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La Jolla Cove
Categories: Active Life Parks Active Life Beaches Parks, Beaches [Edit]
1100 Coast Blvd(at Girard Ave)
La Jolla, CA 92037
Neighborhood: La Jolla
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
264 reviews for La Jolla Cove
264 reviews in English
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Review from Rhoda G.
I asked my cousin to take me to the Pacific Ocean because I missed it (Lake Michigan is not the same), so he took me here.
It was wonderful. We explored the tide pools, watched the sea lions, and walked along the paths, which had great views of the California coastline. It was so nice to enjoy the ocean breeze and how fresh the air was.
My parents are talking about moving down to San Diego within the next couple of years, so it will give me the opportunity to go kayaking and explore this area more. Looking forward to it!
Like the other reviews have said, the only downside is parking is a hassle especially on the weekends. -
Review from Vineet S.
Probably a must visit spot for everbody who is in town. We drove from MountSoledad mountain to the coves. Be careful while driving, since it is very steep going downhill. The roads are also very narrow while coming down.
We were able to find the parking very easily. It's a very touristy spot but it also had locals when we visited. There is a park which was filled with families and kids. There is good amount of seating available near the park.
Saw the seals taking rest at the shore. It's a really nice spot for a jog or just to relax in the vicinity of mother nature.
There are a couple of good resturants very close to the coves. There are few which overlook the beach. Probably a best place to impress somebody special and a perfect spot to bring your date. -
Review from Jen S.
It may be crawling with tourists, but I still love this place.
THE GOOD: As a scuba diver, it is the best shore dive in San Diego by far. You simply surface swim out to the marker and drop down into the canyon. I have seem lots of small sharks, rays, groupers, lobsters, starfish...all kind of neat stuff.
It is also a great spot for snorkeling. It is usually calm and the visibility in the shallows is almost always great. There are lots of garibaldi (California state fish) and the seals come fairly close to you.
There are also little swim-through caves to explore too (but expect a bad smell from all the seabirds pooping on the rocks above).
The lifeguards here are true professionals, and some of the finest I have met.
THE BAD: Parking sucks. On weekends, good luck trying to find a spot.
The beach is not good for laying out on, as it is rather small and there are too many tourists around. -
Review from Liny P.
Riverside, CA
Stinky stinky.. But totally worth it! Most amazing view I've seen in my entire life! Absolutely breathtaking. Sea lions are always there to put on a show.. It's like going to sea world for free! Lol J/k but they're seriously cute. Definitely stop by if you're in the area.. Actually, make a trip out there just to see the cove! Trust me, it's worth it.
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Review from Tasha T.
Honolulu, HI
Winter, summer, spring, or fall... La Jolla is always always the perfect place to sit and let your mind at ease. It might be hard to believe, but being born & raised on a tropical island I have to say that La Jolla rivals the beautiful beaches of Hawaii. The quaint park areas are kept clean, making it welcoming for nice walks and activities. If you are ever in San Diego, this is a must!
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Review from Robert C.
Honolulu, HI
Wow ! This place put me in a trance.....to the point where I spent the whole day in and out of the water and hiking and just basking in the sun. I guess I was so hypnotized by the surroundings that I didn't think about reapplying sunscreen cuz it really caught up with me that night. Oh well. Next time I am going to remember to look at the clock...unless someone comes up with a sunscreen that doesn't wash off, or wear out after an hour or two. Way too much fun here!
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Review from Emily S.
Somehow, I expected more. Or maybe I'm a spoiled brat.
La Jolla Cove was nice. However it is super packed with people. Parking was ridiculous to find. Actually, if you drive inland a little bit, there is parking in the neighborhoods.
Once you get here... there isn't really much to see. Except for the rock with the seals on it. But then, you can only stare at is for only so long.
If you're going to snorkel here, most of the water is filled with seaweed. At least I think that's what it is. You wouldn't be swimming in the ocean. You'll just be grabbing at the weeds to pull you around.
Although, I guess you'd be able to swim with the seals?
The views are okay. But, this wouldn't be a place I bring my out of town friends to. -
Review from Diana W.
Wow! I came her later at night (missed the sunset) but it was still beautiful! If I visit SD again, this is one stop I'll pass by.
