An outstanding mile-long sandy beach with a wide boardwalk, La Jolla Shores is known for its gentle waves, proximity to the charming town of La Jolla, and its own special ambiance featuring white glittering sand, palm trees, and its view of La Jolla Cove.
Residents and visitors find the boardwalk great for walking, jogging, bicycling, or rollerblading, while the ocean attracts not only swimmers and surfers but scuba divers. In fact, many novice scuba classes are held at La Jolla Shores. The sand has just the right feel – not too soft, a little packed down – to make it a great place for walking or running. In addition, Kellogg Park behind the main lifeguard station is a nice picnic spot.
La Jolla Shores is a short distance from downtown La Jolla, a quaint beach town boasting high-end clothiers, hotels, shops, and galleries.
La Jolla Shores is also rich with marine life, which is protected by the adjacent San Diego La Jolla Underwater Ecological Reserve. Fishing and removal of objects from this area is prohibited. At the north end of this beach is the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Scripps Pier. The pier is not open to the public, but the Stephen Birch Aquarium is within 1/2 mile of La Jolla Shores and is open daily.
La Jolla Shores has the only beachfront boat launch within city limits. Small vessels can be launched directly into the surf at the foot of Avenida de la Playa, approximately 300 yards south of the lifeguard station. This is an unimproved boat launch, and vehicles are allowed to drive on the sand in a very limited area at five miles per hour or less. Four wheel drive is highly recommended.
Beach Information
- Lifeguard Protection:
- A permanent lifeguard station is located adjacent to the main parking lot at the foot of Calle Frescota. This station is generally staffed daily from 9:00 a.m. to near dusk. Closing hours vary based on time of year. Check at the lifeguard station for further details.
- Rip Currents:
- Most California beaches experience strong rip currents. The safety tips section on the government’s website provides an explanation of rip currents and some methods of freeing yourself if caught in a rip current. The best advice is to swim near a lifeguard.
- Regulated Water Activity Zones:
- This beach has separate water areas reserved for swimming and surfing. Check with lifeguards for details.
- Surfing:
- Surfing is permitted in specified areas, and waves tend to be relatively small.
- Scuba:
- The south end of the beach near the foot of Vallecitos is heavily used by scuba diving classes. There is a submarine canyon off the beach and the protection offered by the San Diego La Jolla Ecological Reserve ensures the presence of sea life.
- Restrooms and Showers:
- Public restroom and showers are located 100 yards north and south of the main lifeguard tower.
- Disabled Accessibility:
- This beach does not offer disabled accessibility due to natural impediments.
- Beach Fires:
- Containers for beach fires are generally provided during summer months and available on a first come, first served basis. The burning of rubbish is prohibited. Only wood, charcoal, or paper products may be used as fuel. Fuel for the fire may not exceed a height of more than twelve inches above the upper edge of the fire container. The fire must be extinguished before leaving the beach. Open fires outside containers are prohibited at all San Diego beaches.
- Regulations:
- Standard San Diego beach regulations apply with the following modifications. Please check the government website for a full regulation list.
- The taking or possession of sea life or artifacts is prohibited.
