Plan & Book in One Step
When you’re ready, jump to hotels, tours, and cars curated for La Jolla.
La Jolla’s Marine Reserve is a protected wonder: caves, kelp forests, and resident wildlife. The seven sea caves sit beneath the cliffs between the Cove and the Shores; most visitors experience them by guided kayak from La Jolla Shores (conditions permitting). On calm days, you may enter Clam’s Cave by water; otherwise, you’ll paddle near the cave mouths and along the cliffs—still beautiful.
What to see (in season)
- Leopard sharks: Late summer into fall in the shallows off the Shores. Harmless, graceful, photogenic.
- Sea lions: Year‑round at Children’s Pool and Point La Jolla; view from a respectful distance.
- Garibaldi, rays, kelp forests: Common on snorkel tours near the Cove and along the reef.
- How to go: For first‑timers, book a kayak or snorkel tour (guide + gear + safety brief). Surf and swell can change quickly; lifeguards may restrict access for safety. If you prefer to stay dry, the Sunny Jim Cave gift shop (Coast Blvd) has a staircase carved into the cliff (paid entry) that leads to a natural sea cave opening—no kayaking required.
More nearby: Top Attractions · Beaches
Quick Steps