What is there to do at La Jolla Cove?
The Cove directly faces the La Jolla Underwater Park that is a favorite for local scuba divers. It, like the Cove, is protected by all sorts of regulations, especially fishing. There is plenty of sea life to be spotted here, the most obvious which is of course the La Jolla Cove seals and sea lions.
How deep is the bottom of La Jolla Canyon?
Beyond the slope the bottom takes a sudden and 500-foot (150 m)-deep plunge into the La Jolla Canyon. The canyon reaches depths of 600 feet (180 m) within the park. The abrupt drop and abundance of marine life help to explain why migrating whales can often be spotted close to shore.
Where are the sea caves in La Jolla?
The La Jolla sea caves, or "The 7 caves of La Jolla", are just north of the cove. The best known of these is "Sunny Jim Cave", a short walking distance from the Cove and from the local businesses that are situated up above the shoreline.
How big is La Jolla underwater park San Diego?
The San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park spans 6,000 acres (24 km2) of ocean bottom and tidelands. The park's four distinct habitats (rocky reef, kelp bed, sand flats, and submarine canyon) make it a popular destination for snorkelers and scuba divers.
How deep is La Jolla Shores water?
about 60-80 feetThis area occupies a gentle slope, and depths range from about 60-80 feet.
How deep is the La Jolla Canyon?
Scripps Canyon valley joins a larger canyon, La Jolla Canyon, at an axial depth of 980 feet, 1.3 miles from its head.
Is it safe to swim in La Jolla Cove?
Swimmers are still wading into the water at La Jolla Cove, despite a county health advisory warning of high bacteria levels at the popular beach. “Warning! Contact with this water may cause illness,” signs posted at the cove stated. “Bacteria levels exceed health standards.”
Are there sharks in La Jolla Cove?
La Jolla is home to the largest annual aggregation of leopard sharks in the world. Every summer, locals and visitors flock to La Jolla Shores Beach to swim, snorkel, kayak, and dive with the sharks. Even kids can enjoy this special interaction.
How deep is the ocean off of San Diego?
San Diego BayAverage depth21.33 feet (6.50 m)Max. depth60 feet (18 m) (dredged)SettlementsSan Diego, Coronado, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, National CityReferences12 more rows
What is the deepest part of the ocean in California?
The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean on Earth. It spans 60 million square miles from California to China, and in certain regions extends tens of thousands of feet below the surface of the water.
Why does La Jolla Cove smell?
Although the Cove Stench unpredictably comes and goes depending on the day, when it's there, it is unmissable. It's the smell of sea-animal feces produced by hundreds of nearby animals resting on the rocks: pelicans, cormorants, and, most prominently, sea lions.
Are there great white sharks in La Jolla?
The 25 great white sharks I encountered this summer off Torrey Pines State Beach and Del Mar were definitely great whites and they will return [in 2022]. With few seals off TPSB and Del Mar, La Jolla is the very likely location where we will see numerous GWS's feeding on seals and sea lions next summer.
Is La Jolla Cove dirty?
La Jolla Cove has been named the fifth-most polluted beach in California by the annual Beach Report Card from the environmental nonprofit Heal the Bay.
Are there still leopard sharks in La Jolla?
Every summer, hundreds of leopard sharks gather in the warm waters of La Jolla Shores for their breeding season. The sharks are totally harmless to humans, so people of all ages can safely swim with them in the shallow water right next to the beach.
Can you go in the La Jolla caves?
Six of the seven caves can only be accessed from the water. Booking one of the La Jolla kayaking and/or boat tours is the best way to see those caves. The seventh cave, Sunny Jimmy's Cave, is the only one accessible from land.
Are there jellyfish in La Jolla?
The La Jolla Cove is a stellar place to dive for a multitude of reasons. First off, the area of the cove is full of sea life. You'll have the chance to see a variety of fish species, plus Leopard Sharks, octopus, crabs, seals, jellyfish, and more.
What are some things you didn't know about La Jolla Cove?
8 Things You Didn’t Know About La Jolla Cove. La Jolla Cove is one of the most well-known attractions in La Jolla. Complete with crystal-clear blue water, pleasant swimming temperatures, and an abundance of marine life to observe, it’s become a favorite spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Nowadays, the spot is infamous for its seals ...
What is the best place to snorkel in La Jolla?
La Jolla Cove is one of the most well-known attractions in La Jolla. Complete with crystal-clear blue water, pleasant swimming temperatures, and an abundance of marine life to observe, it’s become a favorite spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Nowadays, the spot is infamous for its seals and sea lion population – and the odor ...
