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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.
I heard this was voted "The Prettiest Beach in San Diego"...and now I know why! Initially, I didn't have any expectations for this beach...as Coronado Island was my goal destination. However, once I got here, I realized that THIS was the best beach in San Diego...as far as I'm concerned. The panoramic view of this beach is almost un-American in its beauty. Although it pales in comparison to Amalfi Coast, Amalfi is what came to mind when I first saw it. Quite breathtaking! The waters are blue/turquoise, and the sand is light golden...and again, the waves were dynamic. Just a stunning beach! Again, because of the cool, windy weather, we didn't go into the water...but did a lot of beach walking. Again, these California sands are so walk-friendly...so soft and smooth, not raggedy like Carolina beaches. After seeing this beach, I think THIS may be my favorite of San Diego beaches (and that includes Coronado). Again, I feel that Coronado Beach is stunning...but primarily because of the striking Coronado Hotel. La Jolla Shores Beach is stunning because of the panoramic views of La Jolla. We vowed to return next year for more of this beach scene...when the weather is warmer.
*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!
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.
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.
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
Back to three stars... the crowds are back most days of the week. We've gotten lucky a few times this summer randomly on 2 Fridays and a Monday, but other than that it seems the crowds are back to pre-covid levels and I'm not sure it's worth the hassle. We will still be going this summer, just during the days my husband can come to drop us off and park in his usual place a few blocks away. We surf, so it's not as crowded on that beach area.
We love this beach! First off, every time I come here, parking is a hassle. We never find parking in the lot or anywhere close by. We park a few streets away and it ends up being a 15-20 minute walk sometimes. Once there, it is so nice! They have a playground, grass for picnics, outside showers & bathrooms-there are always long lines on busy days. I love the cemented walkway and appreciate the life guards on duty. The beach is mostly clean considering how busy this beach area can be. The area is close to restaurants and if you are looking to get out in the ocean there are nearby stores where you can rent kayaks etc. We will always return here.
I'm not normally allowed on the beach type of guy, but this beach was really relaxing. The sand was nice and clean and warm and the water was very approachable. It was cool to walk along the shore and seeing all the different animals the herons the seals the pelicans and flock. The only thing in is not a knock on the actual shore, but the shopping areas around smells like piss so that was a little offputting when we were walking to and from the car.
I feel like Lajolla Shores is almost like a private beach. We stopped here over the summer, and had a good swim and surf. Accept the sun went away and it became an overcast day. I have been coming here off and on for a long time. Lots of locals and non locals kick it here. But it is less tourist here. They all come to the Coves more of. Beach is always clean. They may get some sand plastered around the jogging and walk paths, but they keep the beach clean here.
1 month ago
Had to squeeze one last beach trip in before heading to the airport! I was visiting early August and read that this time of year friendly leopard sharks come up to shallow water for breeding season so I had to check it out! I heard a good spot was near the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club near The Marine Room and this turned out to be true! Took my snorkel gear and saw a ton of leopard sharks and stingrays so close to the beach! There was plenty of people around and lots of groups trying to catch a glimpse of the leopard sharks as well. The beach had a ton of people but it was very safe. There was a long wall where people were leaving some belongings while they were in the water so I also left my towel, shoes, etc there and I had no issues with my stuff even though I was by myself so I didn't have anyone to watch it. I also lucked out and got a parking spot right in front of the beach even though cars were circling quite a bit to find spots. I actually was going straight from the beach to the airport so I had my suitcase and all my belongings in the trunk of my car and it was safe while I was at the beach all day (a miracle for someone coming from the Bay Area LOL). The beach also had lots of rinse of stations so I was able to rinse off, get dry, change, and head to the airport! read more
7 months ago
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? read more
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! read more
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. read more
