Yes. In 2025 the San Diego Police Department recorded no homicides in La Jolla and 36 aggravated assaults, a rate of 0.92 per 1,000 residents, against 2.66 in Pacific Beach and 6.63 in Mission Beach. The most common reported crime is theft: police logged 624 larcenies, 115 thefts from cars and 78 car thefts in La Jolla that year, so keep valuables out of a parked car. There are natural hazards too: rip currents, crumbling coastal bluffs, waves over tide pools, and sea lions at Point La Jolla, which is closed to people year-round except for swimmers entering the water.
Where to swim and look safely
La Jolla Shores Beach: permanent lifeguard stations and usually the gentlest summer waves in San Diego.
La Jolla Cove: a permanent lifeguard station and small summer surf; watch the sea lions from the walkway.
Point La Jolla and Boomer Beach: closed to people year-round so sea lions can rest and raise pups; the ocean can be reached only to swim.
Crime in La Jolla
The San Diego Police Department’s 2025 neighborhood tables (January to December) list 175 crimes against persons in La Jolla: no homicides, 36 aggravated assaults, 102 simple assaults and 20 sexual assaults. Per 1,000 residents, La Jolla’s aggravated assault rate was 0.92, against 2.66 in Pacific Beach, 6.63 in Mission Beach and 66.15 in the Gaslamp. These rates count residents, not visitors, so they run high in places where many people visit and few live.
Property crime is more common. The same tables list 1,101 property crimes in La Jolla in 2025, including 624 larcenies, 115 thefts from motor vehicles, 78 motor vehicle thefts, 68 burglaries and 13 robberies. Lock bags out of sight or take them with you.
The ocean and the cliffs
San Diego lifeguards ask visitors to swim near a lifeguard, never swim alone and supervise children closely even when lifeguards are present. If a rip current catches you, swim sideways until you are free rather than against its pull. They also warn to stay clear of coastal bluffs, which can collapse, and never to turn your back to the ocean, because waves can sweep people off bluffs and tide pool areas without warning.
Sea lions and seals
The City of San Diego closed Point La Jolla and Boomer Beach year-round after visitors tried to touch sea lions and take selfies with them; the only access allowed there is to the ocean, for swimming. The city warns that agitated seals and sea lions may attack and that harassing them is against the law. Sea lion pupping season usually runs from early May to October.
The short answer
La Jolla’s aggravated assault rate is well below those of its beach neighbors Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. Take the usual care against theft, and give the water, the bluffs and the sea lions the same respect.
Related La Jolla guides
FAQ
How much violent crime does La Jolla have?
Little. Police recorded no homicides and 36 aggravated assaults in La Jolla in all of 2025. Theft is the more common crime, so keep valuables out of parked cars.
Is it safe to get close to the sea lions?
No. The city warns agitated sea lions may attack, harassing them is illegal, and Point La Jolla is closed to people year-round.
What should I do in a rip current?
Swim sideways, parallel to the shore, until you are free, then swim in. Do not swim against the pull.