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    Windansea Beach

    4.7 (227 reviews)

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    My beautiful girls loving the La Jolla beaches
    Andy M.

    My fav beach in SD, not the biggest beach but big enough in size to walk around & enjoy the soft sand they have & chill & lay out on the rocks or the beach. A lot of cool little hidden areas around & under the rocks to have a romantic walk or even have a passionate moment/quickie if you know what I mean :) Also a lot of good spots to see a sunset & wave watch & see the surfers do thier thing. I love that you can hear the waves crash onto the beach. A lot of good photo opportunities here, I saw a couple taking engagement pics all over the beach, people tanning, having picnics & enjoying the their time there. Becareful walking onto the rocks they can be a bit slippery. They have steps to walk down to the beach & a few benches around the beach to sit & chill. They don't have lifeguards so be safe & alert in the water & watch your kids. If you're lucky you'll see a few dolphins. This beach is so peaceful & beautiful I can't wait to go back, In my opinion San Diego's cutest & best beach hands down.

    Joy H.

    This is the best beach in SoCal. There is a walkway above the shore, beach and rocks. Beautiful homes, art vendors and the iconic "surf shack" line the coast. - The rock formations are perfect for views of the ocean, watching the surfers, doing art projects or hanging out with your pet (on leash). At each end of the beach are rock formations where you can find crabs. At low tide, you can explore tide pools. - Above the sandy beach are benches and parking is free in a couple of locations along the walkway as well as in the side streets of the neighborhood. Up a block from the beach are taco huts, sandwich shops, convenience stores, grocery stores (locally owned), liquor stores and a couple bars and restaurants.

    Aswathi C.

    This is apparently a very popular surf spot. Windansea is actually a much cleaner beach, beautiful blue water and white sand. A distinctive feature of Windansea Beach is the palm-covered surf shack, originally built in 1947 by returning World War II surfers. This structure, intended to provide shade and a gathering spot, has become an emblem of Southern California surf culture. Despite damage from storms over the years, it has been rebuilt multiple times and was designated a historical landmark in 1998 .

    Amanda J.

    I love this beach! It's so clean and pretty! I had a great time picnicking here with my girlfriends. While it's winter time, the weather was actually warm and perfect today. The ocean was beautiful. I was excited because we saw a seal swimming by. There was plenty of street parking.

    Athena A.

    I definitely recommend this hidden beach if you are looking for a quiet and secluded spot. There were a few people playing the guitar that was very soothing. The views here are spectacular and I definitely will go again.

    Dixie Bell
    DeAnna L.

    Our AirBnB is two blocks from this spectacular beach. We walked along the seawall and enjoyed huge crashing waves, seagulls, the Coastguard keeping a close watch on the surfers, and a calming spirit that radiates over the entire area. The homes that dot the beach are quaint and cozy. Everyone we passed along the trail was in a great mood. How could you not be in a paradise place like this? Our 10 year old Frenchie loved it too.

    Siobhan D.

    Beautiful view, clean beach, loved climbing on the rocks. Stunning spot to catch a sunset. Parking was very limited, but I found a free spot a block away on a residential street. No place to change. No amenities. Just a nice, clean, free beach.

    Lenra E.

    Best spot to watch sunset under the famous surf shack. Beautiful mossy rock formation adds contrast to its white sandy beach. Plenty of free street parking too.

    Chinsin S.

    Windansea Beach is by far one of San Diego's best beaches. It's hidden away in La Jolla, so there aren't a ton of tourist or foot traffic. If you're looking for a quiet and casual spot to view the waves, read a book or to catch up with friends and/or family, Windansea Beach will do just that for you and more. We recently went on a Sunday afternoon and immediately found parking within minutes. We also had little to no issues looking for a place to sit down either. It's definitely smaller than its neighboring beaches, and maybe that's why it remains so special to so many locals, students and San Diego enthusiasts. There's just something so majestic seeing so many groups of pelicans fly overhead every few minutes. Just breathtaking. If you're ever in the area or live nearby, definitely add Windansea Beach to your list! It is a San Diego hidden gem and favorite for sure.

    Enjoy life
    David M.

    Most amazing views street parking get there early. You can sit on benches or walk down to the rocks and get a amazing sunset worth it enjoy life

    Brian K.

    Awesome spot with fairly easy parking. We visited during king tide season, so the waves were huge and crashed into the rocks right in front of us. Awesome spot!!

    Sergio D.

    Secluded, picturesque cove with crystal-clear waters and stunning sunsets. Perfect for snorkeling, swimming, or simply soaking up the serene atmosphere.

    Son-in-law with granddaughter at Windansea Beach
    Jeff B.

    Spent a week at our VRBO home rental at Windansea Beach. Had a wonderful time searching for shells, making sand castles, people watching, ship watching and enjoying the surfers. Our ages ranged from 3-62 and we all were impressed by the accessibility, cleanliness and pure beauty. I would've liked to see some public restrooms, but I'm sure the valuable real estate made it prohibitive to cover all the beaches. I recommend Windansea Beach for families.

    King Tides Dec 2020

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    Very nice beach. Usually pretty quiet and low key as it is lesser known. Possibly one of the best beaches in San Diego as a result.

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    5 months ago

    It was an excellent spot to surf, watch sunset, take pictures, or go on a run! Would recommend this beach to anyone visiting!

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    Ask the Community - Windansea Beach

    Hello! Is this a good beach for little ones (age 1 1/2 and 4)?

    Yes! It's a small beach and if you don't live in the area, parking might be hard to find. It's nice and not crowded. Enjoy the beach!

    Is there a public restroom around the beach?

    I don't think so. I didn't see any facilities where we were. But it's an easily accessible beach steps away from street parking. And there are stores n places to eat nearby where you could probably run in for a pit stop?

    I heard that the waves are pretty large is it safe for kids 7+?I'm also wondering if it is busy on weekends during COVID-19?

    Sometimes the waves are 1-2 feet (safe for that age) and sometimes 3-5 feet (starting to get rough for smaller children). Most of the time it's shore-break which means the waves break right on the sand and can be dangerous (3-5ft) for anyone… Read more

    Is this beach currently open for hanging out with my kids and making sandcastles? I can get a clear answer. Thank you.

    My dad lives on Neptune Pl. He says the beach is open (when there's enough sand) but it's still a good idea to wear masks because there a lot of people not wearing theirs.

    Is anybody going to care if I walk my leashed dogs here?

    You can walk your leashed dogs. Just pick up after them.

    Has anyone been married or had an elopement here? The surf shack seems the perfect place for it!

    Hi Emily, I photographed a small wedding there. (5 people total) It is a busy spot in the summer! Here is a link to the wedding:… Read more

    Is there a public bathroom at this beach?

    Not really, Its a small little patch of beach in a somewhat residential area. Every time I've visited, I was there less than 30mins.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Windansea Beach

    If you've never been to this beach you have to do yourself a favor and head on down to this beach for the sunset.

    Mentioned in 37 reviews

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    La Jolla Shores - Thanksgiving '25

    La Jolla Shores

    4.4(564 reviews)
    3.5 kmLa 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?

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    Black's Beach - Too funny

    Black's Beach

    4.4(489 reviews)
    6.8 kmLa 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!

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    Black's Beach - Love this place!

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

    Windansea Beach - beaches - Updated May 2026

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