The beach at La Jolla Cove is open 24/7, so you can stop by there at any time. The lifeguard schedule varies between seasons, so you might want to double-check online before you go, but generally, there’s a lifeguard on duty between 9 AM and dusk every day. If you visit the beach at night, you’ll be swimming at your own risk, although the water at La Jolla Cove is usually pretty gentle. It’s also a public beach, so there’s no entry fee.

There are a few restrictions you’ll have to follow when visiting the beach, however. Because La Jolla Cove is part of San Diego’s underwater nature preserve area, there are some rules in place to protect the local wildlife. Snorkeling and swimming are allowed, but you can’t bring surfboards, boogie boards, or any inflatable devices with you. There are also no dogs allowed on the beach between 9 AM and 4 PM in the winter or between 9 AM and 6 PM in the summer.

You can bring your dog to La Jolla Cove in the evening, but you’ll have to make sure your furry friend stays on a leash. Alcohol is also prohibited on the beach, as is smoking, bringing glass bottles, and making too much noise. Be careful not to litter at La Jolla Cove, as you could end up with a pretty serious fine. Most of these rules are put in place to protect La Jolla’s native seal and sea lion population, particularly during pupping season. 

As long as you follow the rules, La Jolla Cove is one of the best beaches to visit in southern California and we highly recommend taking a trip there. To make the most of your trip to the area, 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.