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La Jolla, CA

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La Jolla Shores

4.4 (573 reviews)

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Reviews With Photos

Noticed a crab hanging out in the sand
Renata K.

This is a nice family friendly beach. It's great for surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, skimboarding, looking at sea life, and just relaxing. There are lots of nice restaurants nearby within walking distance so we usually come to the beach and pick a restaurant to go to after. Makes for a perfect day!

Me and my shenanigans at the beach
Melissa H.

This beach doesn't have its own parking so we had to find parking on the street which took several minutes. It wasn't bad, not a far walk at all. The beach itself was flooded with people playing frisbee, flying kites, taking pictures and sunbathing. It was a beautiful sight to see so many families and people having genuine fun. I enjoyed dipping my feet into the water. The sand is wetter and more compacted than I'm used to. It's not the typical dry, fluffy sand. I still enjoyed it. We didn't kayak today as it was an impromptu visit but we had a good time. Didn't visit the restrooms. The tide wasn't high and people seemed to be enjoying the last weeks of summer. The sand was cool and the water was surprisingly warmer than I expected. It was a very enjoyable day. Lots of seaweed on the beach near the tide line and lots of seagulls not afraid of humans. Some were on people's backpacks and towels just chillin.

Ann L.

This is an absolutely beautiful beach!! I checked into a nearby hotel after an insanely early flight and headed here after settling in to avoid falling asleep. This is the perfect beach to kick off your shoes and just walk. It's a nice long stretch and there were birds and even a pod of dolphins to watch. They have showers all along as well to wash off sand and salt before heading out. There were tons of partial sand dollars along the beach as well as some nice shells for beach combers. The waves seemed perfect for people who were trying to learn to surf without getting battered too badly. We came back here daily while in town. This is now on my list of favorite beaches!

la jolla shores beach rainbow!
Laureen P.

rainy sunset pics ! La jolla shores is the best beach. We came down here for a brief visit and decided to hang out , it rained and then a beautiful sunset happened just like that!

A free beach parking area
Newt F.

Free public parking area, two blocks from the beach. Locals have been using this PUBLIC lot for decades, the current owners have made it beautiful for the public to use.

Elisa N.

LA JOLLA SHORES @ LA JOLLA What a beautiful beach for a lovely day to tan and jump in the water! This place was PACKED, for a sunday, and parking was packed! The lot is not recommended there are people who put their emergency lights WAITING for someone to leave. I'd recommend parking street, it's a higher chance, a bit more of a walk but it's scenic! We came here around late afternoon after checking out the La Jolla's farmers market, about a 10 minute drive. Finding a spot on the beach was easy, the water was CROWDED with surfers, kids, and many dogs! It was awesome, and the waves were so refreshing. Highly recommend stopping by this beach for an incredible day, we stayed until after sunset which was beautiful! Really loved this spot and would come back.

Ocean
Minji W.

*I was at the south end of the beach* A very crowded but beautiful view beach. A good amount of beach sand compared to other spots in La Jolla, but the entire beach has chairs and tables for the resorts so it just immediately looks a bit crowded. It's also where the local water sports shops launch all of their kayaks and what not so all of that will be in view. So if you're looking for a quiet and quaint spot, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a fun and beautiful place to be, then you've found it! Parking is a little bit of a hassle with street parking, but it was fine for me!

Steven Y.

I absolutely love La Jolla shores! I come here often to walk on the beach, kayak or swim in the ocean. There's a large beach area and also two large parks to hang out and enjoy a cookout or hang out. There's public bathrooms and a shower off area. There's also a kids playground area too. I live close by and I always try to find a way to go a run or hang out. There's a large parking lot for parking but it's always packed. If you want to find a spot, come during the week. It's always packed during the holidays and weekends.

V W.

A SAN DIEGO GEM This was my 'go-to' beach in the late 80s and 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?