The tide was really low for some reason, but that made the scene even more unique. Got to see the rocks, hear the seals and dude the algae was awesome! They have caves and a walk down area. Lots of folks scuba diving around, and heard its a great place to kayak too.
- Seals!
- Caves
- Walk Down area
- Stroll sidewalk, benches
- Scuba diving
- kayak
- glowing algae
Look at where the water breaks from afar (when the water turns white) and you'll see it glow greenish blue! You can only see this at night of course. It was so pretty!
You can stroll here from downtown la jolla after a dinner and just chill. They have benches and lighting around. -
Review from Zach E.
La Jolla, CA
Love this place, with a few exceptions:
1) The massive groups of people (think Occupy-protests) during 4th of July and other major good-weather holidays where the entire Cove is jammed packed.
2) Seal and sea gull crap, at their respective locations. But I suppose it is part of the environment.
3) The crazies by the Children's Pool protesting for/against it being used what it was created for. -
Review from John G.
What a JEWEL!
La Jolla means The Jewel in Spanish.
This is definitely a Jewel by the sea. It's only a short drive from Downtown San Diego as it's only 12 short miles away. It's a pretty easy drive from the 5 but be prepared for traffic once you get here. It's only a two lane road so have a little patience...you will be rewarded.
Once you find parking, enjoy with a capital E!
Elegant. Exquisite. Extraordinary. Effervescent. Exotic. Earthy. Excellent. Euphoric. Enticing.
Just a few words that you may feel once you arrive. I don't think there's a bad angle that exist here to view the ocean, and everything else it has to offer. It's simply magnificent and majestic. Should I describe this place with every adjective in the English dictionary? I just might...
The views here are gorgeous beyond description. The color of the Pacific Ocean is a rich, wonderful blue and the water feels so inviting. In fact, there are swimmers and kayakers everywhere side by side with seals, pelicans and whatever else Mother Nature has in store. We have seals in San Francisco, but I haven't seen anything like this where you can actually swim right next to one. Just simply amazing and mesmerizing.
It's a park; it's a beach; it's a place to gawk at the beautiful ladies in bikinis. (Yeah, of course....had to throw that out there.)
I can easily spend the whole day here discovering every nook and crannies. It's so relaxing and definitely a place to decompress and let your stress leave your body. This is one of the many reasons why I love San Diego because of wonderful places like this. Yes, we might have similar and gorgeous views of the Pacific up here in NorCal, but here you can jump in the water and not have your arse freeze and your nut-sacks shrink on you.
Gotta protect this jewel.Listed in: San Diego Spots
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Review from Christopher N.
Phoenix, AZ
A bit short on cash, in a snorkeling mood and can't fly to Hawaii? Well good thing a trip to the Cove is essentially free and accessible to all San Diegans.
It is clear from the other reviews, the Cove is a excellent place for walking, looking at seals and kayaking. I have snorkeled else where, (those are my secret spots), but nothing quite beats the Cove's convenience and ease. The Cove has a lot of orange/reddish garibaldi and other colorful fish. Farther from shore, there is a lot sea grass and kelp to look at.
Some tips for the grommit snorkeler:
Parking is awful, so go early, take as few cars as possible and assume you will walk 1+ mile. It is awful but manageable if you plan properly.
Bring snorkel gear, I do not know if there are any close rental shops. if you do not have gear, ask your beachy friends, you would be surprised who has gear. All you need is the mask and snorkel, the fins are optional. The Cove is well protected so it is an easy swim. If you can't find gear, stop by your local sports store and pick up a simple snorkel, make sure the snorkel closes, so you can dive.
Before heading out check the water/ surf report. You do not need to be an expert, but make sure the water clean and the waves are not over 4 feet. Unless you are in the mood to swim, you want a flat day.
Be warm. I lack the facial fur, so I get cold easily. Make sure the water is above 65 if you plan to go without some coverings. Obviously wear a swimsuit, this is not blacks beach. A simple rash-guard or a thin wet suit go a long way when the water is arctic. Also choose to go at noon for highest viability, or in the afternoon so the water a bit warmer than freezing.