I heard this was voted "The Prettiest Beach in San Diego"...and now I know why! Initially, I didn't have any expectations for this beach...as Coronado Island was my goal destination. However, once I got here, I realized that THIS was the best beach in San Diego...as far as I'm concerned. The panoramic view of this beach is almost un-American in its beauty. Although it pales in comparison to Amalfi Coast, Amalfi is what came to mind when I first saw it. Quite breathtaking! The waters are blue/turquoise, and the sand is light golden...and again, the waves were dynamic. Just a stunning beach! Again, because of the cool, windy weather, we didn't go into the water...but did a lot of beach walking. Again, these California sands are so walk-friendly...so soft and smooth, not raggedy like Carolina beaches. After seeing this beach, I think THIS may be my favorite of San Diego beaches (and that includes Coronado). Again, I feel that Coronado Beach is stunning...but primarily because of the striking Coronado Hotel. La Jolla Shores Beach is stunning because of the panoramic views of La Jolla. We vowed to return next year for more of this beach scene...when the weather is warmer. read more
3 months ago
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! read more
*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! read more
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. read more
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. read more
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 read more
2 years ago
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 read more
3 months ago
5 months ago
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! read more
Back to three stars... the crowds are back most days of the week. We've gotten lucky a few times this summer randomly on 2 Fridays and a Monday, but other than that it seems the crowds are back to pre-covid levels and I'm not sure it's worth the hassle. We will still be going this summer, just during the days my husband can come to drop us off and park in his usual place a few blocks away. We surf, so it's not as crowded on that beach area. read more
We love this beach! First off, every time I come here, parking is a hassle. We never find parking in the lot or anywhere close by. We park a few streets away and it ends up being a 15-20 minute walk sometimes. Once there, it is so nice! They have a playground, grass for picnics, outside showers & bathrooms-there are always long lines on busy days. I love the cemented walkway and appreciate the life guards on duty. The beach is mostly clean considering how busy this beach area can be. The area is close to restaurants and if you are looking to get out in the ocean there are nearby stores where you can rent kayaks etc. We will always return here. read more
2 months ago
2 years ago
I'm not normally allowed on the beach type of guy, but this beach was really relaxing. The sand was nice and clean and warm and the water was very approachable. It was cool to walk along the shore and seeing all the different animals the herons the seals the pelicans and flock. The only thing in is not a knock on the actual shore, but the shopping areas around smells like piss so that was a little offputting when we were walking to and from the car. read more
10 months ago
I feel like Lajolla Shores is almost like a private beach. We stopped here over the summer, and had a good swim and surf. Accept the sun went away and it became an overcast day. I have been coming here off and on for a long time. Lots of locals and non locals kick it here. But it is less tourist here. They all come to the Coves more of. Beach is always clean. They may get some sand plastered around the jogging and walk paths, but they keep the beach clean here. read more
1 year ago
such an incredibly beautiful beach!!! came here while visiting UCSD and was super impressed when comparing it to other beaches like huntington beach really long stretch and a nice view of the pier read more
I've been to San Diego over 15 times and this is one of my favorite beaches in La Jolla. I will start by this., The parking situation here is very tough. If the weather is nice, expected to be very hard to find parking. What we did was park about five minutes down the road in the residential neighborhood. Then we called an Uber to drop us off at the beach. It is very hard to find park and just so you know that. Other than that though, this is one of my favorites. The water is so cool and perfect. Oh my God I wish I was there right now. The weather is simply amazing. One of the best beaches you can step foot on the United States of America. This is one of our favorite beaches to always come to when we come to San Diego. read more
1 year ago
Beautiful views / coastal walk along the ocean. The palm trees line the walk and there are various lifeguard stations placed. We had a nice stroll here and the grassy areas were also very well-kept and flat with no potholes or trash littered. This is a great nature spot to walk to from the local neighborhood streets. I enjoyed walking my dog and taking cute pics of him and the views. The public bathrooms are also taken care of with no ugly messes in the toilets. Note that there aren't public handwashing sinks however! read more
This is my go to beach, especially for a nice walk! Usually I go to the main parking lot (which gets pretty full on warm days quickly) and take a walk from the life guard station to Scripps pier. I especially enjoy sunsets (even on cloudy days) as it allows for great pictures! There's almost never too much of a smell (except during red tides), and the kelp/seaweed doesn't over power the beach space. I appreciate the separation point between surfers and swimmers for safety. It's an overall pleasant and beautiful place to visit in La Jolla! read more