Emily U.

finally back home sweet home! my all time favorite beach to surf. catching the ocean waves feel SO good today. Life! Living it! Loving it!

Eleana S.

To be honest, before meeting up to play volleyball, I did a little research to find a good spot, and I'm glad I found this place! Thankfully, we started early at 8 AM to set up, and that's when Coach Gary came through with his net, so helpful, haha! I really love volleyball, even if I'm not a pro. Playing earlier is definitely better since it gets hotter, more crowded, and parking can be tough later in the day. Still, I had so much fun! You can choose to play on the sand or the grass, it all depends on your setup and your net.

Lisa E.

Amazing, beautiful, well maintained and open to the public. It was not difficult for us to find parking on a nearby street and walk maybe 1/2 a mile. I would stay here on our next vacation to the area. We stumbled upon some open Adirondack chairs at the beachfront restaurant & hotel and we enjoyed some cocktails and pretended that we were staying there. Nothing but positive things to say about our time here in early Jan. 2025

Marshall G.

A great beach walk. Surf was small but plenty of surfers in the 60 f water. Very clean beach. There are 20 vintage homes that actually edge the beach Many have steps or ladders you lower to access the sand. That must be old history. Modern to old brick Styles. Very nice

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2 months ago

Such a nice spot for snorkeling and seeing leopard sharks and other sea life but the parking and crowds are crazyyyyy!

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La Jolla Shores Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - La Jolla Shores

Can anyone confirm if canopy's/ easy up are allowed on the beach/ sand?

Yes, I have seen many people use them on the sand.

Are there nets for volleyball? Or do you have to bring your own

Bring your own net, but they do have the poles set up a bit past tower 33

What hours are dogs allowed?

I'm pretty sure before 9 am and after 5 pm.

Any luck for the grunion run at this beach?

Do you have to bring your own net for the volleyball courts?

Yes

Does anyone know if there are beach umbrella rentals?

Not that I know of. Mostly bikes and stuff

Are dogs allowed only certain times? Any recommendations for pretty beaches where dogs are allowed all the time but that are also good for humans?

Dogs are allowed before 9am and after 6pm here

Can you bring your own self contained fire pit to La Jolla Shores?

Yes. The bottom must be at least 6" above the sand. Please dispose of hot coals in fire pits or round concrete hot coals containers.

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Review Highlights - La Jolla Shores

“For those who like to take pictures of the nature, Scripps Pier is a great photo spot.”

Mentioned in 9 reviews

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La Jolla Cove - Brandt's cormorant

La Jolla Cove

4.6(1.6k reviews)
1.0 mi•La Jolla

I am pretty spoiled to have dived some waters where visibility is great so it was a bit…read moredisappointing to snorkel here this morning. I came here at 6:45am and was able to find parking literally right at the cove, so come early, its worth it. Lots of wildlife hanging out there. I saw a bunch of sea lions sleeping, tons of cormorants and lots of badass pelicans flying and scooping down for food. By 7am, I was in the water and there were already plenty of people here. I tried out my wetsuit with all my gear and everything worked well. I wasn't too hot in my 4/3 wetsuits. Visibility was crap today and couldn't see much. I'll have to come back again to see if visibility improves. I got out in 30 minutes, no point wasting time with cloudiness. I used the local showers to get the sand and saltwater off myself and gear. Public bathrooms also available. After getting out, I walked around a bit and it was a lovely day. Beautiful area, no wonder everyone likes coming here. I'll be back!

