La Jolla’s beaches are famous for their beauty, but perhaps none more so than La Jolla Cove. Tucked away between towering sandstone cliffs, this small sandy beach is among the most photographed in southern California. It’s also well-known for its mild surf and clear water, making it the perfect spot for swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers.

On some days, the underwater visibility at La Jolla Cove can exceed 30 feet. If you’re wondering about cost, then don’t worry – like other public beaches, La Jolla Cove is completely free to visit and is, in fact, open 24 hours a day. The beach is one of nine in San Diego that has permanent lifeguard stations, so it’s safe to swim with your kids there. Keep in mind, however, that the area is within the La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, so fishing is prohibited and there are no dogs allowed on the beach.

Of course, La Jolla Cove is far from the only beach worth visiting in the area. Another local favorite is La Jolla Shores Beach, a family-friendly beach featuring soft sand, gentle water, and the largest aggregation of leopard sharks in the world. La Jolla Shores is also one of the best places in San Diego to learn how to surf, although more experienced surfers should head straight to Windansea Beach instead for some proper curls. If you have small children and you’d rather avoid waves altogether (as well as sharks), then Children’s Pool Beach is the best option for you. This seawall-protected beach is also one of the best places in the city to see seals and sea lions.

To make the most of your next trip to La Jolla, check out our La Jolla Cove Self-Guided Driving Tour, or you can sign up for Action+ and gain access to over 100 tours for a single yearly price.