Coast Walk Trail
A breathtaking coastal path in La Jolla offering stunning ocean views, abundant wildlife, and picturesque scenery. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Coast Walk Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking coastal path in La Jolla offering stunning ocean views, abundant wildlife, and picturesque scenery. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.
"A STUNNING trail. You do not want to miss out on the views it offers."
🐾 Leash Your Pets!
Keep dogs on a leash due to steep drop-offs. Enjoy the scenic walk with your furry friends safely!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is mostly unpaved with some stairs. Good walking shoes are a must for this beautiful coastal path.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
La Jolla Cove Seals & Sea Lions
Adjacent to Coast Walk Trail
Witness playful seals and sea lions basking on the rocks and shores. A true wildlife spectacle!
Ocean Overlooks & Coastal Flora
Along the entire trail
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant sea lavender meadows.
Hidden Swing
Just off the Coast Walk Trail
Discover a secluded swing offering a unique photo opportunity with the ocean as a backdrop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Leash Up for Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Leash Your Pets!
Keep dogs on a leash due to steep drop-offs. Enjoy the scenic walk with your furry friends safely!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is mostly unpaved with some stairs. Good walking shoes are a must for this beautiful coastal path.
🚗 Parking Tips
Free 3-hour street parking is available along Coast Blvd. Arrive early to snag a spot!
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Every turn offers stunning views. Don't forget your camera for epic shots of the coast and wildlife!
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Leash Your Pets!
Keep dogs on a leash due to steep drop-offs. Enjoy the scenic walk with your furry friends safely!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is mostly unpaved with some stairs. Good walking shoes are a must for this beautiful coastal path.
🚗 Parking Tips
Free 3-hour street parking is available along Coast Blvd. Arrive early to snag a spot!
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Every turn offers stunning views. Don't forget your camera for epic shots of the coast and wildlife!
🌊 Check Tide Pools
Visit during low tide to explore fascinating tide pools and see more of the coastline.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Coast Walk Trail's stunning ocean views, abundant wildlife, and easy accessibility, calling it a must-do in San Diego. While some note the trail can get crowded, especially at sunset, and caution is advised near drop-offs, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive for its scenic beauty and family-friendly nature.
"This is a fun, scenic and beautiful trail. We traditionally walk our dogs here every Christmas morning and then enjoy sharing this scenic walk with all our friends throughout the year that visit us here in America's Finest City! It's a short, easy walk for kids, dogs and adults. There are some "fall points" so you must leash your pets and mind your kids. Enjoy!"
Thomas J. Nelson, Realtor
"Lovely walk, does ultimately spit you out at the La Jolla cove which is lively and fun views of seals but quite touristy. Gorgeous views, dog friendly, overall do suggest"
Leah Schmidt
"A STUNNING trail. You do not want to miss out on the views it offers. You can see the ocean, cliffs, beautiful flowers, sea lions, seals, and many other views. It's a very quick and easy trail involving 2 sets of stairs."
Lexie Edwards
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Coast Walk Trail is located in La Jolla, San Diego. You can access it near The Cave Store on Coast Blvd, or via a path at the intersection of Prospect Place & Park Row. 
Yes, there is free 3-hour street parking along Coast Boulevard. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, as spots fill up quickly.
While there isn't direct public transport to the trailhead, you can take a bus to La Jolla Village and then enjoy a short walk to the trail entrance. Check local transit schedules for routes serving La Jolla.
The trail has some staircases and uneven surfaces, making it not ideal for strollers. It's a short walk, so carrying a baby or using a carrier might be a better option for families with very young children.
Many visitors enjoy walking from La Jolla Shores to La Jolla Cove via the trail for spectacular coastal views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Coast Walk Trail is completely free to access. Enjoy the stunning natural beauty without any admission cost.
The trail is open to the public from dawn until dusk. You can visit anytime during daylight hours to enjoy the coastal scenery.
There are no tickets or reservations required for the Coast Walk Trail, as it is a public park area.