Have fun and be safe. The Cove has its own set of lifeguards. They are good resource if you have never done any ocean activities, not called tanning. I forgot to add, if you have never snorkeled, before heading toward the fish practice the breathing technique in the shallow area. Being saved by a lifeguard is a great way to ruin a Cove trip.
On ideal days, do expect the cove to be crowded. San Diegans are friendly, so as long as you are courteous, there will not be any problems.
So if you are tired of the typical beach trip and want to experience a little bit of nature, pack your car for the Cove and expect a good time.Listed in: Bored In SD?
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Review from Alice A.
Neat spot for some wildlife viewing and smelling. Boy do sea lions need to shower!
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Review from Raliza B.
San Diego, CA
Been snorkeling and running here periodically for years but just recently swam out a mile here.
If you are training for your first triathlon (me!) this is GREAT open water experience. The water is tame and controlled, but of course check the weather forecast!
They have buoys set up for a 1/4 mile and 1/2 mile out so you know exactly how long you're swimming.
There are seals on the rocks, snorkelers in the water, kayaking near the caves AND on a clear day you'll see plenty of beautiful fish :)
Pretty much the epitome of what San Diego is all about. Parking does get bad but if you don't mind walking, there's plenty of parking at the top. -
Review from Steven M.
It had been a while since I had actually come here, stopped the car and got out for a few to take in the awesomeness of La Jolla Cove.
Nice showy place to take out of town guests and walk around taking in the sights. Obviously the only complaint anyone can make of this area is that the parking is a challenge so you have to have some patience and perhaps be willing to park up one of the side streets.
I got lucky yesterday on my trip down here and snagged a nice spot, found an open bench and just relaxed watching the waves break. -
Review from Sharon V.
I love La Jolla Cove and try to frequent this place as often as I can. Any time friends or family are in town, I try to take them here at least once and it just never disappoints.
You can shop, have lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants--or even have a picnic on the large grassy area overlooking the Pacific. No matter how many times you come, you'll never tire of the beauty this area holds. Stay for the sunset, it's magnificent!
If you're a swimmer, this is a great spot to launch from. I personally haven't done it yet but many meet on Friday mornings for a mile swim. I like to leave from La Jolla shores and head toward the cove and back but that's just me.
Kayakers are found here regularly too so if that is something you're interested in doing while in San Diego, this seems like a perfect place for it. It's actually on my list of things to do but for now, I'll stick to swimming. Just try not to run me over with your kayak.
La Jolla Cove is definitely one of those spots you must stop and enjoy while visiting the area.Listed in: Staying Active
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Review from David B.
Absolutely beautiful....
You can hear the waves crashing upon the sandy, shells strewn beach and the lapping sounds they make....
Seals add to the experience with their playful surfacing and diving in search of food in the clean, cold water...
Its hard to leave this spot. Even after picking up a few shells, I kicked off my flip flops and sat down to relax. Just the perfect spot to do so...
Crunchy light brown sand feels nice between your cold toes when you dig them deep into the beach...
I'll be back again to enjoy this spot for sure!
Love La Jolla!!!Listed in: Toes in the sand...
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Review from Jose M.
Emeryville, CA
If you are bored and its June,July, and August, my recommendation is to head to La Jolla and go visit the cove. Make sure to rent some Kayaks!!!!!
Leopard sharks tend to hangout by the thousands during this time of the year to mate.
Awesome experience for everyone. -
Review from Larry L.
San Francisco, CA
Must see. Kids will love it. Seals and plenty of wildlife. Great walk to just relax and observe the waves, cove, seals, people swimming, pelicans, etc. Small downtown strip to walk on prospect as well. SD County keeps the area clean and has restrooms here as well.
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Review from Lila C.
San Diego, CA
This is probably the most gorgeous part of San Diego. I fell in love with this place the first time I saw it! I don't really like swimming but this place is so beautiful that I can just sit there for hours and look at the ocean and enjoy the view. It's such a relaxing, romantic and peaceful place! I took my parents there when they came to visit and my mother - who is not really into "nature" stuff LOVED it. It is a place that all tourists MUST see and a place that all locals must take care of and be thankful for!
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Review from Rileigh E.
