La Jolla Cove is a small ocean inlet and narrow pocket beach in La Jolla, north of central San Diego, bordered by cliffs and Point La Jolla within the protected San Diego–La Jolla Underwater Park. Known for clear water, snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving, it also features tide pools at very low tide and cooler, sometimes rougher water from deeper offshore exposure. Because it lies in an ecological reserve, fishing, collecting marine life or shells, and several watercraft are prohibited. The cove is also a major sea lion haul-out, and their growing presence since 2013 has intensified debates over water quality, public access, and wildlife protection.