Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Scripps Beach

    4.7 (48 reviews)

    Scripps Beach Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Scripps Beach

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Carmen V.

    One of my favorite beaches! Love how quiet it is as compared to being in La Jolla Shores itself. I love the easy parking and then walking towards the left until the Scripps pier. So many beautiful photo opportunities just because the landscape is so gorgeous. No wonder many weddings take place here. It is so pleasant also to spend some hours reading a book in a more quiet scenery, so very recommended for people looking for a somewhat 'deserted' beach.

    View point of Scripps beach / pier
    Maricar D.

    Gorgeous views walking down from the public street next to the college campus. We were able to take photos at the bridges and the wooden decks on the way here. We found a viewpoint beside the pier-- which we thought would be open to the public but the gate was locked. Looking down, we saw people walking freely barefoot and the beach was very beautiful with soft sand and calm waves. Very scenic area with lots of wind so be prepared to wear jackets! You can also head under the pier bridge to take photos as well.

    Scripps Beach
    Patrick M.

    Scripps Beach is a 5 Star beach! The best views and you get away from all the screaming kids over at La Jolla Shores.

    The famous pier
    Ariana G.

    You've seen this famous spot on Instagram but don't know where it is? This is it. It's the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier. Great picturesque scene for photoshoot. Come early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds and take your solo photoshoot. Definitely Instagram worthy

    Pier
    Julie C.

    ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS BEACH with a well-known pier that is so unique to take stunning photos at! I was recommended that this is the place to take beautiful photos whether it is for graduation, engagement, or casual photos! The beach was also clean with beautiful waves, perfect for beach-goers and surfers! It is also a beautiful beach to watch the sunset at! There is also plenty of parking, as well as public restrooms and benches. HIGHLY RECOMMEND and I would definitely come back again!

    The gorgeous pier
    Kat M.

    The pier alone is worth the visit. It's the kind of ideal pier picture straight out of a photo book. The beach has ample parking and is beautiful like all San Diego beaches. There is a lovely cafe overlooking the beach. The cove is a short walk away where you can kayak and snorkel.

    Low tide
    Norbert K.

    Just north of La Jolla Scores and south of Scripps Pier, Scripps Beach is great for walking, surfing, picnics, playing in the water, watching sunsets, and more.  Parking is an issue.  The UCSD car parks here are only open to the public on weekends, and then it's $4 per hour.  Street parking is a challenge in the area which is a residential neighborhood.

    Bioluminescent waves
    Abe.Letty C.

    With all the hype of plankton and bioluminescent waves, we decided to experience it for ourselves late at night. We selected this beach above others based on people's reviews to avoid crowds. The parking was bearable and we were able to park close to the side of the beach. Truly amazing. The beach wasn't crowded and there were ppl practicing social distancing and wearing masks. Several ppl taking pictures and some managed to get in the water. We were able to capture some great pictures!

    10/13/2019: So beautiful!
    Sivilay T.

    Review #287 - 2019 Of all the trips I've made to San Diego, this one was probably the busiest one because I wanted to go everywhere and do everything. I find that my time has become even more precious, as I get older, so I try to do as much as I possibly can with my kids before they get older and refuse to spend time with me. We showed up around 2:30 PM on Sunday, October 13th, and were able to find a parking spot in their free lot, even though it was super crowded. My daughter loves the beach so I made it a point to visit La Jolla & walk to the pier at Scripps Beach. I actually had my own selfish reason for wanting to walk to the pier, because I wanted that money shot that I've seen on everyone's social media page. Sadly, my 17-year old son is not a beach lover so he refused to walk all the way to the pier with me because he had his expensive Jordans on. I had to remind him whose money bought those shoes ;) Luckily, a nice man was sweet enough to snap a few shots of my daughter & I, but I won't be posting them as I like to keep my daughter's photos private. This beach is absolutely beautiful! When I first showed up, it looked gloomy & felt pretty chilly so I was only planning to walk around for about half an hour at most. We ended up walking until 4:15 PM. That's a lot of minutes for me, when it comes to walking at the beach. The water seemed cold when I first put my feet in, but it got warmer the longer I continued to walk. The sand was super fine! We saw so many pretty colorful seashells wash up to shore. At first, I thought they were tiny rocks, but my daughter picked one up & realized they were seashells. Such an awesome place to spend the afternoon! To top it off, my daughter ran into two young ladies all dressed up as Anna & Elsa for a costume party! Talk about making a little girl's day at the beach even more memorable!

    Keith A.