The main restriction is to keep pets on a leash due to the proximity of steep cliffs and wildlife. Always be mindful of your surroundings and the natural environment.
Yes, during low tide, you can explore the tide pools near the trail. It's a great opportunity to see marine life up close.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere! The trail offers stunning ocean vistas, dramatic cliffs, and opportunities to photograph seals and sea lions. The hidden swing is also a popular photo spot.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, provides the most beautiful light for photography. Sunset is particularly popular for its dramatic colors.
Drone usage is generally restricted in coastal parks and near wildlife to protect the environment and animals. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views and cliffs. A telephoto lens can be useful for photographing wildlife from a distance.
Absolutely! The scenic beauty makes it a popular spot for engagement, pregnancy, and family photos.
🎫 🦭 Wildlife Encounters
You can often spot seals and sea lions lounging on the rocks and beaches. Keep an eye out for various seabirds, and if you're lucky, you might even see whales during migration season.
The area around La Jolla Cove, which the trail leads to, is a prime spot for observing seals and sea lions.
It's important to maintain a safe and respectful distance from all wildlife. Do not feed or disturb the animals.
While there aren't official guided tours specifically for the Coast Walk Trail, local boat tours often offer opportunities to see marine life in the surrounding waters.
If you encounter injured wildlife, do not approach it. Contact a local wildlife rescue organization or animal control immediately.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
While it's not stroller-friendly because of some stairs and uneven terrain, it's manageable with a baby carrier or for toddlers who can walk short distances. +1 Parents should be extra vigilant, as there are steep drop-offs with minimal fencing in some areas, so keeping children close and leashed pets nearby is essential. The opportunity to see seals and sea lions at La Jolla Cove is a huge hit with kids, making the walk an engaging and memorable experience. 🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to bring water for both yourself and your dog, especially on warmer days. 📸 Photographers & Content Creators
The 'hidden swing' provides a unique, Instagrammable spot. Visiting during golden hour for sunset or sunrise will elevate your shots with beautiful, warm light. Be prepared for potential crowds during peak times, especially at sunset, and consider bringing a variety of lenses to capture both the grand landscapes and the wildlife details. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Coast Walk Trail
+1 It's not a strenuous hike, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll. The trail is primarily unpaved with some sections of stairs, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Access points are conveniently located near The Cave Store and along Coast Boulevard, with free street parking available, though it can be competitive. +1Many visitors enjoy the experience of walking from La Jolla Shores towards La Jolla Cove, taking in the dramatic coastal scenery along the way.
The trail offers numerous viewpoints and benches, allowing you to pause and appreciate the stunning ocean vistas, the rugged cliffs, and the vibrant coastal flora. +1 It's a perfect spot for a morning walk or an evening sunset viewing, though be aware that sunset can attract larger crowds. For those looking for a unique photo opportunity, a 'hidden swing' is located just off the main path, offering a picturesque spot with the ocean as a backdrop.
The trail is also known for its accessibility to tide pools during low tide, providing a chance to observe marine life up close. Wildlife Wonders at La Jolla Cove
Beyond the seals and sea lions, the area is also a rich habitat for various seabirds. You might spot pelicans gliding gracefully over the water, seagulls perched on the cliffs, and other coastal birds foraging along the shore.
It's crucial to remember that these are wild animals, and maintaining a respectful distance is paramount for their safety and yours.
Capturing the Beauty: Photography Tips
+1 For capturing the sweeping ocean panoramas and rugged coastline, a wide-angle lens is highly recommended. When it comes to photographing the abundant wildlife, such as seals and sea lions, a telephoto lens can be invaluable. This enables you to get close-up shots without disturbing the animals.
The 'hidden swing' just off the trail is another popular spot for unique and memorable photos, often framed against the stunning ocean backdrop. Consider visiting during the golden hours – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – for the most dramatic and flattering light. The warm, soft light enhances the colors of the ocean and cliffs, creating truly magical images. Remember to pack extra batteries and memory cards, as you'll likely find yourself taking more photos than you anticipate.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit