La Jolla Cove Swim 2026 — La Jolla, CA

Date
September 12, 2026
Location
La Jolla, CA
Venue
1160 Coast Blvd
Start Time
10:00 AM
Sunrise
6:29 AM
Entry Fee
$0.00 – $180.00
Events
Garibaldi Groms Fun Swim, Sea Lion 1 Mile Swim, Leopard Shark 3 Mile Swim, Whole Enchilada - Combo Swim - 3 Mile + 1 Mile (not back to back), Welcome Swim at the Cove

The La Jolla Cove Swim starts at 10:00 AM on September 12, 2026, giving you time to settle into your hotel and handle pre-race logistics without an early departure. Located at 1160 Coast Blvd in La Jolla, California, the event offers five distance options: 250 meters, 1 mile, 3 miles, 4 miles, and 5 miles. Entry fees range from free to $200, depending on the distance selected. This open-water swimming event is ideal for endurance athletes looking to test their fitness in a coastal setting. Book accommodation within reasonable driving distance of the venue to minimize travel stress on race morning and allow time for parking and check-in procedures.

From the Race Organizer
Iconic Open Water Swim held in La Jolla, California the first Sunday after Labor almost every year since 1916. There are four swim events available on race day. 250 Meter kids race "Garibaldi Grommets" 1 Mile "Sea Lions" 3 Mile "Leopard Sharks" 4 Mile "Whole Enchilada" Swimmers compete in both the 1 mile & 3 mile events - there is about an hour between the 2 swims. All swimmers receive an event t-shirt. All finishers receive a finisher's medal. There are Age Group Medals awarded that follow U.S. Masters Swimming age brackets. For the kids race it is by individual year. 8 year olds will only be competing with 8 years etc up through 12 years of age.

Course & Travel Notes

You'll want to get to La Jolla early on September 12th for the 10:00 AM start, especially since sunrise is at 6:31 AM—plenty of time to settle in before the race begins. The weather should be beautiful that time of year, with highs around 72°F and lows near 64°F, and rain is pretty rare (only 4% of days see measurable precipitation). Flying in? Miramar Marine Corps Air Station is your closest option at just 7.7 miles from the venue, so you won't have far to go. The venue sits right at sea level at just 13 feet elevation, so you won't need to worry about any altitude adjustment.

⛰️ 13 ft elevation☀️ Typically 72°F / 64°F · 4% chance of rain✈️ Miramar Marine Corps Air Station - Mitscher Field (NKX) — 7.7 mi

Hotels Near This Race

Find accommodation close to the start line in La Jolla, CA. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.

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La Jolla Cove Swim 2026 — La Jolla, CA

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for September 12.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to La Jolla, CA. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Coverage terms vary by state and plan. Review policy details before purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is La Jolla Cove Swim 2026 — La Jolla, CA?

La Jolla Cove Swim 2026 — La Jolla, CA takes place on September 12, 2026. The race is held in La Jolla, California.

Where is La Jolla Cove Swim 2026 — La Jolla, CA held?

La Jolla Cove Swim 2026 — La Jolla, CA is held at 1160 Coast Blvd in La Jolla, California.

Where can I find hotels near La Jolla Cove Swim 2026 — La Jolla, CA?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in La Jolla. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.