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.

I'm glad we made it to the beach. It was a gorgeous day. Perfect weather. Ocean was alive and fun. We even found a parking space closest to the beach. We spent a few hours enjoying the sound of the ocean, hearing the birds, seeing the birds sunbathe, watching surfing, watching children playing in the sand and building sand castles. It sure has been a long time probably around 25 years ago since I have been to La Jolla Cove and I had forgotten the view the grand view of the ocean as you are driving down into it. Hopefully, I will not take another 25 years to return to this location. However, there were signs that bathrooms were closed. What the heck. That was a huge inconvenience so make sure you do a pit stop before coming to the beach.
Restrooms
Bathrooms were closed.

Overcast at La Jolla Shores Beach, but still another beautiful day in paradise! Canopy up, just waiting for food to be delivered! San Diego's cleanest beach in my opinion UPDATE: Back again for our daughter's 17th birthday. She requested this same spot and same beautiful La Jolla Shores Beach. A bitter sweet return because her wonderful mom and my beautiful wife and soulmate passed away only 10 days before Victoria's 17th birthday. We miss you and love you Donna. This spot and La Jolla Shores Beach will forever be a constant reminder of your AWESOME smile, Gentle Spirit and Loving Soul. You left us too early Mahal, at 49, just a baby in our lives! May your light burn bright and forever in heaven. We miss you and love you so muchMahal Kita

They have fire pits! When i went there it was a Sunday around 12:30pm on a Sunday. You'd think it was 4th of July or something! Place was packed. It took me a good 45 min to find a parking spot. I was from out of town visiting. But my friends were locals. The water was super warm and beautiful to be in. My friend had to get there at 7:30 am to get the prime real estate located north of the main lifeguard tower with a fire pit. Lots of people with masks and without. I stood 6ft apart. Lots of room to play frizbee. Most enjoyable! Oh there can be stingrays in the water I learned. So be careful while in there and shuffle your feet in the sand as you going forward as to not step on one and get stung.

It's a Beautiful sight for sore eyes, overlooking the pacific Ocean in la jolla, They have picnic tables, and a BBQ fire pit, Just a short walk down the path, that leads to the beach. Plenty of tide pools for everyone to explore all the beautiful creatures of the sea, including lobsters, fish, crabs, mussels and sand dollars. Perfect for the whole family, or just peace with yourself! It's where heaven meets earth! Be sure to bring, lotion, for the sun, and beach Apparel, because there are plenty of sand castles to be built here! Don't forget the camera for breathtaking views and a picture of the seals that plop themselves rite on the beach, only 10 feet away from you! Enjoy!!

This park is an open grassy space and rather ordinary, with picnic tables scattered about its perimeter. There's one restroom building on the south end of the park and each restroom has its own lockable door. There are fresh water showers there too. The best thing about this park is its proximity to the volleyball courts in the sand and the ocean just beyond. The parking lot south of La Jolla Shores Park is pretty good sized, but expect it to be full in the summer and street parking will be difficult (during the summer). Just south of the park is a large parking lot, and south of that is Kellogg Park (which I like better).

Beautiful and clean!! The parking is tricky but if you come in the morning times it's usually good timings. They have a kids beach and then a little walk away you see the seals just chillin and doing their thang. It smells tho but it's not that bad. You can go down to the seals and see them up close, there is a beach there as well that you can check out, you see also able to snorkel as well. Food vendors riding their bikes and we tried the chips thing where they add a strawberry syrup and its DELICIOUS!!! Please dont bother the seals and they won't bother you :)

La Jolla Shores is one of the best beaches in San Diego (arguably the best). There is about a mile of sandy beach with good waves for playing or surfing. The southern end is also a good place to snorkel: guitar fish, regular fish, lobsters, crabs, leopard sharks (depending on season), and sting rays. Remember to sting ray shuffle!
Restrooms
There are two sets of bathrooms on each end of the beach. They are all individual stalls, stocked with toilet paper, maybe ten in each set. There are also showers.

