Anytime any family and friends are in town, I take them down to see the La Jolla coves. Beautiful…read morescenery on a sunny day! There are plenty of public street parking and also parking garages. Once you get past the stench of the sea lions, you can enjoy yourself more. It does take some getting used to! There are typically some street vendors there selling apparel. Some really cool hand crafted items. Just go where the wind takes you and enjoy yourself! Do NOT bother the sea lions, they can and will be aggressive if you get too close.

3/30/26 update:…read more Free parking is very difficult to find if you come during peak times. You might have to drive around in circles to see if anyone is leaving. We decided to park in the garage that is close to the Cave Store. It's about $15 and you have to pay by scanning a QR code. I didn't feel like waiting for people to leave since we were in a time crunch. There is a path by the Cave Store that you can walk down and get some great views. The cove where you can see the sea lions is a short walk. You can go to the beach which is shared with the sea lions. There's a park ranger that makes sure people don't get too close to the animals.

La Jolla Cove is one of the best spots in San Diego. The water is super clear, the views are…read moreunreal, and seeing the sea lions up close makes it even better. Great place to relax, walk around, or just catch a sunset.

A SAN DIEGO GEM This was my 'go-to' beach in the late 80s…read moreand 90s as a teenager for sun-worshipping and beach bonfires. Now in my 50s, I go less now -- maybe once a year, but on a recent visit we enjoyed a nice long walk from end-to-end and back and were lucky enough to catch some spectacular marine life in the tide pools near the pier. LOTS TO EXPLORE On one end of the beach, you will find the Marine Room restaurant and La Jolla Beach and Tennis club, along with mansions on the cliff edge, while kayakers from nearby tour and rental shops get safety briefings and enter the water. At the other end, you'll find Scripps Pier, Scripps Institute of Oceanography and if you're there at the right time, numerous tide pools with bright orange starfish and sea anemone. In between, you'll find grassy Kellogg Park, a tot lot, showers and restrooms, sinks and hand dryers. LOCALS AND TOURISTS The beach is about a mile long and comfortably deep in low tide. It attracts an international crowd, families, couples, surfers, teenagers, lovers, sun-worshipers, surfers, joggers, strollers, you name it. WHAT WOULD MAKE IT 5 STARS? There's a limited parking lot immediately adjacent to the beachfront, but I usually have to find parking on the street, not an easy task in peak season. As with all beaches in San Diego, it lacks vendors along the beach, so if you need a shop or get hungry or thirsty, either bring your own or seek out one of the clothing stores, restaurants or cafes along nearby Avenida de la Playa. La Jolla Shores is one of San Diego's nicest beaches in my opinion. Helpful?

Classic, lovely, wonderful beach in La Jolla. Parking in the residential area. Generally not crazy…read morecrowded. Clean and scenic!

WINDANSEA BEACH @ LA JOLLA…read more Parking is available for street in the neighborhood for free! Walking distance is about 5-10 minutes. This spot can get super crowded during the weekends. Windansea is such a beautiful beach, lots of people, huge waves that might go up to the tides, and lots of space for families! There are however a lot of birds and seagulls by and flying above heading south. Overall, I really enjoy this beach, and will definitely come again! It's a hidden place, and i really like how it isn't crowded!

Scripps Beach is one of my favorite spots for a morning walk. I came here before a doctor's…read moreappointment and it was the perfect way to start the day. Early in the morning it's not too crowded, which makes it ideal if you want some peace while getting your steps in. I recommend walking from one end to the other and then heading inland toward the nearby coffee shops it makes for a really nice flow. One thing I really appreciate is that there are multiple bathrooms available, which isn't always the case at beaches. It's also noticeably calmer and cleaner compared to some other beach areas around San Diego, which adds to the overall experience. Great views, fresh ocean air, solid walking path, and an easy place to rack up steps without the chaos. Highly recommend for early AM walks.

UCSD famous landmark was the reason to go. Loved the peaceful feelings. Enjoyed the beach at sunset…read morewas great. A must see

Nice free activity. The beach was closed near Sun set time since there were seals on the shore. We…read morelooked at them for quite a while. And not too crazy crowded. Can get a bit chilly towards the night. There are bathrooms on site in case the tea you drank is done brewing. Street parking can be found ....eventually

Children's pool is an iconic spot for San Diego. It is on all the lists of things to do, see,…read morevisit, in San Diego. Beautiful views, there is also a seawall that provides entertainment during king tides with giant splashes and people getting extra soaked. There are sea lions there, and picturesque sunrises and sunsets. Free 2-3 hour parking not too far away, but fills up fast. There are also paid parking garages nearby. Enjoy my photos and videos, many from the King tides. Wipeout beach is a short walk away, and better if you want to have a beach day.