Some tourist spots you visit. La Jolla Cove you audition for. Between finding parking, dodging the…read moresea lions who have clearly decided this is their beach and you're the guest, and trying to get a photo that doesn't have fifteen strangers in it, you earn every minute here. The payoff, though, is worth it. The cove itself is stunning -- that deep blue water, the sandstone cliffs, waves crashing over the rocks in a way that makes you feel like you've walked onto a screensaver. There's a reason people come from all over for this view. It's the kind of place that makes you forget you're also standing next to someone's very confused-looking squirrel. And the wildlife. Sea lions lounging like they paid for a day pass, huddled together on warm rocks while the surf sprays over them. A lone squirrel with the confidence of a local mascot. It's like a nature documentary where nobody told the animals they're supposed to be shy. It's a hike to get around the cliffs and down to the water, but you're rewarded at every turn with views that look better than whatever your phone camera manages to capture. Bring good shoes, bring a camera, bring patience with the crowds -- and come ready to just sit for a second and take it all in. Beautiful, lively, and absolutely worth the trip. Highly recommend for anyone who wants the coastal California postcard experience in real life.

Photos
La Jolla Cove - "I always feel like somebody is watching me" -- Brown Pelicans | IG @moniquedao

"I always feel like somebody is watching me" -- Brown Pelicans | IG @moniquedao

La Jolla Cove - 7.3.25 Experiencing the sea lions live with our family

7.3.25 Experiencing the sea lions live with our family

La Jolla Cove - Walking down the sidewalk near the cove.

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Walking down the sidewalk near the cove.

Windansea Beach

Windansea Beach

4.7(230 reviews)
2.2 mi•La Jolla

Sandy beach La Jolla…read moreHidden gem Small parking Residential area Small beach Waves crashing rocks Step by rip No restrooms No trash cans Walking with views on top Sun bathing beach and rocks Lifeguards durin

I visited Windansea Beach for a friend's go away party, and it completely lived up to its…read morereputation. I even conducted a survey at a Super Bowl party, and Windansea Beach came out on top as the most-loved beach among the locals. I truly enjoyed strolling along the coastline and taking in the beauty of Windansea Beach. While sitting on a bench, I had the pleasure of meeting a lovely couple, and we struck up a wonderful conversation. We all shared the same feeling -- this beach has something truly special about it. It's the kind of place that creates a connection, not just with nature, but also with the people who appreciate its unique charm. Unlike many traditional sandy beaches, Windansea's rocky shoreline gives it a unique character. Walking along the coast, watching waves crash against the rocks, and seeing surfers embrace the powerful ocean made the experience unforgettable. I've visited countless beaches around the world, and Windansea Beach easily ranks among my top 10 favorites. From the moment I arrived, I could feel a different kind of energy. I feel lucky that I can drive to this beautiful beach any day. Counting my blessings. I took off one star because the parking situation was not ideal. Finding a spot can be challenging. The traffic is also a problem. It is all worth it though.

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Windansea Beach - My daughters & Goddaughter enjoying that SD beach life

My daughters & Goddaughter enjoying that SD beach life

Windansea Beach
Windansea Beach - Enjoy life

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Enjoy life

La Jolla Tide Pools - La Jolla Tide Pools

La Jolla Tide Pools

4.4(34 reviews)
1.7 mi•La Jolla

This place was really cool. Went with some friends who drove down from SF to attend a wedding…read more Kinda funky smell but i managed to push thru that and have fun anyway! gotta make sure you time it right here so you get there when the tide is at its lowest and you can see all the cute starfish and other things, if that's what you're into. We had fun, was a little slippery but all in all, had a great time. There are still a lot of sea lions and seals here so gotta be careful. i'm not a thrill seeker, i do like going on little adventures just so long as i feel safe. And what i mean by safe is, there aren't rattlesnakes potentially dropping down from the cliff or bluffs behind me, nudists chasing us on the beach wanting us to come join them, or being chased by pissed if sea lions at la jolla cove and then hit by a giant wave trying to escape, these are types of adventures, def fun, that might make me feel a little unsafe lol. That said i felt safe here generally and would def recommend it bc it's cool and as long as you go at the right time it's a super interesting place to visit. have fun!

I love a good tide pool, but unfortunately this wasn't it. It was sad looking. Not a whole lot of…read morelife left in those pools. Not sure if it was me not looking hard enough or the life has been chased out. Parking is street parking and by luck. The beach itself was fun though!

