Stretching along the bluffs of Coast Boulevard, Cuvier Park is a pristine, grass-lined oceanfront park containing the renowned Wedding Bowl, a highly sought-after patch of green set five feet below street level used for – as expected – weddings and other special events where a natural pocket of privacy and some of the most dramatic views in Southern California are prized.

Cuvier Park is legendary in the wedding industry, one of the most popular outdoor wedding locations in San Diego, hosting up to 40 guests for intimate, highly exclusive ceremonies. Couples from all over the globe apply for city permits to stand on this grassy cliffside and exchange vows directly against the backdrop of the crashing Pacific Ocean.

The rest of Cuvier Park is a coastal dream, homebase for seaside picnics, proposals and photo shoots with a built-in backdrop. 

The park is directly adjacent to the rugged waves of Wipeout Beach and is just a short walk south from the famous harbor seals at The Children’s Pool Beach.

The highlights:

• The topography: The unique, sunken design of the Wedding Bowl shields it from the noise of Coast Boulevard, creating a quiet, intimate sanctuary.
• The views: Unobstructed, panoramic vistas of the ocean, the sandstone cliffs and the surfers riding the offshore breaks.
• The tide pools: At low tide, visitors can walk down the concrete stairs to explore the marine life hiding in the rocky shelves below the park.

Who it’s for:
Couples searching for premier La Jolla wedding venues, photographers looking for dramatic coastal portraits and anyone seeking a peaceful spot to watch the sunset.

Local’s tip:

Because the Wedding Bowl is small and highly regulated, you must secure a park permit from the city of San Diego well in advance if you plan to hold any formal gathering here. For casual visitors, the benches throughout Cuvier Park offer some of the most colorful sunset views in the area.

Good to know:

• Facilities: There are no public restrooms or drinking fountains at Cuvier Park. The nearest facilities sit a block north at The Children’s Pool.
• Parking: Because of its prime coastal location, street parking on Coast Boulevard is extremely limited. Save yourself the stress of circling by consulting our ultimate La Jolla parking playbook before your arrival.
• Plan the night: The park sits just a short walk from The Village of La Jolla. After watching the sunset, head up the hill to enjoy a historic cocktail at The Whaling Bar or check into a luxury room at La Valencia Hotel.