The sea lion rocks
Loud calls above the water.
Christian David — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Christian David — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Christian David — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Christian David — CC BY-SA 4.0 · FASTILY — CC BY-SA 4.0
La Jolla Cove is a small bay ringed by sandstone cliffs in the coastal La Jolla neighbourhood north of San Diego. People come for its clear water and coastal scenery and to see sea lions and seabirds, and it is among the loveliest spots on the Southern California coast. The neighbourhood runs for about 11 km along the Pacific and includes the University of California, San Diego and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The Kumeyaay called the area «land of holes», probably after the sea-level caves in the northern bluffs, visible from La Jolla Shores. Sea lions gather on the rocks and call loudly, with brown pelicans and cormorants standing above them. Below you lie a small sandy beach and turquoise water, and low tide uncovers green rocks and small pools. A narrow path runs along the clifftop between colourful ground cover and palm trees, with fine pictures especially before sunset. It is 18 km in a straight line from central San Diego. Parking is scarce at weekends, so come early. Keep away from the sea lions and do not touch them, as they are protected wild animals and may bite. The rocks can be slippery at low tide, so wear suitable shoes. Ask about the sea before swimming.
Loud calls above the water.
Colourful plants and palms.
Clear turquoise water.
La Jolla neighbourhood, north of San Diego, California
No, they are protected and may bite, so watch from a distance.
Ask about the sea before going in.