"A scenic California cove, commonly known for its surfer culture and the sea lions sunning on its shores, has risen to the top of Tripadvisor's list of best beaches in 2026. La Jolla Cove, located in the La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego, has been ranked the No. 1 beach in the country in Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards. Currently, the beach has 13,847 reviews, and an average rating of 4.6 out of 5."
"While the beach is popular, it has some drawbacks. Controversy has swirled in recent years due to its pungent smell caused by a mixture of bird guano and sea lion waste on the rocks. Tourists, locals and business owners are divided on the smell's potency and whether the city should do anything about it. Santa Monica State Beach, another popular beach in Southern California, also cracked the list's top 10."
La Jolla Cove in San Diego earned Tripadvisor's No. 1 U.S. beach spot for 2026, rising from fourth last year with 13,847 reviews and a 4.6 average rating. The cove attracts visitors for its blue-green water, dramatic cliffs, sunsets, and activities such as paddleboarding, surfing, and kayaking, plus wildlife viewing of seals and sea lions and the Sunny Jim's Sea Cave attraction. Some visitors praise its lively atmosphere and scenic views, while others note a persistent pungent smell from bird guano and sea lion waste on the rocks. Southern California’s Santa Monica State Beach also placed in the top 10, and Hawaii and Florida tied for most top-ten beaches.
Read at SFGATE
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