This time of year the leopard sharks are at the south end of La Jolla Shores over next to or in front of the Marine Room and all the way up and down the along the the beach area. If that's what you're interested in. It is a nice experience for the first time to be up close and personal to any kind of sharp and there are many of them in there are all over the place. Don a mask snorkel and fins and the throw on a wetsuit while you're at it doesn't hurt.

This is a nice spot to spend the day at the beach. There is a pretty good-sized parking lot right next to the beach access there is also some side streets for additional parking. It does get very busy down there so be patient and just keep an eye out and you should be able to find a spot to park. The beach itself is nice with good access to the water. There is lots of sand between the beach parking lot and water for your kids to run around and play

What cool beach! Easy and free parking. Has bathrooms on North side of parking lot. Water is very clear here! It was flat / glassy / under 1 foot waves today. Made for great viewing of sea life! Saw some fish, lots of birds, a California Halibut, Sting Ray and something that looked like 2 little sharks (like under 2 feet). Amazing swimming here, or Stand up Paddleboarding.. plus you can snorkel here or rent kayaks too. Perfect spot for kids.

This is one of our favorite beaches. Great place for a beach walk, volleyball, taking the sun or splashing in the waves. Surfing is to the right and I think good for beginners. Nice selection of restaurants a short walk from the beach.
Playground
Pretty fun and educational play area at south end of beach walk
Restrooms
Quite a few unisex restrooms - a bit spartan
Picnic area
Big grass area and picnic tables.

One of our most favorite beaches to hang out at when in San Diego. Love running up and down the beach with the family and seeing the little critters in the tide pools next to the Scripps pier. Not too crowded as the beach itself is large enough for many to visit. Parking can sometimes be an issue, but not too difficult during the week. Head down a little further into LaJolla and visit the sea lions if you have the chance.

With 109 thousand plus reviews views, more than 9 million photo views and a master photographer badge, Please like the review if you find it helpful. Very nice mix of a park on the beach. You choose where you want to sit. Grass or sand. 4 stars because water was cold. There are waves. More surfers here than other beaches around. Great facilities and showers. Busy on weekends.

La Jolla is my favorite beach in San Diego!! The sandstone cliffs and crystal clear- turquoise water are spectacular!! The sea lions are always fun to watch here, and the shopping and dining is amazing! Everything you could want in one section of the county for a wonderful day out. Weather is perfect also! Check out the park near the beach- plenty of room for everyone!

Hadn't been in 3 years, as our family moved further north. We spent the day at the beach recently and it brought back lovely memories of taking the kids when they were little. Nothing like a day at the beach to cure what ails you, and La Jolla is awesome. It has nice grassy area, as well as the sand. Bathrooms at both ends of beach, and a nice playground for the kids.

Clear water, soft sand, big parking lot. You'll see marine life here. Gold flecks in the water. Best part? There's a flag that divides surfers from swimmers so people can be in the water safely. Bodyboarders are allowed north and south of the flag, surfers on north, swimmers on south. Great place for the kids and the waves never get too crazy (but they do get good!)

My family and I came our for a nice day by the beach. It was very beautiful. My husband had us drop off out things and he parked up the street. Plenty of room in the beach to put up an umbrella and lounge out. My son had fun boogie boarding and playing in the sand. My husband and son both enjoyed some snorkeling as well and saw some fish after swimming out a bit.

Beautiful spot. Great sunsets. Have a nice grassy park as well as sandy beach. Was there at sunset and high tide that day was 6.7 ft at 8:06 pm. It was fun to watch people scrambling from their spots when the tide came in. Lots of parking but lot does fill-up in the summertime. Parking or closes at 10 p.m and they do not allow overnight parking

It's incredible how San Diego don't stop to surprise me. This bridge it's absolutely photogenic, if you walk upstairs you'll find and amazing building that's looks like asian architecture, keep going and you'll find the aquarium, and with a little bit of luck and a tiny hike, you can see the "secret swing of La Jolla" Good luck there!!

