La Jolla Shores

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La Jolla Shores is easy to find. From the 5 freeway exit La Jolla Pkwy. Then take a right on La Jolla Shores Dr and a left on Avenida De La Playa.
Learn about the most popular activities and natural beauty at La Jolla Shores. This is a must-visit beach for swimming and relaxing if you are in San Diego.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Why you'll love this beach
Why you'll love this beach
Spend a Day at One of San Diego's Most Popular Beaches
La Jolla Shores
Overview
Things to Do
Save on Gear
Popular Activities
Get There & Parking
Featured Activity
Know Before You Go
Stay Nearby
Similar Beaches

Highlights

Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking
Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking

Overview

Main Lifeguard Station at La Jolla ShoresOcean Mosaic at La Jolla Shores

La Jolla Shores is one of the most popular beaches in San Diego. It has earned this distinction due to the incredible stretch of sand and the sheltered waters.

Many of the beaches in the San Diego area are squeezed in along cliffs or in coves. La Jolla Shores is different. It is a big beach with prime sand that you can enjoy all day long.

It is also a very active beach. The popularity helps support local businesses such as watersport rentals and tours. You can be confident that you will get a full day of relaxation and fun if you visit La Jolla Shores.

La Jolla Bay helps to shelter the beach a little, making it calmer than many other beaches along the San Diego coast. Overall, this is a wonderful beach that is very deserving of its positive reputation.

La Jolla Shores South End of Beach
La Jolla Shores South End of Beach

Things to Do

Kayaking
Kayaking
Paddle Boarding
Paddle Boarding
Running
Running
Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Surfing
Surfing
Swimming
Swimming

What You’ll Love About La Jolla Shores

La Jolla Shores is one of the most popular beaches in the area for good reason. There are many things to love about this big beach.

Natural Beauty

The beach is a long and wide stretch of high-quality sand. The water is clean and calm with a pleasant, consistent lapping of waves. When the sun goes down over the ocean, the views are stunning.

In short, La Jolla Shores is a truly beautiful place. No matter whether you spend your day surfing, swimming or sitting, you will love the views at this beach.

Walking Out to Go Scuba Diving at La Jolla Shores
Walking Out to Go Scuba Diving at La Jolla Shores

Scuba Diving

In the ocean off of La Jolla Shores is the San Diego - La Jolla Underwater Park. This 6,000-acre underwater habitat offers some of the finest scuba diving in the area.

Explore the four distinct zones including kelp forest, sandy shores, underwater canyons and rocky reef. The artificial reefs have helped to attract an immense amount of marine life to the area.

Stretching north up to Torrey Pines State Beach, the underwater park is a must-visit attraction for divers.

Low Tide at La Jolla Shores
Low Tide at La Jolla Shores

Shielded Swimming

La Jolla Bay helps to shield the beach significantly. This makes it a better area for swimming than many of the other beaches in the area. You can confidently head out into the water without being battered by constant waves.

Additionally, the beach is patrolled by lifeguards. This helps to make it one of the most popular swimming areas in the city. Expect to be in a crowd if you are out in the ocean on a weekend.

Trying Out Surfing at La Jolla Shores
Trying Out Surfing at La Jolla Shores

Solid Surfing for Beginners

The beach-break waves at La Jolla Shores are consistent throughout the year but much calmer than other surf spots in the area. This helps to make this beach a great place for beginner surfers to learn. You can find several local businesses offering surf lessons if you need some guidance.

This characteristic is aided by the proximity to more challenging surf (especially at Blacks Beach in the north). The more experienced and adventurous surfers tend to stay in other spots, meaning that beginners can enjoy La Jolla Shores without having to constantly make way.

Playing Volleyball at La Jolla Shores Park
Playing Volleyball at La Jolla Shores Park

Picnic Areas

Several grassy areas including picnic tables and barbecues. If you are planning to make a day trip to the beach, you can use the spots to relax and eat.

Keep in mind that they are popular during peak times. You may have difficulty finding an opening at noon on a warm Saturday.

Local Tips
Did You Know?
Due to its aquatic life and proximity to Scripps Institute of Oceanography, La Jolla Shores is a perfect place if you want to practice scuba diving, kayaking, stand up paddling and snorkeling.

Kayaking and Paddle Boarding

La Jolla Shores is a popular spot for kayaking and paddle boarding. The calmer waters due to the bay help to make it easier to launch from this area.

