Pier to Cove Swim - La Jolla, CA
About this race
Swim 1.5 miles from Scripps Pier to La Jolla Cove. This is an organized and timed event with awards to the top finishers. It is an open water event and the conditions and temperature add to the challenge. San Diego Lifeguards will oversee the safety of all participants. At the finish, you will be greeted by LJCSC volunteers, breakfast provided by Duke's of La Jolla, awards for regulation top finishers, awards for regulation age group winners, and participant swag.
EVENT INFORMATION
Registration 7:30-8:30 AM at La Jolla Shores
NOTE: Registration Location: La Jolla Shores Beach, Kellogg Park, North End
(North side of parking lot; near north end bathrooms; setup on grass). Swimmers will walk from there to the Pier, about ¼ mile away.
The swim will start on the north side of Scripps Pier at 9:00 AM.
Swimmer safety is our first priority. San Diego Lifeguards will watch over swimmers from a boat, jet skis, and paddleboards.
"Beach" REGISTRATION and PRE-REGISTERED CHECK-IN is 7:30 - 8:30 AM
NOTE: REGISTRATION LOCATION:
LA JOLLA SHORES KELLOGG PARK NORTH END
(North end of main parking lot)
There is a large free parking lot at the registration area and parking is plentiful, especially if you arrive early. You can also carpool, UBER, LYFT, or have someone drop you off.
If you need a ride from La Jolla Cove to Registration , we will offer limited, free shuttle service from the Cove starting at 7:15 AM until around 8:15 AM. Shuttle service is not guaranteed, especially if you arrive late.
Restroom facilities are available next to the registration area at the North end of the Shores.
Restrooms and showers (cold) are also available at La Jolla Cove.
Swimmers may leave their swim bags at registration with event volunteers, and the bags will be taken to La Jolla Cove where you can pick them up at the end of your swim. They will be watched, but do not leave valuable or fragile items in bags.
*The La Jolla Cove Swim Club is not responsible for loss.
Electronic Timing will be provided.
*There is a 90 minute time limit for this swim. After 90 minutes, lifeguards will remove any remaining swimmers from the water.
Registration Categories:
"Regulation" is according to USMS rules. Neoprene swim caps are acceptable.
“Non-Regulation”: Swimmers may wear wetsuits, rash guards, fins, or masks and snorkels, etc.
Awards to the 1st place Overall male and female “Regulation” swimmers.
Awards to the 1st place "Regulation" male and female finishers in each age group.
We encourage young swimmers, but safety is our prime concern. Parental approval is required for swimmers younger than 18. The recommended minimum age for this swim is 16. Younger swimmers will be considered if they have an acceptable swimming resume. Approval is at the discretion of the Event Director.
Prior to registering swimmers younger than 18, please send an email to lajollacoveswimclub@gmail.com and include a list of their open water swimming experience. Approval will be at the discretion of the event director. If approved, the swimmer may register on-line.
An event swag will be guaranteed for the first 250 registered swimmers.
This event is for experienced ocean swimmers who are prepared for a swim of 1.5 miles in open ocean, “rough water” conditions. The San Diego City Lifeguards will provide safety support, but we cannot guarantee the safety of swimmers, especially for those who are unprepared.
Pick your distance
Swimming
Pier to Cove Swim
The Pier to Cove swim is a point to point open water challenge that starts on the beach at Scripps Pier in La Jolla and ends at the iconic La Jolla Cove. This event is for experienced ocean swimmers who are prepared for a swim of 1.5 miles in open ocean, “rough water” conditions. The San Diego City Lifeguards will provide safety support, but we cannot guarantee the safety of swimmers, especially for those who are unprepared. Water temperatures can range between 62-70 degrees. Swimmers may leave their swim bags at registration with event volunteers, and the bags will be taken to La Jolla Cove where you can pick them up at the end of your swim. They will be watched, but do not leave valuable or fragile items in bags. *The La Jolla Cove Swim Club is not responsible for loss. Electronic Timing will be provided. There is a 90 minute time limit for this swim. After 90 minutes, lifeguards will remove any remaining swimmers from the water. Registration Categories: "Regulation" is according to USMS rules. Neoprene swim caps are acceptable. “Non-Regulation”: Swimmers may wear wetsuits, rash guards, fins, or masks and snorkels, etc. Awards for the 1st place Overall male and female “Regulation” swimmers. Awards to the 1st place "Regulation" male and female finishers in each age group. Participants will receive a pair of La Jolla Pier to Cove socks given to each swimmer at the finish.
Typical race-day weather
Based on 1 year of Open-Meteo archive data for this event's race dates in La Jolla, plus the 3 days either side.
The sun rises at 5:43 AM and sets at 8:01 PM local time (PDT) in La Jolla on June 28, 2026 — 14h 17m of daylight.
Course
No course map published yet.
The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.
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Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.
- Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
- Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
- Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
- Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 9 La Jolla events
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