Clean and plenty of room. It's March but the water is cold as heck... 54 degree water. Fun to play with the family or just relax and hang out.
Playground
Tons for kids to play on
Restrooms
Never found them never needed them
Dog-friendliness
Saw dogs so I guess
Picnic area
Plenty of room to pop a spread

This is my favorite beach for toddlers! They have a playground with a sand pit, and it's walkable distance to yummy restaurants/souvenirs/ice cream! The beach has a gradual incline and a gentle surf. There is also a place to clean off the sand. Parking is limited just FYI! We had to park around the corner in a residential area.

Amazing beach!! So many great places to see in the La Jolla area and this beach is at the top of the list!! The sunsets are incredible! It’s clean, not too packed and surrounded by places to eat or stay. Don’t forget to visit the La Jolla Pier! Perfect photography backdrop. This is definitely one of the best beaches in CA.

Great spot to have some fun, parking is around just have yo look. But then worth it for a nice fun time with games, bars. And or a ride, rides in the park with stores around for some stuff to maybe bring home. Or a bag or some cloths around also. Food and and happy beach setting to share with friends and family. More

Beautiful park right on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. It has a great beach with lifeguards in the warmer months, a hike/bike path along the shore and a fishing pier within walking distance. Places to picnic, restrooms and parking are also present. Surfers were catching the waves when we were there. Have fun!

It was packed, it's a tourist trap. My wife and I found a place to park we're able to walk to the shore likicktey split. We enjoyed the heck out of our visit. Later we went downtown, and once again lucked out, and got a place to park right on the main drag. We had lunch and worked our way home on the 52East.

Such an amazing experience to see all of the baby sea lions. We were surprised at how close the security was allowing people to stand by them. People were not being respectful of the sea lions as they were getting very close to them as they are trying to protect their baby. We saw a sea lion give birth too!!

Absolutely beautiful. Parking is free. The beach is clean. We got some great pictures of the ocean and the pier. Restrooms on site. Close to restaurants and shopping. Great place to watch the sunset with your favorite people. We went on a Friday evening in december and it wasn't crowded in the slightest bit.

Very nice clean beach. Only reason why it's not a 5 is because parking is really bad. But once you get situated with parking you will enjoy the beach. Beach area really close to the water compared to Coronado Beach. Another plus is the bathroom is really clean compared to any other beach I've been to.

Loved it! Visited here from out of state on a Saturday. Wasnt overcrowded, and the sand is fantastic. It's a very clean beach, the bathrooms were decent. Stuck around till nighttime and had a bonfire, multiple people doing that as well. Very fun spot to be. Also frisbee and volleyball going on.

Beautiful views, peaceful place with good vibes!!! I love taking walks on the beach here!! There's a cool playground and a grassy area to hang out at. There are plenty of bathrooms and showers available. I appreciate the helpful lifeguards, too!!! This is one of my favorite places to be!!!

Great place to visit. A long stretch of beach & board walk, gives choices to everybody to select the best place & spot to go to. The grassy park is an added bonus where everybody can build a day time tent to feel the camping mode. Highly recommended place to visit.- NC, 4th of July, 2019.

The park extends to the cove. February through April is pupping season! You'll see lots of baby seals (Pups) born or newly born. There are many beach areas closed off to the public but you're allowed to be along the barriers. Parking is limited to be patient and willing to walk around!

Beautiful morning to everyone thank God its Friday or TGIF.Whay q beautiful gorgeous most awesome place ❤ Surfs up early birds its 6am time to get the day going Cali surfers ‍♂️ athletes of the world happy day stay healthy and awesome safe people love you . …

Beautiful view of the ocean but for some reason the beach looks dirty. Maybe all the seagulls on the beach, the dried seaweed or the beach sand but something makes it look dirty. Enjoyed the private bathrooms and shower area, very accessible. Parking is good if you get here early.

Pretty nice bech with good water. But bad traffic, bad parking, and not enough bathrooms in the summer. The parking lot is ridiculous they need a parking garage, paid parking, or some other parking option. Also la jolla needs to widen the road from 2 lanes to 3 or 4 to that exit.

