The beach at the Cove is very small, and the sand is gritty.
Because La Jolla Cove is within the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park (a marine refuge area),[REF] swimming devices such as surfboards, boogie boards, and even inflatable mattresses, are not permitted, and kayakers are not allowed into the Cove; these rules are carefully enforced by the lifeguards on duty.