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    Windansea Beach

    4.7 (230 reviews)

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    Elisa N.

    WINDANSEA BEACH @ LA JOLLA Parking is available for street in the neighborhood for free! Walking distance is about 5-10 minutes. This spot can get super crowded during the weekends. Windansea is such a beautiful beach, lots of people, huge waves that might go up to the tides, and lots of space for families! There are however a lot of birds and seagulls by and flying above heading south. Overall, I really enjoy this beach, and will definitely come again! It's a hidden place, and i really like how it isn't crowded!

    Regine A.

    Could this possibly be the best beach in San Diego? I would say it's a strong contender and lands in my top 3 SD beaches for sure. There are many reasons why, but here are a few. One, it's beautiful views and white soft sand. Two, privacy. I know it can get busy here especially on the weekends, but hear me out. There are so many nooks within the rocks where you can lay out your towel or blanket and enjoy the breeze while listening to the ocean waves. Oh and if you're a surfer, this seems like a good spot for you too. 10 out of 10 recommend windandsea beach!

    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!!

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    2 months ago

    Smaller beach and a bit of a climb to get to beach from street but there are lot of vices and places to lay out. It really is a nice beach.

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    1 year ago

    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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    8 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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    Page 1 of 6

    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… 

    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:… 

    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

    La Jolla Shores

    4.4
    (569 reviews)
    3.5 km

    This beach along with the adjacent Kellogg Park made for a lovely stop during our recent visit to…read moreSan Diego and La Jolla. The parking lot did not have space available on a Monday afternoon, but we found free street parking in the neighborhood a couple blocks away. Restrooms and wash stations were located near the playground and grassy field, and lifeguards were on duty with the beach crowd stretching for miles on this warm summer afternoon. We walked toward the sand castle house and settled where it was a little more secluded from all the loud families with kids near the main park. And the water was nice and warm with gentle waves as we swam and waded along the shore to cool off from the humidity and heat of the sun. We also relaxed and napped on our beach mat while picnicking in the sand under the shade of an umbrella we brought, a life saver with the sunshine beaming from above. The La Jolla Underwater Park and Ecological Reserve are cool features to this beach area as well, though snorkeling gear is helpful for exploring in more depth. They seem to offer kayak rentals on site too, with plenty of visitors enjoying watersports while we were there. The place was more congested than we had hoped on a weekday, but all in all, we still had a good time.

    Had to squeeze one last beach trip in before heading to the airport! I was visiting early August…read moreand 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!

    Photos
    La Jolla Shores
    La Jolla Shores
    La Jolla Shores
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    La Jolla Shores

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    La Jolla Shores
    Black's Beach

    Black's Beach

    4.4
    (490 reviews)
    6.8 km

    TikTok took me to Blacks Beach for a hike and I had no idea what I signed up for…read more The hike itself was actually scary but so fun. We took the route that involved a little rock climbing, super slippery paths, and at one point we literally crossed a narrow plank with ropes and I was questioning my life choices lol. But once we finally got down to the beach... wow. I was SO excited. All that hard work actually paid off. The beach was beautiful and it felt so rewarding getting there. Then we started walking further down and suddenly... I realized there were a bunch of completely naked people everywhere. I had NO idea Blacks Beach was a nude beach. I was shocked for like 2 seconds and then started laughing because out of all the things I expected after surviving that hike... that was not one of them. 10/10 experience. Scary, fun, unexpected, and definitely memorable.

    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!!

    Photos
    Gliders over the beach
    Gliders over the beach
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    Cliffs overlooking the beach

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    Cliffs overlooking the beach

    Windansea Beach - beaches - Updated August 2026

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