La Jolla Shores Beach vs La Jolla Cove

Whether you prefer a leisurely trip to a San Diego beach or a more active one, fun awaits at these beaches.

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Beachgoers Enjoying the Beach at La Jolla Cove

Stay Busy or Relax at La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is a Marine Protected Area, which has helped to protect its natural diversity of marine life. Activities that might damage the ecosystem are prohibited, and there are no hard boards allowed, which means no kayaking, surfing, or paddleboarding.

La Jolla Cove isn’t a surfing spot, but there’s still plenty to do. The beach gets a lot of sun, and its calm waves are perfect for swimming.

The most popular activity here is snorkeling. The water is clear and easy to see through, and the natural protection against waves formed by the cove ensures the tides never get too rough or choppy.

Scuba diving is similarly popular, though the steep steps leading to the beach mean you’ll have to work a little harder to get all your gear down. It’s worth it, though, as seeing the famously diverse marine life of La Jolla with your own eyes is an unforgettable experience.

Walking Out to Go Scuba Diving at La Jolla Shores

Water Sports and Other Activities at La Jolla Shores

La Jolla Shores is a picturesque beach, with lots of space to set up an umbrella and some beach towels, even when it’s crowded. It’s a large, open beach, and the water is ideal for swimming.

If you’re looking to scuba dive, there’s a cove just off the beach that isn’t far from the La Jolla Underwater Park, a reef that’s a habitat for hundreds of species of fish and other marine animals. Many people scuba dive from La Jolla Shores and swim over to the Underwater Park.

While it may not be one of the top spots to surf in San Diego, when conditions are right, you can still catch some beginner-friendly waves at La Jolla Shores. This pairs perfectly with La Jolla surfing lessons, though you can also walk about 5 minutes north to hit Scripps Beach, which has more consistent surfing conditions.

La Jolla Cave Looking to Ocean

Comparing Available Activities at Both Beaches

Situated just between the two beaches and easily accessible from either is La Jolla Caves Beach, home of the seven sea caves. Take a kayak out on the water to admire these caves, which were naturally carved by waves against the sandstone cliffs.

Since there’s lots to do at both beaches with excellent conditions on average, I consider this a tie.

La Jolla Shores Boardwalk and Main Lifeguard Tower

Both La Jolla Shores and Cove are generally laid-back, though they’re also very popular with tourists and San Diegans alike.

They can get busy, especially after Memorial Day and throughout the summer. Peak times are typically from mid-morning to the afternoon, so visit early if you want to claim a prime spot.

Having a Beach Fire at La Jolla Shores

Crowds at La Jolla Shores

La Jolla Shores tends to have a more touristy feel, providing the classic beach experience rather than a more specialized or secluded atmosphere. It tends to draw large crowds, in part thanks to the beach’s huge free parking lots.

The Atmosphere of La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is much smaller than La Jolla Shores and typically doesn’t attract such large crowds. The parking is more limited here, but the crowds are thinner year-round.

The Beach with the Better Atmosphere

With its smaller crowds and more insulated atmosphere, La Jolla Cove provides a more authentic-feeling Southern California beach experience.

For locals like Todd, it’s the clear choice!

Bus with Downtown San Diego in the Background

Whether you drive, take a local rideshare or take the bus, getting to the beach should be just as relaxing as the rest of your vacation.

La Jolla Shores’ Accessibility

It’s usually easiest to find parking at La Jolla Shores, as the lot there is large enough to accommodate all but the biggest crowds. The lot is free.

Access to La Jolla Shores is just a short walk from the parking lot, and the whole beach is handicap accessible. Restrooms and showers are available at the beach.

La Jolla Shores doesn’t have benches, but the grassy area just before the beach is a popular spot for picnics. Be sure to pack a lunch, as you’ll have to leave the beach to get food otherwise.

Parking and More at La Jolla Cove

You might have some more trouble finding parking when visiting La Jolla Cove. The lot is smaller, and the nearest free street spaces fill up fast. Consider using San Diego’s public transit to get to and from the beach.

At La Jolla Cove, you’ll need to walk down a set of stairs to reach the beach, so it’s not accessible for anyone in a wheelchair.

It only usually takes me a few minutes, but if you’re walking with young kids or older family members, know that the steps can be a little slippery with sand and sea water.

There are outdoor showers and restrooms, as well as picnic benches at the nearby Ellen Browning Scripps Park. The beach also has a lifeguard tower.

Boardwalk at La Jolla Shores

Our Team’s Preferred Choice

With its greater accessibility and large parking lot, La Jolla Shores is the winner here.

While these beaches are generally safe, there are still some rules in place to protect both beachgoers and the environment.

Here are some rules to keep in mind when visiting any of the La Jolla beaches. With more environmental protections in place, La Jolla Cove has a few more regulations, though it’s important to follow all posted signage at both beaches.

Main Lifeguard Station at La Jolla Shores

Safety at La Jolla Shores

La Jolla Shores generally has manageable tides, but during colder months, the waves can be a bit larger and more powerful. Pay attention to any limitations set by lifeguards.

Both beaches have lifeguard towers, but La Jolla Shores has many more thanks to its larger size.

Though not officially considered a dog beach, dogs are allowed at La Jolla Shores. They must be leashed, and aren’t allowed during peak hours from 9:00 am-4:00 pm.

Drinking is not allowed on either beach, and all trash must be properly disposed of, or you could be fined.

Main Lifeguard Station at the La Jolla Cove

Additional Regulations at La Jolla Cove

Since La Jolla Cove is shielded from the waves, strong currents are a rarity. The beach is typically safe for families and other inexperienced swimmers year-round.

To preserve its waters for snorkeling and swimming, La Jolla Cove does not allow hard boards at the beach. This means no surfing, nor are visitors allowed to boogie board, paddleboard, or go kayaking.

Like La Jolla Shores, leashed dogs are allowed at La Jolla Cove, but only in the early mornings and evenings.

La Jolla Shores South End of Beach

Our Pick for Beach Rules that Work Best or Us

Though the tides can vary more at La Jolla Shores, there are a few more rules to keep in mind at the Cove, so we prefer the La Jolla Shores in this case.

La Jolla Cove and the Path Above the Beach

Seasonal Considerations

Both La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove are open year-round. There are lifeguards throughout the year as well.

When to Visit

Crowds at both beaches are thinner in the fall and spring, which are still warm enough for a beach visit in San Diego.

There are usually huge crowds on and around Memorial Day weekend, so if that doesn’t sound like your style, I say plan your trip at a slightly different time or get there as early as possible.

About to Go Snorkeling at the La Jolla Cove

Come Prepared

It may seem obvious, but you’ll want to come prepared with plenty of water, a towel and sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat and perhaps an umbrella. The sun can get very hot and you won’t want to have to leave once you arrive.