla in style on a motorcycle sidecar tour with a private driver and guide. See why La Jolla is called the “Jewel,” with stops at Torrey Pines, La Jolla Cove, and La Jolla Shores Park, or enjoy a customized itinerary.
A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour - Join a self-guided tour through La Jolla's hidden treasures, where every step reveals a new story in this iconic coastal paradise. From secret sea caves to famous residents, this adventure offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and excitement.
Professional Beachfront Picnics - Want to have a romantic lunch or dinner? How about a group picnic with friends at sunset where everything is taken care of for you? Enjoy a luxurious picnic overlooking the La Jolla coastline.
Head over to nearby La Jolla Shores for:
Bonfires - Nothing better than enjoying a bonfire on the beach after the sun goes down to end the day! There are firepits on the beach, and there are several companies that will set everything up for you and all you'll have to do is show up.
Beach Yoga Session - Enjoy a relaxing yoga session on the beach where you can take in views of the Pacific and hear the sound of waves crashing throughout.
Surf Lessons - many companies offer private and group surf lessons, so you don't have to brave the water alone if interested in catching some waves!
For further information and tips, please refer to our full beach review linked here.
If you have any questions, or if you'd like clarification on anything, please feel free to leave a comment or send us a message!
Comments