Why is the water at La Jolla Cove colder than anywhere else?
This is mostly because it faces out into much deeper, colder, water.
What can you do at La Jolla Cove?
Pretty much the only thing you can do at La Jolla Cove is swim. Because of these restrictions, garibaldi and other marine life run aplenty; visitors have reported seeing octopus, stingrays, swell sharks, sea slugs, sea stars, urchins, and large schools of fish. Keep an eye out and you’ll never know what you might see!
What was the first resort in La Jolla?
La Jolla became known as a resort area, and to attract visitors, developers built a bath house, dance pavilion, and a temporary tent city every summer. Visitors were housed in small cottages and bungalows above the Cove on a barren hillside, the very first to be built in La Jolla.
How many people can you seat in a golf cart in La Jolla?
La Jolla Golf Carts has several for rent directly above La Jolla Cove, most of which can seat up to four people. This is a perfect option for people who want to get off their feet for a little while and still explore everything beautiful La Jolla California has to offer – from downtown to the Shores.
Where to see lifeguards in San Diego?
From 9am until the sun sets, you’ll see lifeguards at La Jolla Cove. This is one of just a handful of beaches in San Diego that has lifeguards on duty regularly, which makes it a very safe place to take the kids.
What are the animals that live in La Jolla Cove?
This means there is ample wildlife, such as seals, barracuda, opaleye, giant sea bass, baitfish and orange garibaldi.
What is the best way to tour La Jolla?
Their most popular tour will guide you to the top of La Jolla to experience the world class view from Mt Soledad, take you down into Pacific Beach, and back through La Jolla to the Cove.
Where to snorkel in the park?
Once you are in the Cove area (north end of the park), you’ll see that there are three main spots ideal for snorkeling: The immediate Cove area (the rocky section just to the left) South of the cove (near the kelp beds) Along the caves to the north.
How far away from shore is the buoy?
This enables swimmers to know how far they are from the shore. There is a buoy at ¼ mile out and another one ½ mile out at the Cove, though most swimmers stay within a ½ mile of shore. Generally, the less experienced swimmer you are, the closer you should stay to shore.
Where is the La Jolla Half Marathon?
This breathtaking point-to-point race is considered one of the best in America. It starts up north at the picturesque Del Mar Fairgrounds and winds down – along the coast – through Torrey Pines Beach and eventually reaching La Jolla. The race finishes at beautiful La Jolla Cove.
Where is the Pink Lady?
La Valencia. La Valencia, also knows as the pink lady is a luxury resort in La Jolla that also hosts premier events in San Diego. With both indoor and outdoor space available, this is the perfect spot to have a dream oceanside wedding you’ll never forget.
Where to walk in La Jolla?
Start at La Jolla Cove then walk to the Seven Sea Caves Lookout for a great view. This walk takes you on a winding adventure Northeast and past local wildlife, including seals and sea lions.
What is Sunny Jim's cave?
Sunny Jim’s cave is the only La Jolla cave that is accessible by land via a hand-dug tunnel leading down from the historical landmark, the Cave Store. The cave was given this name "Sunny Jim" by Frank Baum, the author of The Wizard of Oz. Mr. Baum gave the cave this unique name due to the shape of the cave's opening.
How old are the caves in La Jolla?
The seven sea caves in La Jolla are perched within a 75-million-year-old sandstone sea cliff. The sea cliff most commonly referred to as the 7 Caves of La Jolla. These seven sculpted cave openings face north, as they sit in between beach of La Jolla Shores and the sandy beach of La Jolla Cove.
How deep is the La Jolla Canyon?
Beyond the slope the bottom takes a sudden and 500-foot (150 m)-deep plunge into the La Jolla Canyon. The canyon reaches depths of 600 feet (180 m) within the park. The abrupt drop and abundance of marine life help to explain why migrating whales can often be spotted close to shore.
What is the best place to see seals in La Jolla?
The reefs keep the waves minimal, making this an entry point for divers and kayakers. Kelp beds on the outer edges of the slope are popular fishing spots and great for observing seals, dolphins, birds and fish.
How many acres are there in San Diego La Jolla?
The San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park spans 6,000 acres (24 km 2) of ocean bottom and tidelands. The park's four distinct habitats (rocky reef, kelp bed, sand flats, and submarine canyon) make it a popular destination for snorkelers and scuba divers. The park was created by the City of San Diego in 1970 and actually has two other parks within it: ...
Where are the white lady caves in La Jolla?
White Lady, named for her long, bustled-dress silhouette, is located on the eastern corner of the sea cliff.
