La Jolla Cove, San Diego, Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

La Jolla Cove is a small, sheltered beach on the coast of La Jolla in San Diego, California, set against sandstone cliffs. It sits at the heart of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, a protected stretch of sea where sea lions rest on the rocks and bright orange garibaldi swim in the kelp. It is also the starting point for a string of sea caves, one of them tied to a well-known ghost legend.

The story behind it

Long before it became a postcard view, this coast belonged to the Kumeyaay. One translation of their name for the area is "land of holes," a reference to the caves in the cliffs. Some people believe the name La Jolla grew out of that word rather than from the Spanish for "jewel." The origin is still debated, but it is a good reminder that the caves have been part of the place for a very long time.

Under the surface, the Cove is protected. Since 1971 it has been a no-take marine reserve, so nothing may be fished or carried away. East of the beach, the cliffs hold seven named sea caves: Clam's Cave, Sunny Jim, Arch, Sea Surprize, Shopping Cart, Little Sister and the White Lady. Local legend says the White Lady is named for a bride who was swept out to sea from the cave while on her honeymoon. Others say the cave opening looks like a veiled figure. Nobody can prove the story, which is part of its charm.

What to look for

• Sea lions lying on the rocks and ledges at the edge of the beach, usually noisy and easy to hear before you see them.
• Garibaldi, the bright orange fish, flashing among the kelp if you look down into the clear shallows near the rocks.
• The layered sandstone cliffs east of the beach, where the waves have carved the hollows that become caves.
• The pale, arch-shaped openings of the White Lady and Little Sister caves, best seen from along the cliff edge when the light is low.

Tips for your visit

• Allow an hour for the beach and the nearby clifftop paths, more if you want to watch the sea lions or swim.
• Morning tends to be calmer and quieter, while late afternoon gives the best light on the cliffs.
• Keep a respectful distance from the sea lions and do not touch or feed them.
• Most caves can only be reached from the water, so check current conditions and local guidance before planning any swim, kayak or snorkel.

See it on a quest

The Cove works well as one stop on a longer walk. Ghost Hunt in San Diego passes La Jolla Cove, and its ghostly theme suits the White Lady legend. You reach the Cove on foot as part of a route through the area, the app tells you about each place as you arrive, and you solve a puzzle in front of what you are looking at. You can start any time, with no guide and no group to join. One ticket covers the whole group.