FreeFree (gear rental or tours extra)Beaches & Coast
San Diego–La Jolla Underwater Park & Ecological Reserve
La Jolla, CA
Free (gear rental or tours extra)
By Simir Shah
The protected waters off the Cove and Shores are a no-take reserve: fishing and removing anything, shells and rocks included, is prohibited. Summer brings small surf and visibility that can top 30 feet, with bright orange garibaldi easy to spot. Beginners and kids usually do better at sandy La Jolla Shores than off the rocks at the Cove.
Good for
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 10+
Happening near here
- La Jolla Open Aire MarketLa Jolla · <1 mi · Sun 9am–1pmFree
- Beachside Fall Fest at Belmont ParkSan Diego · 6 mi
- SeaWorld Halloween SpooktacularSan Diego · 6 mi
- SeaWorld Howl-O-ScreamSan Diego · 6 mi
San Diego city depth 2026Marine reserve / snorkeling
Map
Tides today
Next low tide
4:10 PM
-0.7 ft
Next high tide
10:27 PM
4.1 ft
Predictions from NOAA · La Jolla station
Nearby places
La Jolla Cove & Children's PoolLa Jolla · Animals & Nature<1 miSunny Jim Sea Cave (The Cave Store)La Jolla · Animals & Nature<1 miCoast Walk TrailLa Jolla · Parks & Hiking<1 miEllen Browning Scripps ParkLa Jolla · Parks & Hiking<1 miLa Jolla Art & Wine FestivalLa Jolla · Arts & Culture<1 miWarwick'sLa Jolla · Shopping & Treats<1 mi
Keep planning
Eat nearby in La Jolla
- Froglander's Frozen YogurtSweets & Treats · $
- Scoops La JollaSweets & Treats · $
- Harry's Coffee ShopBreakfast & Brunch · $$ · kids menu
- The Taco StandMexican & Tacos · $