Checking Out the Best of Hospitals Beach
Hospitals has plenty of activities for everyone, from searching for colorful rocks to splashing barefoot in the tide pools. One thing you can always expect are amazing vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Here are a few reasons this spot belongs on your San Diego travel itinerary:
Surfing
Hospitals offers nice peaks with good lefts throughout the year, though it’s definitely not for beginners. Even some experienced surfers hesitate before paddling out towards this legendary reef break. If surfing is your life, however, Hospitals is a must for your bucket list. Gorgeous 10-foot barrels can be irresistible, and high tide brings line after line of consistent waves on the right swell.
Tide Pools
Kids and adults have a blast exploring the magnificent tide pools at Hospitals. There’s no better place to see incredible crabs, sea anemones and other ocean life up close. If you want to capture stunning photos of these micro creatures, make sure to take along a waterproof camera. Just make sure you arrive at low tide!
Photography
This entire area is a fantastic destination for photographers. The contours of Hospital Beach’s rocky shorelines, tide pools and spraying waves make for attention-grabbing pics. The shadows and light of sunset create incredible contrast when timed with low tide, rewarding you with a backdrop of deep blues, intense oranges and vibrant greens.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling in La Jolla is popular because of the abundance of sea life and Hospitals is not exception. At high tide, you can swim around the reef and observe vibrant animals just below the surface. You may even have the opportunity to swim around harbor seals. Check the surf report to make sure the ocean is calm before you attempt to snorkel.
Did You Know?
Hospital Beach gets its name from the building nearby on Coast Blvd. That used to house mostly medical and pharma businesses.
Diving
Stunning underwater arches, interesting ledges and brilliant sea life are just a few of the highlights that make Hospitals one of best-guarded dive spots in San Diego. Like the surfing at Hospitals, diving here is best left to experienced divers. It’s also not far from Hospitals to the massive La Jolla Submarine Canyon and its dark depths.
With a little patience and some luck, the time you spend at Hospitals can be the highlight of your entire trip. Spend all day surfing, diving or snorkeling, or enjoy an unforgettable morning stroll. Collect seashells and watch your kids smile in delight at the marine life.