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Fun place and I was able to find the type of seashells I was looking for all along!! My granddaughter and I played and ran through the rock caves. For those with sensitive feet, you should consider wearing beach shoes.
Worth the price of admission. Minutes away from Downtown La Jolla's main businesses and resorts, it's a wonderful spot to sit and relax. I got married a few blocks from here and this place reminds me of that time in my life. Definitely a tourist location. Be back soon.
This high-traffic area seems to attract plenty of attention. Not all of it is good. Certainly, there is a kind of beauty here: the ocean crashing against the shorelines consisting of sandy and rocky areas; harbor seals and sea lions hauling out and even tending to their babies here; ice plant covered bluffs creating habitat for ground squirrels and baby seabirds. Those same things seem to also gain the attention of many well-meaning but naive tourists... on our last visit here, we watched hundreds of people getting way too close to the baby sea lions on the rocks. Junior Warden Ben sez: harassing marine mammals is a federal crime. Alas, no one here seems to care. I love the ocean, I love the beach. But at the same time, I enjoy going to natural places to get away from people. No such luck here, no matter how you slice it.
Shell Beach is yet another one of La Jolla's beautiful beaches. Very small Beach as the waves leave little dry area in the sand. Great beach to spend a day at solo with a book and such.
Stunning; just stunning. The location is just breathtaking. Beautiful view; beautiful beach; beautiful sunsets. Lots of benches along the top of the cliff if you can't make it down to hike hello. Also a walkway above the beach for those who like to walk along and just hear the beach waves. Like most beaches at sunset though it does get crowded but it's worth it so worth it!
It's a small beach and not accessible if you cannot handle a couple flights of steep, sandy stairs... but if you make it to the bottom alive, you are in for a treat. The Beach is sandy with tons of shells to look through and the water is crystal clear. Lots of rocks so you can't really play in the water very far in without hurting yourself. Stay for the sunset though. It's quite a treat.
Yet another gorgeous beach in La Jolla. This one is more for the humans but don't be surprised to see a seal pop up if you're swimming. The beach area is pretty narrow at high tide but there's still plenty of room to relax here. There are even a few large flat rocks to hang out on. Careful on the stairs, they're very sandy and slippery!
This was a really nice beach. It smells horribly of seaweed. Parking is almost nonexistent in one way. We didn't see a single lot that you could park in for the day. All they have is street parking and that has a limit of 2 hours. Due to the lack of parking I love the 2 hour limit. This gives everyone a chance for a little time at the beach. So, thank you community for putting on these limit. Due to these limits people are constantly coming and going and if you are patient you can pull into a space soon enough. We got a really nice space two blocks away and set our timer. The truth is after you've hit 2 beaches 2 hours is plenty of time. The said is a big course, you only notice this when you visit other beaches the same day. This is a very small patch of sand on this beach. The place wasn't crowed, but enough people to remind you that you picked a good spot. Which is ok. It makes it a more intimate beach and when you are only staying 2 hours its fine. There is a real life guard here. It's so cool. In SF and Alameda we don't have lifeguards. Here there are lifeguards in the towers and another below under an umbrella on a chair. I think that is so cool and reassuring. The beach has a sign no boarding due to rough undercurrent. I stayed on shore and waded no farther than my waist. The water was warm and refreshing, nothing like SF. It was so clear. I couldn't believe how clear it was. This fact made me come back a second time. The sand was a bit damp due to the narrowness of the beach, which was ok. You just don't put anything you don't want wet on the ground. I think there may have been tide pools here, but due to the tide was coming up I didn't want to venture into the rock area. I did find many little empty shells. It was wonderful. I love finding shells. It's what I live for on a vacation. I'll be back here on our next trip. I don't want to miss out on finding more shells. The other close shelling beach is silver strand, but it's a bit more of a drive.
If you're planning to visit the area, check the tides schedule. If you can, it's worth going there during low tide, when tidal pools are accessible on foot. It's very pretty, but also very slippery, so be careful. Did see some ladies in a high heels trying to navigate around the tidal pools, but they are all slimy since they are covered with sea grass, so I wouldn't recommend it. Also, it gets smelly, so if it bothers you, you were warned. Beautiful area to visit, but gets highly congested even on foot, so be prepared to look for the parking.