Where is the underwater park in La Jolla?
It is located near the boardwalk between the restrooms and the children's play area at the south end of Kellogg Park.
Why is La Jolla Beach so popular?
One reason why La Jolla Cove Beach is so popular is that it’s a gateway to the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, a human-made and protected marine reserve. Snorkelers, divers, and swimmers enter the ocean here to exercise, sightsee, and explore sea life in this underwater park.
How long should I visit La Jolla Cove?
The best time to visit La Jolla Cove depends on what you’d like to do while here. A half-day visit is typical unless you are heading out on a tour, planning to spend a day at the beach, or would like to spend a full day in downtown La Jolla.
What is La Jolla Cove?
La Jolla Cove is a small coastal inlet surrounded by picturesque sandstone bluffs that shelter the popular La Jolla Cove Beach. Gulls, cormorants, sea lions, and native plants line these bluffs above the ocean, making this one of the most pretty and photographed areas in Southern California.
What is Ellen Browning's park?
Ellen Browning Scripps Park. Sadly, the tall tree has blown down since I took this photo. You can also see a belvedere on the right. An enormous grassy area called Ellen Browning Scripps Park offers outdoor fun adjacent to La Jolla Cove.
What fish can you see in California?
Good visibility allows divers and snorkelers to see bright orange Garibaldi (California’s state fish), guitarfish, kelp bass, sea stars, anemones, and more marine life that live in the kelp beds, sand flats, and submarine canyons. And, don’t be surprised if a friendly sea lion decides to keep you company.
Where to go to see seashells in La Jolla?
Shell Beach. Walk along the boardwalk south from La Jolla Cove toward the Children’s Pool and you’ll see a stairway leading down to the beach near a green hut. This is Shell Beach, aptly named as seashells often wash up on the sand. People do sunbathe here as a quieter alternative to La Jolla Cove if the tide permits.
Is La Jolla Cove a good place to swim?
Many consider La Jolla Cove one of the best places in the world for ocean swimming. Some people swim here daily, even as far as the Scripps Pier (3 miles away). The La Jolla Swim Club offers excellent advice for what to know about water conditions here.
How long does it take to get from downtown San Diego to La Jolla?
On Monday through Friday bus #30 makes a complete trip from downtown San Diego to La Jolla and back, taking about 45 minutes to get from downtown to its La Jolla stop at Herschel and Silverado. Restrictions: Fishing and removing objects from the cove at La Jolla is strictly prohibited as it is part of the La Jolla Underwater Park.
Where to see seals in La Jolla?
Watch the seals: La Jolla Cove is one of the most well known spots to check out seals and sea lions; they love bathing on the sandy beach and the rocks just off the coast. Scuba diving: you must be certified to dive on your own, but this is a beautiful spot for scuba diving.
Where is La Jolla Cove?
La Jolla Cove is a small beach nestled between sandstone cliffs, within the community of La Jolla, CA; which sits just north of Pacific Beach and a few miles south of Del Mar in San Diego, California. Because of its extraordinary beauty, La Jolla Cove is one of the most photographed beaches in all Southern California – and one of the most visited!
Is La Jolla Cove a good place to snorkel?
In the summer, La Jolla Cove is ideal for swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers; the abundance of marine life coupled with crystal clear waters makes for a one-of-a-kind experience. If you’re looking to visit La Jolla in the future, here is everything you need to know about how to get to La Jolla Cove!
Is La Jolla Cove protected?
As it’s part of the La Jolla Underwater Park, La Jolla Cove’s underwater reefs and marine life are federally protected as a marine refuge area, with specific restrictions on fishing, boating, etc. The cove is usually packed with snorkelers and swimmers looking to take advantage of this beautiful area without the distraction of boats, etc.
What are the habitats of the La Jolla Underwater Park?
The Geography of the Underwater Park. The La Jolla Underwater Park’s four habitats include rocky reefs, kelp beds, sand flats, and submarine canyons. The two canyons, Scripps Canyon and La Jolla Canyon, are among the most studied submarine canyons in the world.
What is the name of the underwater park in La Jolla?
The full name for the La Jolla Underwater Park is actually San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park. La Jolla resides in the City of San Diego which you can learn more about in my FAQ post about La Jolla, California. The park was created in 1970 by the City of San Diego to protect the marine life and is divided into two parts: Ecological Reserve ...
What is Scripps Pier?
Scripps Pier is used to study ocean conditions and marine biology. The Marine Life Refuge covers the rest of the La Jolla Underwater Park. It extends a little further west into the ocean and north to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
How tall is the kelp in La Jolla?