Can hire chairs and umbrella from nearby hotel. Great place to have your own bbq on the beach or in park area. Good wc facilities. Beautiful Sandy beaches. Loads of places to hire a bike, kayak or surfboards from and some offer lessons and tours of the local area.

I love this beach! It's beautiful, convenient to get to, has lots of room. The parking can be frustrating but that's the way it goes. You can walk to the pier and to Black's Beach during low tide. You can walk to Caroline's By The Sea for breakfast or lunch.

Four stars for the beautiful ocean, interesting critters, and people who come here to play. The one star that disappeared is because the toilet here looks like a mummy wrapped in toilet paper.
Restrooms
Congratulations on finding a scary toilet

Love this beach it's perfect for bringing the family. Long stretch of flat beach. It has a grassy park down the street if sand isn't your thing but still want an ocean view for your picnic. Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on the beach until after 4pm.

Great for kids of almost any age! Lots of crabs and little creatures to find in all the pools. Rocks can be slippery though so good idea to wear water shoes! The beach is right there so can also swim and play in the sand without having to move locations!

The biggest beach park in La Jolla. Great for boogie boarding, kayaking, swimming, and sunning. Close to Birch Aquarium. Big parking lot still fills up on weekends and quickly in summer. Walk to downtown shops and eateries. Scooters available to rent.

Super place to watch the sunset. Nit too crowded, but I was there on a Tuesday evening
Restrooms
They were clean!
Dog-friendliness
Dogs everywhere
Picnic area
Cute BBQ areas. There were some families who brought charcoal grills!

We went down to see the sunset and it was beautiful people were enjoying the beach having bonfires lots of families
Playground
It's small but a lot of kids were playing on it
Restrooms
Didn't use them
Picnic area
Saw grassy area

Great place for nice walks on their cemented walk way. Great beach for new surfers. Playground for kids, lots of bathrooms and has a good amount of sand too. Parking can be an issue but lots of people are coming and going so you have to be patient.

Awesome place great people. One of the best child friendly beaches we have been to. The public wash rooms are not as clean as I was expecting them to be. However, a great beach and great place to serfe and spend an evening with family and friends.

The beach was beautiful. Sand have smooth surface makes walking effortless. I walked from end to end about 1.2 miles. It was not very crowded at this time. There were lots of seals sun bathing and quite a few surfers and kayakers. Love this beach.

There are better beaches in San diego if you like hanging out. Pacific beach or Coronado. But if you like snorkeling go here. You can see leopard sharks from August to September and a lot of sting rays. So keep shuffling while entering the water.

Beach is 4/5, great weather and water is pretty calm. The tide raises higher here in the afternoon than at other beaches that I’ve noticed. If you go anytime on the weekend get there early, it is a pain to find a spot to set up chairs and shade.

What a beautiful beach! We saw lots of dolphins! They say if you see dophins then there won't be any sharks. I didn't know that. Glad we went. Water was very clear and not too cold. Sept is a good time to go for warmer water.. Unfortunately

Fantastic place to relax all year long, nice scenery, and there are great and cool local stores in the streets that not so far away. You can bring your own food to have a picnic with friend, family, or a sweet date. Definitely recommend it.

Always one of many beautiful beaches. Water is clean, clear, they clean the seaweed from the beach every day. Beach is separated from surfing area and lifeguards will let you know if you aren't following the flag rules. The only problem

This was a great experience for us as a family when we went to this landmark beach. Get there early because parking can be very difficult to find on normal day. However this beach is definitely worth the trip for a place to relax and

Very relaxed vibe here in LA Jolla. The waves today were small allowing kids to practice surfing easily. Enjoyed watching the waves from a bench on the walkway. Plenty of parking, fire pits, even rented a Bird for a Fast scooter ride.

We stop here every time we are in San Diego! Sunrise to sunset I love this place! Great area to walk and enjoy the beach. Clean. Always busy. Always wonderful. Watching the surfers an added bonus. Seems to be a popular location.

