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San Diego - La Jolla Underwater Park

Discover a vibrant underwater world at La Jolla Underwater Park: a premier destination for snorkeling, diving, and marine life exploration in San Diego.

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Explore the wonders of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, a 6,000-acre marine playground and protected area teeming with diverse marine life and stunning underwater landscapes. Established in 1970, it's a haven for snorkelers, divers, kayakers, and nature enthusiasts.

A brief summary to San Diego - La Jolla Underwater Park

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure parking. Street parking is limited, and paid lots can fill up quickly.
  • Check water conditions and visibility before planning water activities. Clear days can offer visibility up to 30 or 40 feet.
  • Respect marine life and abide by the "look but don't touch" policy in the Ecological Reserve. Sea lions can be aggressive if approached too closely.
  • Consider renting a kayak or snorkel gear from local shops to explore the sea caves and kelp forests.
  • Visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography nearby to learn more about marine life and conservation efforts.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From La Jolla Cove, walk south along Coast Boulevard. Turn left onto Camino Del Oro and continue for about 10 minutes until you reach the park entrance at 8302 Camino Del Oro. This is a scenic walk with views of the coastline. There are no costs associated with this route.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Diego, take MTS bus route 30 towards La Jolla Village Drive. Get off at the stop at La Jolla Village Drive and Villa La Jolla Drive. Walk west on Villa La Jolla Drive, then turn left onto Camino Del Oro. Continue until you reach La Jolla Underwater Park. A one-way bus fare is typically $2.50.

  • Driving

    From I-5, exit at La Jolla Village Drive and head west. Turn left onto Torrey Pines Road, then continue onto La Jolla Shores Drive. Turn right onto Camino Del Oro. The park is located at 8302 Camino Del Oro. Street parking is limited, especially during peak season. Paid parking lots are available nearby, with rates ranging from $10 to $25 per day. Valet parking is available on Prospect Avenue for around $12.

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Discover more about San Diego - La Jolla Underwater Park

The San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park is a remarkable marine protected area that offers a unique glimpse into Southern California's rich marine ecosystem. Established in 1970, the park spans 6,000 acres of ocean floor and tidelands, encompassing four distinct habitats: rocky reefs, kelp forests, sand flats, and submarine canyons. These diverse environments support a vibrant array of marine life, making it a popular destination for various water activities. The park's origins date back to 1929 when the state of California set aside a marine life refuge near the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Over the years, environmental activism and the efforts of groups like the San Diego Council of Divers and the Bottom Scratchers Dive Club led to the park's official establishment. Today, it includes the San Diego-Scripps Coastal Marine Conservation Area and the Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve. Visitors can explore the park through snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and guided tours. La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores are popular entry points, offering access to the Ecological Reserve and Marine Life Refuge. The Ecological Reserve, marked by boundary buoys, prohibits fishing and collecting to protect marine life. Divers can explore the intricate rock reef systems, swim with horn sharks and leopard sharks, and witness the stunning kelp forests. La Jolla's underwater world also features fascinating submarine canyons, including La Jolla and Scripps Canyons, which plunge to depths of over 600 feet. These canyons attract migrating whales and offer exceptional diving experiences. Additionally, the park is home to seven sea caves, carved into 75-million-year-old sandstone cliffs, with Sunny Jim's Cave being the only one accessible by land via The Cave Store.

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