Chula Vista, CA
Beautiful beach I am told was created as a children's pool that is now inhabited by seals. The first time we went they were right up on the sand and we got to walk close enough to touch. The second time we went there was a lot of people and some were even in the water with snorkels swimming with the seals. This time we walked out on the huge wall that goes into the water so you can see seals on both sides. No matter where you go it's an unbelievable site and it's free!!!. It's not far from the Aquarium which we visited the same day. If I can figure out how to upload pictures to this site I will post some soon. Be prepared to walk as parking can be difficult but the view is totally worth it!
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Review from Ed K.
Whoever doesn't give this beautiful outdoors locale 5 stars is an idiot...or came on a rainy day...which still makes them an idiot.
Came down to sunny San Diego over memorial weekend and in between brunch and dinner, decided to kill some time hanging out at the La Jolla Cove. Bordered by a sizeable outdoor park with a gorgeous ocean view, this is a great place to bring family, friends or significant others any time of the day. Feel free to walk along the park trails or the rocky outcroppings if you want to be a little more in touch (literally) with the crashing waves.
Just watch out for the birdie poop as my friend had the misfortunate to experience.
Parking is a little scarce if you're looking for free, so just save yourself the hassle and pay for $10 all day parking in one of the garages on Girard and then enjoy the day and scenery.
In addition to the gorgeous views a quick walk up the hill treats you to a variety of restaurants, cafes and shopping venues. Basically everything one needs for a perfect sunday afternoon.
Oh and if you love seals and sea lions, plenty to see, bring your telephoto lens and enjoy them from a distance. And if you don't love our flippered cousins...whats the matter with you? -
Review from M E.
Phoenix, AZ
Parking is horrendous. That aside, freaking phenomenal. I am not sure I can say enough to describe the natural beauty of this place.
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Review from Christina K.
La Jolla, CA
I loved coming here freshman year while I was at UCSD because it is relaxing, free entertainment. My friends and I have thrown many cute picnics at the park at La Jolla cove. It is the perfect place for a picnic because it is next to the sea breeze, beautiful view and plenty of grass area to laze around on or play frisbee.
The Children's Pool is a fun place to visit when the sea lions are basking on the shore. They are so cute when they waddle their fat selves around the beach.
There are also lots of nice shops and places to eat around the area because it is located at the heart of downtown La Jolla. A recommended touristy spot or a place to walk around on a low-key day.
One bad thing is PARKING IS VERY HARD TO FIND!!! Sometimes it is better to just bus to the area because you will spend 15 minutes or more looking for parking. -
Review from Haik K.
As the time my friend and I at UCSD was slowly coming to an end, we were both getting kicked out of school for two different reasons that both required the same solution: some hardcore reflecting.
In the evenings when the pressure got too much, we'd ride down here and reflect, much like the silver moon cast its linings over the pacific. We dubbed this place the "Zen Spot." The sound of the waves slowly crashing as you kick it by the bench, the seals making funny noises.
Yah, there are seals here, and on special seasons, you can see the baby seals just laying there like balls of blubber. There is a cool little walkway that leads out into the water and makes a small bay of sorts for the seals. If you walk on that some days, the waves sometimes come crashing up on you. Pretty sweet rush.
There is also a little pathway to the left of the walkway that goes down to the beach. At low tide, you can go down there and check it out. High tide, its covered. :)
A great place to reflect or get to know someone. -
Review from Steven N.
Great spot to enjoy the best weather in America. That's right, San Diego is considered the best weather in all of America. This place has a nice green park for throwing a football around, having a picnic, or just laying and getting some skin cancer.
Down below are the tide pools where you can get up close and personal with the marine life. Careful with the rocks. I slipped a couple of times and got more up and close and personal than I would have liked to.
Free parking for 3 hours too! -
Review from Janice C.
La Jolla Cove is a special place.
It's also a very small beach and I can imagine how it crowded it can get on a warm, sunny day. Everything you're looking for is here: ocean views, tide pools and seals lounging on the appropriately named "Seal Rock". The cove is part of an ecological preserve so take nothing but pictures.
Scripps Park is also located here, it's a spacious grassy area complete with picnic tables and palm trees surrounding the border. Play with your kids, take your dog for a walk or toss a frisbee around. Lie in the grass and read a book. If you get hungry or want to do a bit of shopping, the boutique lined shops and many restaurants of downtown La Jolla are within 5 minutes away.
Take a walk along the bluffs and breathe in that ocean air. The blissful sunshine and beautiful scenery will surely put you in a California Dreamin' mood.Listed in: Helloooo SoCal!
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Review from Mary J.
Great place for weddings and photo shoots!
THE best place for the fourth of July! Be sure to arrive here at the crack of dawn, parking gets brutal. Free music festivals all summer.
See wild seals up close, watch the tide come in on little crabs and anemones.
Great place for a picnic or a family walk.
The neighboring restaurants, shops and cafes are great too. A very close walk from the water.
Beautiful place, a must see for anyone passing by in San Diego.Listed in: .*:BEST in SD:*.
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Review from Andrew F.
Escondido, CA
I cannot think of a better place to go snorkeling than La Jolla Cove. Catalina maybe close, but both times I went it had horrid visibility. Plus it's time consuming and a hassle to take a boat, when I can drive to La Jolla cove.
I may bump this up to a 5 star review, but there are a draw backs. The beach itself is very small; it seems a lot of the Yelpers include the surrounding beaches as part of the cove even through they are separate beaches. Furthermore, the cove is recessed and it becomes shadowed in darkness long before the sun is down. Finally, the number of tourists are overwhelming. San Diego is next to paradise, but La Jolla Cove isn't the only place worth showing. I'm sad to admit many locals don't know their hometown as well as they should, and they default to the renowned La Jolla Cove.
The Cove boarders the marine reserve, making it an excellent place to set out on a snorkeling adventure. I recommend you do so.
P.S. The seals are at Children's Pool.Listed in: No Cash No Problem
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Review from s h l.
San Diego, CA
This place is freakin ALLSOME!
It is touristy but the view is absolutely beautiful and the water is clear. There are also SEA LIONS that lay around on the rocks.
There are also shops and restaurants around the cove - definitely a great way to spend a day with family/friends...doesn't matter if this is your first time or if you've been here a zillion times it doesn't get old. How can you beat amazing views of the PACIFIC OCEAN?!?! -
Review from Kimmy C.
Loma Linda, CA
Last weekend while having lunch with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean, the boyfriend and I noticed people hanging along La Jolla Cove. So afterwards we drove a block down to check it out. There were a lot of people, but luckily we found a parking spot right in front of Scripps Park. We went along the walkway and gone down to the rock area to enjoy the crystal blue waters. I brought out the camera and took a few shots. There was even a sight of dolphins and sea lions swimming by! It was such a beautiful scenery!
The following day after our brunch we wanted to come back. It took two hours driving up and down the shores with no luck finding any parking at all. The beach was completely crowded. Since it's still summer season, it's the area where everybody goes.
Wish we did some kind of beach activity during that weekend. It's absolutely San Diego's most beautiful beaches. Next time we'll remember to go early! -
Review from Matthew D.
Irvine, CA
WOW!
What a great experience! I'm a complete amateur when it comes to snorkeling, and this was definitely the best place to get my feet wet (heh.).
The SECOND we submerged ourselves in the water we were greeted by several colorful fish. And the further out we went, the more that appeared. The only other time I've attempted snorkeling, it took me several minutes before I even managed to find one; and here was a whole cove full of them. It was absolutely breathtaking.
The ONLY complaint (that I see repeated MANY times here) is the parking. We lucked out and got a spot right at the front, but I could see (when we later left) that once it gets crowded, it's an absolute nightmare. Get there early. -
Review from Jonathan C.
San Diego, CA
i know its a tourist spot but for good reason!! I'd say one of the most beautiful locations in san diego hands down. I've been coming here since 89 and i still have yet to fully appreciate the beauty of this place!
Snorkeling, kayaking, sharks, and whales, i mean people. -
Review from Nick T.
San Diego, CA
Very nice beach . You can reflect on the one that got away or how you wasted all that money on college or be like my father who wonders how seals would taste grilled on a backyard bbq.
The choice is yours. Come and enjoy the scenery and try not jump over the cliff in a state of unbridled anguish or poach any lobsters because they are out of season and will cost you $500 each if you get caught. -
Review from Christopher J.
