La Jolla Shores Beach

La Jolla Shores is one of San Diego’s premier beaches. This is a stunning stretch of sand with something here for everyone. If you want to park fairly close by, plan on arriving early for a good parking spot during the summer months as this beach is extremely popular. The parking is free but hard to come by. Street parking is available along the adjacent residential streets but you may have to walk some distance to get to the beach.

The beach itself has a nice wide grassy area for family gatherings, picnics, kite flying and games like volleyball. Across the boardwalk is a wide swatch of white sand filled with sunbathers. La Jolla Shores offers spectacular views of La Jolla Cove. You’ll see Scripps Pier to the north and the town of La Jolla on the bluffs to the south. Scripps Pier is a private pier, so don’t plan on fishing from it.

Offshore, you’ll see kayakers, diver’s flags indicating the presence of divers under the surface, surfers and swimmers. This area is part of a large underwater marine preserve and is well known for its clear waters and abundant sea life.

La Jolla Shores is a great beach for jogging, rollerblading or bicycling along the boardwalk, people watching, beach combing and enjoying the Pacific Ocean. The waves here tend to be more gentle than other beaches. Lifeguards work here year round. Amenities include restrooms with showers and a playground for the kids.

San Diego’s only beachfront boat launch is located at La Jolla Shores. Here you can drive your vehicle right up to the shoreline and launch your small vessel. This is a primitive boat launch, it’s all sand so four wheel drive is highly recommended. You can access the boat launch from Avenida de la Playa which is about 300 yards south of the lifeguard tower.

La Jolla Shores has a nice, gentle slope to it which tends to make the sand well packed. Runners and walkers love it! This beach prohibits alcohol consumption but does offer fire rings. Enjoy a sunset barbeque at La Jolla Shores with a beautiful bonfire to warm you up.