Very cool spot! Waves were mesmerizing and tons of tiny creatures. Large sand granules so it was easy to brush off our feet and legs. But wear water shoes! Rough rocks and the waves come in hard against your feet and legs. Throw in pebbles and bricks broken shells, kinda stung. But worth the experience. We actually didn't find many whole shells here. Just lots of broken pieces.
Parking is difficult, so you need patience. Trek to tide pool area was tricky, but nice to see. Wish that the walk to the beach was easier... Did see some hermit crabs & sea anemone. Beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
Great spot for taking the kids. The tide pools were fun although slippery. Get their early for parking.
2 months ago
3 months ago
Beautiful, clean beach. I've been here many times but it is especially busy in the summer months. Finding parking may be challenging during this time. read more
shell beach is perfect for a day in the beach 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 read more
5 months ago
Fun place and I was able to find the type of seashells I was looking for all along!! My granddaughter and I played and ran through the rock caves. For those with sensitive feet, you should consider wearing beach shoes. read more
Worth the price of admission. Minutes away from Downtown La Jolla's main businesses and resorts, it's a wonderful spot to sit and relax. I got married a few blocks from here and this place reminds me of that time in my life. Definitely a tourist location. Be back soon. read more
This high-traffic area seems to attract plenty of attention. Not all of it is good. Certainly, there is a kind of beauty here: the ocean crashing against the shorelines consisting of sandy and rocky areas; harbor seals and sea lions hauling out and even tending to their babies here; ice plant covered bluffs creating habitat for ground squirrels and baby seabirds. Those same things seem to also gain the attention of many well-meaning but naive tourists... on our last visit here, we watched hundreds of people getting way too close to the baby sea lions on the rocks. Junior Warden Ben sez: harassing marine mammals is a federal crime. Alas, no one here seems to care. I love the ocean, I love the beach. But at the same time, I enjoy going to natural places to get away from people. No such luck here, no matter how you slice it. read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
Shell Beach is yet another one of La Jolla's beautiful beaches. Very small Beach as the waves leave little dry area in the sand. Great beach to spend a day at solo with a book and such. read more
Stunning; just stunning. The location is just breathtaking. Beautiful view; beautiful beach; beautiful sunsets. Lots of benches along the top of the cliff if you can't make it down to hike hello. Also a walkway above the beach for those who like to walk along and just hear the beach waves. Like most beaches at sunset though it does get crowded but it's worth it so worth it! read more
It's a small beach and not accessible if you cannot handle a couple flights of steep, sandy stairs... but if you make it to the bottom alive, you are in for a treat. The Beach is sandy with tons of shells to look through and the water is crystal clear. Lots of rocks so you can't really play in the water very far in without hurting yourself. Stay for the sunset though. It's quite a treat. read more
9 years ago
Yet another gorgeous beach in La Jolla. This one is more for the humans but don't be surprised to see a seal pop up if you're swimming. The beach area is pretty narrow at high tide but there's still plenty of room to relax here. There are even a few large flat rocks to hang out on. Careful on the stairs, they're very sandy and slippery! read more
11 years ago
This was a really nice beach. It smells horribly of seaweed. Parking is almost nonexistent in one way. We didn't see a single lot that you could park in for the day. All they have is street parking and that has a limit of 2 hours. Due to the lack of parking I love the 2 hour limit. This gives everyone a chance for a little time at the beach. So, thank you community for putting on these limit. Due to these limits people are constantly coming and going and if you are patient you can pull into a space soon enough. We got a really nice space two blocks away and set our timer. The truth is after you've hit 2 beaches 2 hours is plenty of time. The said is a big course, you only notice this when you visit other beaches the same day. This is a very small patch of sand on this beach. The place wasn't crowed, but enough people to remind you that you picked a good spot. Which is ok. It makes it a more intimate beach and when you are only staying 2 hours its fine. There is a real life guard here. It's so cool. In SF and Alameda we don't have lifeguards. Here there are lifeguards in the towers and another below under an umbrella on a chair. I think that is so cool and reassuring. The beach has a sign no boarding due to rough undercurrent. I stayed on shore and waded no farther than my waist. The water was warm and refreshing, nothing like SF. It was so clear. I couldn't believe how clear it was. This fact made me come back a second time. The sand was a bit damp due to the narrowness of the beach, which was ok. You just don't put anything you don't want wet on the ground. I think there may have been tide pools here, but due to the tide was coming up I didn't want to venture into the rock area. I did find many little empty shells. It was wonderful. I love finding shells. It's what I live for on a vacation. I'll be back here on our next trip. I don't want to miss out on finding more shells. The other close shelling beach is silver strand, but it's a bit more of a drive. read more
