One of the longest-running open water swims in the United States. The La Jolla Cove swim is held on the first Sunday after Labor Day, September 7th, 2025, in the beautiful coastal community of La Jolla, San Diego. This iconic open water swim event has been a beloved tradition since 1916. There is a reason it’s been held almost every year for over 100 years. The calm, protected waters of the Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve provide a spectacular venue for open water swimmers and spectators alike. We are proud to offer three race distances: a 250-meter “Garibaldi Grommets” kids’ race for 8-12yo, the 1-mile “Sea Lion,” and a 3-mile “Leopard Shark.” There is also an option to swim the 1-mile and 3-mile events (with a break in between). We call this the “Whole Enchilada.” Whether you are a seasoned open water swimmer or this is your first open water race, we invite you to embrace your inner fish and join us for this one-of-a-kind event.