Photographing Hospitals Reef

Hospitals Reef is a photographer’s paradise. San Diego is known for its many beaches, but Hospitals Reef is one of my favorites to photograph. It’s easy to see why when you get there. The unique rocky shoreline is home to many unusual and wonderful sights.

There is a section of rocks filled with potholes which resemble the craters of the moon. During low tide on calm days, these craters are filled with water reflecting the clouds in the sky above. Located just south of Wipeout Beach, Hospitals Beach is also known for snorkeling and surfing. During low tide there is an abundance of tide pools and great shelling along the coast, where you’ll often times see divers during lobster season.

This location offers endless opportunities for creative composition with the many rocky features present. When walking across the rocks, exercise caution and be sure to have sandals or shoes with good traction as some rocks are coated with algae and can be very slippery. If you come during sunset, be sure to get there a little early because you’ll have to compete with a line of photographers all trying to post up at the perfect spot to catch the sunset.