5 years ago
If you're planning to visit the area, check the tides schedule. If you can, it's worth going there during low tide, when tidal pools are accessible on foot. It's very pretty, but also very slippery, so be careful. Did see some ladies in a high heels trying to navigate around the tidal pools, but they are all slimy since they are covered with sea grass, so I wouldn't recommend it. Also, it gets smelly, so if it bothers you, you were warned. Beautiful area to visit, but gets highly congested even on foot, so be prepared to look for the parking. read more
5 years ago
8 years ago
Very cool spot! Waves were mesmerizing and tons of tiny creatures. Large sand granules so it was easy to brush off our feet and legs. But wear water shoes! Rough rocks and the waves come in hard against your feet and legs. Throw in pebbles and bricks broken shells, kinda stung. But worth the experience. We actually didn't find many whole shells here. Just lots of broken pieces. read more
8 years ago
Parking is difficult, so you need patience. Trek to tide pool area was tricky, but nice to see. Wish that the walk to the beach was easier... Did see some hermit crabs & sea anemone. Beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. read more
7 years ago
Great spot for taking the kids. The tide pools were fun although slippery. Get their early for parking. read more
5 years ago
6 years ago
My family and I enjoyed a day at shell beach, even though it was overcast. It's a great beach with seals that swim near by. The area where we were at was pretty empty, which allowed for my daughter and nephew to run around without bothering anyone. read more
13 years ago
15 years ago
My family's first time coming here. It is beyond beautiful! The steps make it easy to climb down to the beach, the only thing to be careful with is the rocks at the very bottom of the steps. Not a lot of them, but enough to have to walk over to get to the beach. Not somewhere to bring chairs and a canopy to, but the rocks around the beach make for great seating. There are a few tidepools for the kiddos to see. My boys saw several hermit crab and anemones. They (ages 15 & 11) spent the entire time in the tidepool area, which I was amazed how entertained they were by it. There is a beautiful park like area just above where you can sit under a tree and just enjoy the views. The childrens pool is also within walking distance, maybe like a 5-7 min walk. Parking is not bad! Yes there is traffic, but much easier to park then other beaches that I have been to before. Some areas have signs that state 2 hr parking, other designated areas have no signs at all. Free parking near the beach and within the little neighborhoods. It is a gorgeous place to visit, highly recommend it! read more
10 years ago
Sea lions everywhere! Children need to be closely watched since there are MANY slippery rocks and a steep staircase leading down to the beach. Also, it tends to get crowded and is a very small beach. Overall, speaking from someone who doesn't like crowds and has two young children-if you're up for it, it's worth the trip at least once! read more
9 years ago
16 years ago
This is an amazing place to spend an hour! Just a short walk from La Jolla Cove, Shell Beach is an amazing site for children and adults! My two year old and I visit here weekly with her fishing net and explore the various tide pools. We are always able to find amazing sea life, little fish, anemones, limpets, Chitons, crabs, and seals! There are stairs to get you down or cliffs that you can slide down if you are crazy like me. Visit during low tide otherwise you won't be able to see into the tide pools, but still during high tide a pretty place. read more
11 years ago
I wish I had brought my bathing suit with me, the waves are huge here and it looks like the kids love it. I could spend all day here! read more
14 years ago
9 years ago
12 years ago
LOVE THIS BEACH!! It is right on the La Jolla Cove and has beautifully clear water that I've only seen in Hawaii and in Laguna Beach. There are plenty of fun rocks to hangout on which is fun. The name of the beach comes from the tiny shells that make up the sand which can be a little hard on some people's feet especially where the sand meets the water. The little shells and rocks make this beach a particularly beautiful beach and amazing experience overall. It's not really the classic So Cal beach where people come with a ton of gear and supplies to camp out for the day as it is meant for somewhat short visits with a few people reading on the sand or enjoying the scenery which is exactly my kind of beach. I can't wait to go back! read more
12 years ago
15 years ago
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More info about Shell Beach
Coast Blvd
San Diego, CA 92037
La Jolla
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Hours
Outdoor Amenities
Ask the Community - Shell Beach
It sounds like there isn't actually much for shells here. Where is a good spot to go find shells with my kids? THANK YOU so much!!!
Shells on shell beach?
