La Jolla Cove Beach

Known as "The Jewel" of San Diego, La Jolla features luxury homes, fine dining and upscale shopping that rivals Rodeo Drive. But the real jewels in La Jolla are the beaches, which are freely available for visitors and locals alike. The La Jolla coastline varies dramatically - from 300 foot sea cliffs, to rocky reefs, to golden sand coves, exploring La Jolla’s beaches is an exhilarating and inspiring experience. Where to Go: La Jolla Shores is a mile long crescent of prime sand beach favored by active beachgoers of all interests.  Anchored by the Scripps Institute of Oceanography pier, this is a busy swimming area popular among families and surfers alike. Shielded by La Jolla Bay, it is also used as a launching ground for scuba diving and kayaking.  At night it's alive with the glow of beach fires and the nervous energy of young adults socializing.  Fortified by 300 foot sea cliffs is Torrey Pines City Beach, home to Black's Beach, is located at the northern most point of La Jolla. Difficult and hazardous to access for the public, this spot is favored by local surfers and body boarders.  And although nudity is prohibited by law in California,Black's Beach is frequented by those who prefer to enjoy the surf and sand in the buff.  La Jolla Cove is the north facing point on the seaward end of the cliffs that form a small deep water bay here. The cliffs are riddled with sea caves of special fascination to kayakers who paddle over from La Jolla Shores Beach. La Jolla Cove itself has a fine little beach, on busy summer days, visitor and locals will flock to the area for terrific swimming and snorkeling afforded by The Cove's sheltered waters and abundance of bright orange Garibaldi fish and other tame marine life (The Cove has long been protected from fishing of any kind). Scuba divers and ocean swimmers use The Cove as a safe point of entry and exit. No surfboards, boogie boards or rafts of any kind are allowed. There is an excellent grass park adjacent to The Cove with bathrooms, showers, picnic tables, a paved pedestrian walkway and several public gazebos. The Children’s Pool, located close to downtown La Jolla, is a small cove protected by a concrete breakwater wall originally built to create a safe swimming area for children. Now, however, the area is a protected area frequented by seals and sea lions who beach themselves on the sand with their young.