Swim out into the underwater park from La Jolla Cove to the kelp beds where magnificent strands grow up to 100′ tall in the deep water. The forest of California giant kelp will catch your eye if it hasn’t woven around your legs first when you reach it.
What is the sandy bottom at La Jolla Shores Beach?
Sandy bottom at La Jolla Shores Beach. A shallow sand flat extends gradually into the ocean from the beach until a sudden, roughly 500-foot drop leads to the canyon. This deep water combined with rich food sources draw whales close to shore during seasonal migrations.
How old are the sea caves in La Jolla?
K Photo from my sea cave kayak tour with Everyday California. Adding to the area’s mystique are the seven sea caves set in 75-million-year-old sandstone bordering the La Jolla Underwater Park.
Why are reefs important in San Diego?
Because of the offshore reefs, waves typically break tamely on to La Jolla Shores Beach which is why it is one of the best places in San Diego to launch a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and even learn how to surf.
What does La Jolla Cove smell like?
4. Expect a smell from (very important!) poop. La Jolla Cove may naturally be a little stinky from seal and sea lion poop, but visitors adjust to the smell very quickly. However unappealing it might be to human noses, poop actually serves a vital role in the ocean ecosystem!
What would happen if seals didn't poop?
When seals poop, the nutrients and nitrogen from their deep ocean diet are made available to feed planktons and algae that other animals eat. Without seals, these plants would not get enough nutrients and would die, along with many other species, including the La Jolla leopard sharks.
What to do in La Jolla?
If you’re more in the mood for staying outdoors, there are plenty of options including snorkeling, kayak tours, scuba diving, surfing, or stand up paddle boarding available at La Jolla Shores . The nearby sea caves provide plenty of opportunity for exploration, including the La Jolla tide pools. 2.
What to wear to La Jolla Cove?
Wear close-toed shoes if you plan on walking out on the beach or any rocky areas. It can get slippery very quickly out there, especially coming down the stairs to get to La Jolla Cove.
What to do if you see a sea lion on the beach?
While the beach promises fun in the sun, once in a blue moon a problem may arise. If you see a sick or injured seal or sea lion, call the Sea World Mammal Rescue at (800) 541-7325. This group is much more capable of helping than Animal Control.
Is the La Jolla Cove seal a threat?
The presence of the La Jolla Cove seals and sea lions is being threatened by local litigation that sees the seal odor as hurting nearby commercial interests. If you enjoy getting to witness nature outside of a zoo, consider donating to the Seal Conservatory at sealconservatory.org or contributing your voice to this ongoing political issue.
Can you leave trash on La Jolla Cove?
Both locals and tourists have a tendency to take the Cove for granted and forget its natural residents when going swimming or visiting the beach. Don’t leave trash on the La Jolla Cove or Children’s Pool beach or try to feed the seals and sea lions, as both of these activities can harm the animals.
Overview
The San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park spans 6,000 acres (24 km ) of ocean bottom and tidelands. The park's four distinct habitats (rocky reef, kelp bed, sand flats, and submarine canyon) make it a popular destination for snorkelers and scuba divers. The park was created by the City of San Diego in 1970 and actually has two other parks within it: the "look but don't touch" Ecological Res…
Ecological Reserve and Marine Life Refuge
The Ecological Reserve was established in 1971 and has since been expanded to a total of 533 acres (2.2 km ). It covers all of La Jolla Cove to a point midway on the La Jolla Shores beach. No fishing or scavenging is permitted within the reserve.
The Marine Life Refuge encompasses the Scripps Pier at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and was established back in 1929 as an academic research area. Recreation and fishing are permitt…
The La Jolla Caves
The seven sea caves in La Jolla are perched within a 75-million-year-old sandstone sea cliff. The sea cliff most commonly referred to as the 7 Caves of La Jolla. These seven sculpted cave openings face north, as they sit in between beach of La Jolla Shores and the sandy beach of La Jolla Cove. The seven sea caves are named as follows, from west to east: The Clam’s Cave, Sunny Jim’s …
Beyond the Boundary
While the park itself used to be a very productive fishery for lobster, abalone, halibut, mako shark and various other species of fish, the boundaries are still heavily fished for many types of species. One of the most active community fishing the adjacent areas are the saltwater fly fisherman who practice catch and release of many fish as well as fishing the adjacent kelp beds outside the boundary.
External links
• The San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, Vol. 1, La Jolla Cove
• The San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, Vol. 2, La Jolla Shores & Canyon
• City of San Diego: La Jolla Cove