San Francisco, CA
I love coming here if it's for the beautiful views, the fresh air, or if you like to watch the sea lions down below. There's also a nice large flat grassy area where you can play frisbee, playing catch, or a little mini game of soccer. Filled with many shops along all the side streets, this place makes it balanced for everything- food, clothing stores, and tourist shops.
There is also a very unique cave that you can pay for $5 to walk down almost 100 steps to the bottom where you're looking out from inside of a cave where the water rushes in. It's very nice but doesn't last long.
This place is popular for Subdivers (underwater park that brings visibility surpassing 30 feet) and Kayaking around the cove.
Just remember that on one of the side sides, there is a little tourist information booth where you can pick up a Map of the area. shows all the shops and everything.
Great views, shops, events - enjoy and relax! -
Review from David H.
Good place to bring out of town guests. It's beautiful and a nice place to walk around. They have shops around that you can visit, yes the parking can be a bit difficult to find on a nice day. Also you can walk down the stairs to the Children's beach and look at the Seals in the cove area. Also lots of birds and an occasional squirrel too. Nice picnic and grassy area up above.
Listed in: Just Visiting
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Review from Aden S.
San Diego, CA
An underwater preserve at the north end of La Jolla Cove makes the adjacent beach one of the most well-known in the region. On summer months, when water visibility reaches up to twenty feet, the little beach is covered with blankets, towels, and umbrellas, as well as the areas at the leading of the stairs leading down to the cove are staked out by groups of scuba divers with wet suits and tanks.
The Children's Pool, at the south end of the park, has a curving beach protected by a seawall from powerful currents and waves. Given that the pool and its beach have turn out to be an ever-growing colony of seals, it is seldom utilized by swimmers, specially as a result of the questionable levels of bacteria.
It really is the most effective location on the coast to view these engaging creatures of the sea. When you desire to take a dip, it's finest to head just north of Children's Pool to the pristine waters of La Jolla Cove. Be certain to walk by way of Ellen Browning Scripps Park, past the groves of twisted junipers to the cliff's edge.
Maybe among the open-air shelters overlooking the sea might be unoccupied, and it is possible to spread your picnic out on a table and take pleasure in the scenery. -
Review from Kate W.
San Diego, CA
Really is a beautiful park and beach with lots to see and do. You can't go wrong bringing visitors here nor checking it out for yourself. There are tidepools, spots to snorkel, busier beaches (the cove) and more secluded ones, places to have picnics, trees to climb, seals to watch, etc etc. You also need to check out the path that's east (north) of the Cove. There's a really pretty hike along the hill with flowers and less tourists.
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Review from Paula D.
La Jolla Cove.
So many memories. How many times have I snorkeled or scuba dived in this location. So many amazing fish and wonderful crustacean's have I seen in the water.
My favorite memories:
The time I dove in near the shell shop and saw a school of Garibaldi and baby Garibaldi (bright gold with blue spots)
The time we were in the same area and a large school of sardines surrounded us and with at least 20 feet of visibility you could see nothing but fish in all directions.
The spring when we saw the baby lobsters under the rocks, my first moment of truly appreciating the beauty of lobsters.
The migration of the leopard sharks How beautiful is the sight of so many beautiful animals migrating into a nesting area.
My less favorite memories:
Closing the shell shop area access to divers and snorkelers,
Large European tourists in speed-o's. Just say Nyet people
Parking=hell -
Review from Carrie O.
Stunning. Breathtaking. Amazing. Gorgeous.
Yeah, basically one of the nicest places to be in San Diego.
The parking sucks, but what do you expect? Park up on Girard near the shops for free 1 hour parking (or better yet, down one street on Herschel and get 2 hour parking for free!) and walk down. So worth it.
Also, don't disturb the seals! Just watch them in all their roly-poly glory from the upper deck. :)
Definitely a place to visit, and one I always bring out-of-town guests to see!Listed in: My San Diego favorites
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Review from Julie R.
San Diego, CA
Go away weirdos trying to get rid of the seals! It's not like any one is kicking them out of their house when they take a dump! I am sure theirs stinks too!
There is a beautiful pier to walk on and just lots of beautiful places to sit and breathe in the fresh air!