To support this, the beach has a designated boat launch area. Additionally, there are numerous rental and tour businesses. You don’t need to bring your own kayak to enjoy these waters.

Want to Stay Nearby?

Being one of the most popular beaches in San Diego you may want to spend multiple days lounging in the sun and exploring the waters of La Jolla Shores. Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton is the perfect place to stay while you experience La Jolla and San Diego. Hotel La Jolla is a unique, chic and modern hotel with convenient access to La Jolla and many of the best attractions in San Diego.

5-star luxury awaits at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. Tour its many accommodations with Todd, including upscale spa treatments, fine dining, and access to Torrey Pines Golf Course with golf packages.

Stay at the The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Go Surfing with Go Pass!

La Jolla - Surf Board Rental
La Jolla - Surf Board Rental
La Jolla is home to some of the world's best beaches for surfing, and with your Go Pass, you can enjoy this experience. Whether you are a rookie or a pro, get a full day Surf Board rental. The waters are perfect for those learning.
Buy Now
Local Tips
What activities does the Go City San Diego pass include?

There’s a variety of activities included with the Go City San Diego pass such as: The San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, Hiking Tours, Whale Watching, Museum Tours, Speed Boat Adventures & more!

For the most popular attractions and water-sport rentals as well as the biggest discounts, consider the All-Inclusive Pass.

Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

How to Get There & Parking

Free Parking
Free Parking
Lot Parking
Lot Parking
Street Parking
Street Parking

To reach La Jolla Shores, exit I-5 at La Jolla Parkway. From there, drive along La Jolla Shores Drive and turn west on Calle Frescota.

There is a large parking lot that is free for public use. There is also some street parking in the area.

The adjoining parking lot is large and can accommodate a lot of visitors. However, it is not big enough for the large summer crowds. If you are visiting on a peak day, consider arriving in the early morning to make parking easier.

Featured Activity

La Jolla Underwater Park: Kayak and Snorkel Tour
La Jolla Kayak & Snorkel Tour
Jump on a kayak and follow an experienced guide to find the best snorkeling spot in the La Jolla Ecological Reserve! On this 2-hour tour, you can expect to see a variety of fish and other marine animals!
Buy Now

Know Before You Go & Tips

Boardwalk
Boardwalk
Firepits
Firepits
Large Group Gatherings
Large Group Gatherings
Lifeguards
Lifeguards
No Alcohol
No Alcohol
No Camping
No Camping
No Glass Containers
No Glass Containers
No Motorized Vehicles
No Motorized Vehicles
No Smoking
No Smoking
Outdoor Showers
Outdoor Showers
Picnic Tables
Picnic Tables
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
Restrooms
Restrooms

Things to Know to Get the Best Experience

Facilities

There are bathrooms and showers available near the parking lot and lifeguard station.

Lifeguard

There is a lifeguard station that monitors the beach. Always exercise caution in the water. However, this is one of the better-patrolled areas due to its popularity.

Bonfires

Bonfires are very popular on the beach in the evenings. If you love sitting and enjoying a fire, make sure to stay for the later hours. There are currently 7 bonfire pits available to use for the general public. You’ll also be treated to stunning views of the sunset.

Dogs Allowed

You can walk your dog before 9 AM and after 6 PM (4 PM in the winter). Don’t forget to bring a leash for your canine comparison.

Peak Hours

Most people visit La Jolla Shores between noon and 4 PM. If you want to fully enjoy your trip, consider arriving early and making a full day of the visit. The crowds can be significant on popular summer days.

La Jolla Shores
is Known For:
Swimming
Swimming
Know This:
Boardwalk
Boardwalk
Fire Pits
Fire Pits
Lifeguards
Lifeguards
Restrooms Available
Restrooms Available
This Month's Forecast
56°F / 73°F
Sunny in November
Dec
51°F / 68°F
Sunny in December
Jan
51°F / 67°F
Sunny in January
Feb
53°F / 68°F
Sunny in February

Stay Nearby

Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego La Jolla
Near UCSD
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego La Jolla
from $189 / night
View Hotel
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Luxury Hotel
5 Star Rating5 Star Rating5 Star Rating5 Star Rating5 Star Rating
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
from $343 / night
View Hotel
Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton
Family Friendly
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton
from $169 / night
View Hotel
Pantai Inn
Boutique Hotel
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
Pantai Inn
from $374 / night
View Hotel
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