Love the tide pools here just north of the Scripps Pier. Also great tide pools on the southern edge just south of Marine Room restaurant. Have never been disappointed with the amount of cool things you see here during low tide..

By far my favorite beach, local spot so its usually free during workdays, nice parks and views. Personally I come here to sit and have a break in between shifts, so relaxing. Always clean and playgrounds for kiddos. Grills etc

A decades long favorite place. Parking is limited, especially in summer, but the beach is not overly crowded up near the pier. A few highly sought fire pits on the sand, and a large grassy area north of the parking lot.

Nice place nice big Park area with grass with tables. There are places to have fires and designated areas I wish I had taken more pictures. The water was not cold but the weather was cold so I could not get in

Such a beautiful beach to bring the family to. It was nice and clean, Lifeguards were on the scene which gave us a little peace of mind. Water was a bit child but after awhile your body gets used to it.

Stopped here on the way back to the airport after a very brief work trip, just long enough to catch an early March sunset. Parking was free and easy; very chill and pleasant vibe. Highly recommend.

Such a beautiful beach. So much sea life to see when you go there at low tide too. We got to see sea anemones, hermit crabs, crabs, sandollars and more. We also saw a whale really close to shore!

It's a beautiful place to lay out, enjoy the sun (when not cloudy, even so still great). A place where there are a lot of surfers, sunset watchers. Not far from the Sripps Pier, short walk.

Very crowded, but the water was beautiful. Restrooms were beyond gross and that was a hard pass for me.
Restrooms
Restrooms looked like kennels that haven't been cleaned in 2 weeks.

What happened to La Jolla Shores? It used to be so nice. Tonight I smelled pot, saw feces, and many of the benches with memorials and dedications are broken and falling into decay.

My daughter and grandkids and I love this beach. A lot of good memories. We have always been lucky and got a good parking spot. Thanks to everyone that makes this possible. Nicole

Great beach for walking, kayaking, surfing & more. Just as perfect as a California beach can get. Nice, big parking lot as well. It's well known for a reason.

Is La Jolla shores what can I say. Expensive neighborhood nice beach. Cove is nearby. Scripps aquarium is nearby could walk to both from the beach very nice

Such a pretty area and a really nice beach and park. We went on a day of a surfing competition so it was pretty busy. Really nice beach to go check out!

Beautiful spot to kayak. Caves nearby to explore on low tide. Lots of friendly helpful surfers. Julian, thanks for helping us launch over the waves!

We went on a Friday. Very clean beach and not too crowded. I like that there us always a lifeguard on duty. My family had a great afternoon!

Really nice place for families. Very clean, plenty of vendors, lots of space. However, the parking situation could be a lot better

Wonderful morning walk. Not too crowded during the week. Mild temperature, warm water, and a great companion to share it with.

Doing a lot of work on th ed area now but a great park for young and old! Loved the seals on the rocks and swimming in ocean.

Beautiful beach with a very relaxed vibe,truly. Very laid back. Lots of beautiful scenery and the people are very nice. More

A must see. You can see this beach from Birch Aquarium and the view is amazing. The surf is great too. Great place to swim!

Good place to spend a quiet evening. Carry your own food .water and beach mat or chairs to have a comfortable time.

Free parking and plenty of parking. Beautiful views. Bathhouse and spacious beach and walking areas.

Open sandy Beach. Plenty of room to stretch out or walk the shore for small shells on the north end.

Beautiful views. Parking available. Individual stall restroom that were stocked with toilet paper.

Great beachside for weekend barbecue nights, volleyball with friends, camping and hanging out.

Absolutely beautiful! Seadogs added smell & barks but what a wonderful experience!

Awesome beautiful beach with clean ocean water. Worth the trip but parking sucks.

Great and beach nearby. You can sit and relax and play volleyball as well.

Favorite beach to watch sunsets and bring our kiddo to the playground

This beach was one of many we visited while in San Diego.

Great beach!! We had a lot of fun. Needs more parking

Clean restrooms. Rinse stations. Nice boardwalk.

One of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Nice beach with good waves and clear water.