Photos
La Jolla Tide Pools - La Jolla Tide Pools

La Jolla Tide Pools

La Jolla Tide Pools - La Jolla Tide Pools

La Jolla Tide Pools

La Jolla Tide Pools - La Jolla Tide Pools

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La Jolla Tide Pools

Black's Beach - Cliffs down to the beach

Black's Beach

4.4(491 reviews)
2.2 mi•La Jolla Shores

TikTok took me to Blacks Beach for a hike and I had no idea what I signed up for…read more The hike itself was actually scary but so fun. We took the route that involved a little rock climbing, super slippery paths, and at one point we literally crossed a narrow plank with ropes and I was questioning my life choices lol. But once we finally got down to the beach... wow. I was SO excited. All that hard work actually paid off. The beach was beautiful and it felt so rewarding getting there. Then we started walking further down and suddenly... I realized there were a bunch of completely naked people everywhere. I had NO idea Blacks Beach was a nude beach. I was shocked for like 2 seconds and then started laughing because out of all the things I expected after surviving that hike... that was not one of them. 10/10 experience. Scary, fun, unexpected, and definitely memorable.

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!!

Photos
Black's Beach - Gliders over the beach

Gliders over the beach

Black's Beach - Cliffs overlooking the beach

Cliffs overlooking the beach

Black's Beach

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La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks

La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks

4.7(422 reviews)
0.1 mi•La Jolla, La Jolla Shores

Some of our planned excursions fell through, so we had to pivot and found this option on Yelp! It…read morewent with it as it was the only tour group that had a three person option (the world was not built with odd numbered families in mind)! We booked the tour knowing it was a bit overcast, choppy and the caves were likely closed but boy were we in for a treat. Nick was out guide and sadly the other couple with us were not able to join but that meant we had a private tour! On our way out we were treated to. Few dolphins. When we got to the caves the waves were just calm enough for a quick in and out. Then on our way back green sea turtle popped his head out of the water and swam under our boat! It was pretty incredible! Nick was an awesome guide! Super knowledgeable and dropped facts throughout the journey. We took my 7,10 and 13 year old sons and they all loved it. Not a bad pivot!!

We had such a great time on this tour! Got to go in one cave. Wish we got to do more caves but we…read morehad to go in 1-2 kayaks at a time and paddle back out. I thought we would be paddling thru multiple caves but that was not the case. Jade let us get out of our kayaks and swim, and I ended up capsizing our kayak when getting back in. She stayed super calm and helped us both get back in. If she wasn't as calm, I would've freaked out more! But we didn't capsize going in and out of the waves, which is the most common place to capsize!

Photos
La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks - Don't be afraid to ask other kayakers to take your picture

Don't be afraid to ask other kayakers to take your picture

La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks - Friendly and helpful tour guides!

Friendly and helpful tour guides!

La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks - Kayak toward the caves

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Kayak toward the caves

La Jolla Underwater Park

La Jolla Underwater Park

4.5(21 reviews)
1.0 mi•La Jolla

This place is absolutely amazing. The views are beautiful, and everything you could possibly need…read moreis within walking distance. There is pretty much the guarantee of seeing sea lions... one swam in with the waves and walked up the beach, in spite of the many people on the beach. There are tide pools with lots to see! There are public restrooms, street vendors, caves, and lots more. The only thing I would say wasn't super pleasant is how the life guard really seemed to like to "hear himself" over the loud speaker. "This isn't Sea World. This is real world." Yeah, some people might irritate the life guards, but it doesn't give them a right to be rude to everyone. If you don't like your public service job, find something else. And parking. Parking was tricky, on a weekday. But, we figured it out.

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.

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La Jolla Underwater Park
La Jolla Underwater Park
La Jolla Underwater Park

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La Jolla Shores - beaches - Updated October 2026

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