A small, sheltered cove within the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve. Large grain sand and boulders form the beach. Bottom is largely rocky with some sandy areas, and sea grass aplenty. 5-30ft deep within about 50m of shore, with. Lots of sea life even close to the break. Though it is usually beginner friendly, check conditions before leaving as this spot can be dangerous if the surf is high. As you enter the water, the sea caves are around the cliffs to the right.

• Parking can be a challenge, as the surrounding area and the cove are popular tourist spots.

• Life guards are on duty, use your brain and don’t make them save you for something beyond your ability.

• Great spot to see sea lions/seals, garibaldi, lobsters, and horn sharks.

• Be aware of swimmers and kayaks as you exit the cove and go towards the caves, as well as the tides if you will be out for a while, waves hit all the way up the beach at high tide.

Alternate entry to La Jolla Shores that sometimes has better parking and is closer to Turtle Town reef/cliffs, great spot to see both reef and sandy bottom zones. Park on side streets near the Marine Room restaurant. There is a paved pathway to the left of the restaurant that leads directly to the beach. Easy sandy entry straight out, slope is VERY gentle.

• Good spot for leopard sharks, rays, various fish, and SD’s resident pair of green sea turtles (a rare but fun find)

A long beach with both swim and surf areas. Gently sloping sandy bottom makes wildlife easy to spot for the most part. Park in the Shores Park lot or adjacent streets. The best snorkeling can be found in front of the La Jolla Shores Hotel, to the left of the boat ramp. Continue South (left as you look at the water) and you will pass the Marine Room entry, then on to the rocky reefs of Turtle Town before hitting the sea cliffs.

• Easy entry (do your stingray shuffle!).

• Lifeguards nearby, but not nearby as you venture further South toward the sea caves

• Great spot to see stingrays, bat rays, leopard sharks (especially August-Nov), and guitarfish.

Definitely the most beginner friendly spot. Completely sheltered bay with a sandy beach entry and a rock wall along one side, curving into the Mission Bay channel. Lots of sea life to explore within the sea grass, and especially near/among the rock wall.

• Good spot for nudibranchs, octopuses, rays, and crabs!