The Clam (Dead Man's Cliff) — cliff jumping spot in La Jolla, California
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The Clam (Dead Man's Cliff)

La Jolla, California
Photo: Jarek Tuszynski / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

About this spot

Known locally as 'The Clam' — a shell-shaped sandstone cliff formation in La Jolla, with Dead Man's Cliff its tallest, most notorious jump (up to roughly 100 feet depending on tide). Access is via Coast Blvd near the Cave Store, then down to the rocks by Goldfish Point. Cliff jumping here is illegal and has been prohibited for decades, yet it remains a persistent, filmed tradition; a 2025 illegal jump struck a kayaker below. The real hazards are landing on shallow rock shelves near the surface and unpredictable rip currents on the swim back in. Treat any jump here as banned, dangerous, and actively enforced against.

Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.

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