The beach at Lajolla Shores is one of our favorites. It is really spacious, with a big parking lot and some street parking on the adjacent streets. The beach is clean and well maintained. While many people will come here during the spring/summer/fall - and it is great for those seasons...we tend to come here a lot in the winter. The sunsets are amazing. There are clouds in the sky on many days, unlike summer when the nights are mostly clear, so the sunset colors dance off the clouds creating amazing scenes. I go there about 15-20 minutes before sunset and then stay for about 30-45 minutes after to fully enjoy the colors. Meanwhile, my 6-year old fully enjoys trying to dig the deepest hole in the sand...so we all win! read more
This place is just always beautiful. Close to shops and restaurants. After breakfast, I enjoy taking a nice stroll walking along the edge of the water. The views are just gorgeous at dusk. I took visiting family here just so they can see a beautiful site and of course get in a nice walk. read more
2 years ago
Beautiful hotel front of beach . Rooms are nice & clean with pretty good size balcony where you can enjoy your morning coffee with nice ocean view. We enjoy to staying in this hotel read more
The view is outstanding. We sat in a covered patio area having a drink and a snack. The service was kind of weird and the area we wanted to sit did not have service so I had to go to the bar and get our first round, not complaining but before I got back with drinks they started seating people there. I think because I got our first drinks, no one wanted to wait on us. Chips guacamole, and salsa were very good. read more
1 year ago
Our second time here , this visit we were fortunate enough to visit our cousin who rented a house 5 blocks away. We walked to the beach and it was such a nice walk . We were closer to the La Jolla Shores Hotel . Walk along the side walk all the way to the La Jolla cove , rent kayaks in the area or just mesmerized by the sea lions in La Jolla Cove area. read more
2 years ago
What a beautiful beach! This was genuinely one of the most beautiful places we've ever been to. La Jolla Shores definitely lives up to the name. Grey, sandy sea floors with seaweed and rolling waves (we didn't surf but we saw lots of people surfing and even surfboard classes). Absolutely gorgeous! We stayed at the hotel overlooking this beach for our first night and the sounds of the waves were so relaxing. Also, this may be an unpopular opinion, but I loved the fishy smell of the sea lions. We loved seeing & hearing them!! read more
1 year ago
This beach is so clean and well kept. One of my favorite beaches in san diego. Have enjoyed this beach for years and is a great place to surf or just hangout. read more
Do you love the beach but hate the sand. La Jolla Shores is for you. Do you like the waves but get scary to swim? La Jolla Shores solves your problems. Do you like to surf, but body board is your "real" skill, you'll look like a champion here. How about a romantic walk on the beach without sand blowing in your dates hate hair? Here's the winning spot. La Jolla Shores is packed sand rather than loose grains. It's quite an easy beach to run because it's mostly flat and non-muddy. It's like the beaches you see in the movies on Paradise Islands. I really enjoy seeing the fire flames dance atop fire pits along the shore. There are many, many pits on this beach, first come first serve or you can bring your one. In essence this is considered the fire pit beach. Groups of youthful people to mature age groups were socializing safely, playing fire camp games and smorse'szing. Right up the block are eateries from pizza to fancy Italian dining. And of course ice cream choices like Thrifty's or Scoops La Jolla. Which is also famous for delectable decadent crepes. If you love watersports, the waves and water meet any condition. From scuba diving, to snorkeling, to surfing, body board, or letting the water flow between your toes. I'm a local and go to a beach every single week. La Jolla shores is my top two because of the packed sand and connected park, with grass, play area and walking path. Parking can be hit or miss. No designated paid parking lot. You can access the shores from the lot by the park. Needless to say, all beaches in San Diego have beautiful sunsets. read more
A weekend trip to La Jolla landed us right next to this beach. Very nice public facilities, nice boardwalk and beautiful beach views. The .75-1 mile beach is flat and easy to enjoy. The lifeguard facility looks fairly new. Ample parking, but it did fill up by 10:00am on this Friday morning. read more
Beautiful beach with small/moderate sized waves. Was a cloudy and chilly day when we went unfortunately but there were still a good amount of people there. There are bathrooms but apparently are really gross and you do not want to go in there. There are also outdoor showers for rinsing off. The water is freezing. Parking wasn't too hard to find on the street and there is a cute area nearby with shopping and restaurants. I went to the nearest convenience store to get some water and that was close and they also sold other drinks, souvenirs, and snacks. Overall would go again. Great place to build stuff out of sand and you can watch surfers too. read more
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More info about La Jolla Shores
8200 Camino Del Oro
La Jolla, CA 92037
La Jolla Shores, La Jolla
Directions
(619) 235-1169
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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
Any luck for the grunion run at this beach?
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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La Jolla Shores - beaches - Updated July 2026
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