La Jolla Tide Pools is a must visit when in the area of La Jolla. Parking may be a challenge…read moreespecially on weekends with crowds of tourists. Accessible down a flight of stairs, note there a few stairs but the wooden stairs are safer. The other stairs has uneven steps and the hand rail isn't securely fixed :( The best time to visit is when it's low tide, meaning the waves crash into the shore from a distant thereby allowing people to do more adventurous explorations. You can discover, learn and appreciate sea-life flora and fauna. So far, the maintenance crews and visitors and have done a great job keeping the area clean. La Jolla Cove's population of sea lions have not moved down to the tide pools area, so the area has an ocean air freshness. I absolutely love the beach, breathing the exhilarating fresh air and I am always amazed by the surrounding beauty. Truly Wonderful. Recommend

Roll Tide A small…read moresection of the CA coastline, situated between Whispering Sands Beach and Wipeout Beach, and is a premier destination for tidepooling action and superlative views. The Good: * Typical Cali coast views that we can't get enough of. * Lots of fun little nooks and crannies to explore. * Walking distance to a lot of restaurants and shops. * Free! The Meh: * Obviously, for the best experience here, you'll want to check the tide charts before coming and be aware the best low tides are btwn Dec & March. https://www.usharbors.com/harbor/california/la-jolla-ca/tides/ * No dogs allowed in the tide pools, but leashed dogs are OK on the trails above. The Ugly: * Street parking only, and it's tough to find at certain times of day. Like I mentioned above, maybe it's easier to park in town and just walk a bit, but you do you, boo. *Careful of the black algae on the rocks. That shit is slippery AF, son! Ask me how I know. 0_o The Good news is you won't see it coming. (: Conclusion: Fun place to get some nature in and family time with the kids.

Fun place and I was able to find the type of seashells I was looking for all along!! My…read moregranddaughter and I played and ran through the rock caves. For those with sensitive feet, you should consider wearing beach shoes.

shell beach is perfect for a day in the beach…read more the san diego weather makes the experience here the best, with the cold water reshot your from the humid heat here. parking is challenging, so be patient as you find a spot i found no shells in shell beach tho

A great place to be on a sunny day. The hike down the cliff is a bit of a hike but well worth it…read moreand actually its a fantastic leg workout. The beach is really clean with most beach goers carrying there picnic trash back up. Volley ball games usually take place in the summer. The views are not to be missed. The sun reflecting on the water in the late afternoons is mesmerizing so bring your best sun glasses & suntan lotions. For the shy person the RIGHT side as you climb down the cliff facing the water is for those who prefer bathing suits, Speedos & bikinis. To the LEFT side of the beach facing the water is clothing optional. Usually its a bit farther. Great that nobody bothers you & its a safe space for that all over tan. Sometimes beverages are sold on the beach discreetly, however, I'd recommend bringing your own & lots of water. Its a good idea toto bring food, snacks, fruit and sandwiches... insect repellant if needed. *True, sometimes it is a bit overcast so its best to check the weather report before leaving. *Free parking is available above the beach. Please be considerate while parking in an organized fashion in consideration of others. Thanks. Enjoy the beach & surf!!

If you know me, I like a nice challenge of a hike and usually enjoy some elevation gain or…read moresomething a bit strenuous. I wanted to be in this area but knew that the parking down by Torrey Pines Beach can sometimes be a hit or miss so I looked on the map and found Black's Beach trailhead and took a gamble. I had about 2 hours before it was going to rain, so this trail seemed doable in the time I had. I parked at the farther end of the gravel lot, not many cars parked here. And where I saw the danger sign, I started my hike down. It was a little steep going down, and if it was a wet day, I wouldn't venture down this path. Wear sturdy shoes, but I can tell you the views are so worth doing this short, steep hike down and back up. Once you get down to the beach, its just endless sand and beach and just gorgeous. I wish I had had more time to spend here, Ill definitely come back on a summer's day. I really enjoyed randomly discovering this trail, its about 45min down and up, definitely worth it for the views!

STEPH JUDGEMENT: Fun outing with experienced staff…read more We got to the store early and got fitted with life vests and helmets. They sell a good variety of clothing and accessories, and we decided to get some eyeglass leashes. After stowing our stuff in the free lockers, we met our group on the beach a short walk away. We were a group of 3 tandem kayaks, led by Ciro, a very experienced and knowledgeable guide. Kayaking along the coast and into some actual sea caves was exhilarating, as was wiping out on the way back in, which apparent is quite common. We did well on our way out, but one couple capsized both on the way out and in. I's not the end of the world if you do, as there are staff to help you on both ends. Afterwards Ciro provided a foot bath to rinse off our sandy feet, with was a nice touch. We had a great time; would definitely seek them out again should we want another outing.

Jen, Shan, and crew was absolutely amazing! Safety was a priority and helmets and life vests for…read moreall 14 our scout troop! Crew was knowledgeable and helpful. Ecology, geology, marine biology, history and economics were all topics during our jam packed 90 minute 4 mile paddle! Would absolutely recommend and will do it again! Thank you from troop 793!!!

HOW HAVE I NEVER HEARD OF THIS? I grew up in Laguna and now I live in Long Beach and this is the…read moremost insane incredible amazing beautiful thing I've ever experienced and it's right here!! Sea lions everywhere! More sea lions than people! It was breathtaking to see them as they were, and the babies playing in the water, and people were swimming with them!!! It made me want to move down here next!!

What a hidden gem, at least for me! Maybe because it is so difficult to park on that area I never…read moreventured to explore what was there or how to reach there and I was content with seeing the whales from far (as I am not that interested in them that I am with the nature surrounding them). Finally, I had to go to a job interview and the parking nightmare was solved for me so I only had to walk a bit and found the 'hiking' path which is actually more a waking trail (but sturdy shoes are better than light sneakers to avoid slippery terrain). Just gorgeous, sunny, not crowded (again, I didn't go to the seals section, just wanted to walk and admire the ocean and the beautiful houses and the blue skies). Very soothing. There are several benches to stop and medidate if you are into this, as well as a commemorative rock dedicated to the Kumeyaay native Americans that lived here. You should expect to visit this between 30-60 minutes as is not a very long trail.