    I can't believe I have never been over here before and living nearby for so long. Parking on the street is easy and free early in the morning. Not very crowded on the beach when it is early and cold, but some crazy surfers were going into the water without a wetsuit. Went on a Saturday morning when sun was just coming up, got some great photos. There are great views of La Jolla and surrounding areas. You can get some great sunrise and sunset pics too. The Pier is locked but if you are lucky enough to know someone who can let you up there, you can get some great photos from a different perspective. There are some grassy areas and picnic spots nearby to enjoy a quick bite to eat. There is also a cafe nearby.

    Pier
    Colby L.

    Beautiful spot at sunset for some great photo opportunities by the pier. Can get busy around 3-4 but overall still a fun trip for the family or with friends highly recommend

    Wendy Y.

    If you're not into crowds at the beach, then this place is perfect for you! You can say that it's somewhat secluded just because the area to sit/lay at the beach is smaller. But it's still a great beach with gorgeous views! Even when I'm not in the water, I still enjoy this beach very much. There's such a nice and relaxing vibe to this beach and everyone seems to be so chill. Overall, this is a great beach with beautiful views! Its perfect for your long walks on the beach!

    Great place to take a picture with your loved ones, family and friends! It's a must place to take a photo when in La Jolla!
    Scott T.

    Great place to take a photo with your loved ones, family and friends! It a must stop for a photo when in La Jolla!

    Scripps Pier

    See all

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Julie C.
    5
    79
    223

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kat M.
    802
    1080
    827

    5 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 26
    Thanks 0
    Love this 28
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ayanbu O.
    287
    425
    1284

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gail P.
    251
    1542
    5971

    17 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Binh T.
    408
    698
    2085

    14 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ashley S.
    388
    16
    53

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Luyi Z.
    862
    54
    249

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Abel M.
    129
    229
    1256

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andy C.
    229
    1459
    4039

    13 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jayne H.
    300
    695
    515

    12 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nina B.
    1095
    179
    1689

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joseph S.
    354
    36
    73

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Scripps Beach

    Where can u park during the weekdays? Is there street parking?

    Sometimes there's street parking but consider there's and demand due to the proximity to the beach and UCSD/SIO. There's a small paid via kiosk lot too.

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - Scripps Beach

    This beach is between La Jolla Shores and Blacks beach and the wave breaks are very surf friendly.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Beaches 8,544 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Balboa Park - Outside the Botanical Garden

    Balboa Park

    4.8(2.9k reviews)
    11.0 miBalboa Park

    I spotted this tree that spoke to me while riding on the way to breakfast at Hash House. After…read moreleaving breakfast, we came back to Balboa Park it was a peaceful and grounding experience before heading to the airport to return home. That moment honestly made me decide the park was a must-visit. I ended up stopping by afterward just to walk around, release some stress, and enjoy the calm energy. I even found myself just sitting in a tree, hugging two or a few, and taking in the quiet; especially in the Trees for Health Garden, which felt fitting for the whole experience. It was a simple but meaningful stop that added a peaceful pause to the end of the trip before heading back to the airport. I even met a squirrel that I chat with; I named him James. While I was chatting with him, he even place his paw on his chest as if he was asking me "are you speaking to me?" It felt great speaking to my own little grandma Willow tree moment.

    Yes - park and museums are lovely, but for me, I just didn't love Balboa Park…read more Didn't hate it but if you are someone with just a weekend in town, I think there are better options for afternoon activities in the zillions of things there are to do in SD. All I'm saying is don't get fooled making this a top of your list, must do-thing. Go if you REALLY want to, but don't feel like you missed out if you made a different selection.

    Photos
    Balboa Park - Nativity Display

    Nativity Display

    Balboa Park - 04-11-2025 Natural History Museum admission $24 adult, $14 child, $20 military

    04-11-2025 Natural History Museum admission $24 adult, $14 child, $20 military

    Balboa Park - Botanical garden

    See all

    Botanical garden

    La Jolla Shores - Thanksgiving '25

    La Jolla Shores

    4.4(564 reviews)
    0.6 miLa Jolla Shores, La Jolla

    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?

    Photos
    La Jolla Shores - La Jolla Shores

    La Jolla Shores

    La Jolla Shores - La Jolla Shores

    La Jolla Shores

    La Jolla Shores - La Jolla Shores

    See all

    La Jolla Shores

    Black's Beach - Too funny

    Black's Beach

    4.4(488 reviews)
    1.7 miLa Jolla Shores

    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!

    Photos
    Black's Beach
    Black's Beach - Love this place!

    Love this place!

    Black's Beach - I know its the beach but sandals is not the best move on this trail

    See all

    I know its the beach but sandals is not the best move on this trail

    Scripps Beach - beaches - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...