La Jolla Cove in San Diego is one of the best beaches in the country, per a new list from Tripadvisor.
The small sandy beach is encircled by rugged sandstone cliffs and outcroppings, which makes for calm waters, especially in the summer.
With water visibility sometimes exceeding 30 feet, the cove is a popular destination for snorkelers and divers who come to see the best of California’s vibrant underwater habitats.
TripAdvisor‘s Travelers’ Choice Awards ranks the world’s most popular attractions based on those receiving a high volume of positive reviews. This 2025 list of the Best of the Best Beaches ranked La Jolla Cove at #4, behind Siesta Beach in Florida, Poipu Beach Park in Hawaii, and Ka’anapali Beach in Hawaii.
A few other California beaches also made the list, including Santa Monica State Beach at #18 and Coronado Beach at #23.
Things to do at La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove’s beach itself is quite small, meaning it can get fully submerged at high tide and quite crowded during peak seasons. Its popularity comes from the cove’s clear waters and ample opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling.
As part of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, the area protects abundant marine life, including bright orange Garibaldi fish, rays, and leopard sharks. It’s also famous for sea lions and harbor seals, which often sunbathe on the rocks, and thriving tide pools revealed at low tide.
Keep in mind that it is illegal to touch or disturb sea lions on the beach and in the water. According to the Sierra Club Seal Society, they are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The organization advises visitors to view sea lions from a distance of 3 car lengths.
As one of San Diego’s most gorgeous coastal towns, La Jolla offers numerous additional ways to appreciate the area around the cove. Look for the Sunny Jim Cave accessible through The Cave Store gift shop, take a walk along the Coast Walk Trail, or enjoy a picnic on the grass in Ellen Browning Scripps Park.
Visiting La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is a protected area, so be advised that it has a few additional rules: There is no surfing, boogie boarding, or fishing allowed, and you cannot collect shells from the beach. Dogs are only allowed before 9am and after 6pm (or after 4pm in the winter).
The small beach can become very crowded at peak times, so it’s worth showing up early to find street parking. And finally, the presence of large numbers of sea lions and birds can make the area smell strongly.
La Jolla Cove is a quick and easy walk from La Jolla Village, a collection of cafes, galleries, boutiques, and hotels spanning several blocks. Visitors often head up to Prospect Street or Girard Avenue for dining and shopping.
📍 Location: You can find La Jolla Cove at 1160 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037