La Jolla is a beautiful place with some of the best beaches and most stunning views in all of Southern California. Whether you’re looking to surf or just relax on the sand, there’s something for everyone.
In this post, we’ll detail the best beaches ranging from kid-friendly to the most remote.
La Jolla has a lot of beaches, and they’re all great in their own way. If you’re looking for a place that’s perfect for swimming, surfing, or just lying around on the sand soaking up some sun while reading a book and listening to the waves crash against the shore.
The area is known for its rich history and its beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the sun, then head on over to La Jolla. Here are some of our favorite places to visit:
To know more about California beaches, refer to our article on Best Beaches in California
Whatever kind of beach experience you’re looking for (and there are plenty), we’ve got it here in La Jolla!
Here are the Best Beaches in La Jolla CA
1. Windansea Beach
Windansea is a beach located in La Jolla, San Diego, California. It is a popular surfing location known for its powerful waves and has been deemed one of the best beaches in the world.
Located in the heart of La Jolla, Windansea Beach is one of the most popular beaches in San Diego.
You can watch surfers ride the waves on a winter afternoon or enjoy a picnic with friends on a summer afternoon.
Windansea is so famous that it has been featured on television shows such as Baywatch and The Biggest Loser.
When it comes to surfing, this is one of the best spots in the area.
It’s a popular spot for local surfers because they can access it easily by walking down from their homes on Prospect Street or driving down from nearby neighborhoods like Bird Rock and Torrey Pines Mesa.
Because of its popularity among locals, there will always be someone else around to talk with about your favorite surf spots or how long you’ve been coming here every day for years now which makes it feel like home!
How to Reach
If you are in La Jolla, this beach is roughly 0.6 Miles from Nautilus St and Fay Ave junction.
Head west on Nautilus St toward La Jolla Bike Path for around 0.5 miles and then turn right onto Neptune Pl,
Address: San Diego, CA 92037, United States
Map:
Fun Fact: Famous surfer Mickey Mulder was first crowned champion at this very beach way back when he won his first title back in 1968!
2. Children’s Pool
Children’s Pool is located just north of La Jolla Cove and is a small beach that is protected from the open ocean by a rocky headland. The cove itself is popular with snorkelers and divers, but it’s also a great place for families with young kids to spend some time in the water.
How to Reach
From La Jolla Shores Park, walk south past Ellen Browning Scripps Park (where you can catch views of seals) until you reach the Children’s Pool. It’s about a twenty minute walk from either location. Don’t forget your sunscreen! If you’re walking from La Jolla Town Square or Torrey Pines Gliderport park, add another five minutes onto this estimate because there are no sidewalks along Coast Boulevard.
Fun Fact:
When visiting San Diego for the first time in 1908, Charles Lindbergh reportedly stayed at what was then known as “The Hotel del Coronado” during his visit; today this same building serves as part of The Marine Room Restaurant & Bar!
3. La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is a great beach for all kinds of people. You can swim, surf, snorkel, and fish. Families love it because of the easy access to water and just how quiet it is. There’s also plenty of space for picnics or games on the sand if you want to spend some time away from the sea. On top of all that, this beach offers incredible views in every direction – especially at sunset!
How to Reach
You can reach La Jolla Cove by car or bus (check out MTS). If you’re driving, follow I-5 north until you get to Sea World Drive; make a right onto North Torrey Pines Road; then make another right onto La Jolla Farms Rd.; finally make another right into East Coast Hwy., which will lead you straight into La Jolla Shores.
4. South Casa Beach
South Casa Beach is located near the southern end of La Jolla Cove, which makes it a great place to enjoy the sun and water without having to hike up steep rocks. This beach is open year-round, but it’s only accessible by sea via kayak or boat.
The best time of year for snorkeling at South Casa is from April through October because this is when visibility tends to be best; however, if you’re looking for surfing waves during your visit then the summer months are ideal (typically July through September).
How to Reach
If you can’t get there by water, South Casa Beach is still worth visiting because of its close proximity to other beaches in La Jolla, such as Emerald Bay and Scripps Pier.
You’ll find plenty of parking options in nearby public lots or on-street side spaces; however, do keep an eye out for meters since they do require payment during certain hours of operation!
5. Scripps Beach
The beach by Scripps Pier is a great place to go for a swim, snorkel, or just watch the sea life. The pier itself was built in the 1920s and has been in use ever since. It’s also a historic site because of its role as an important part of oceanography research at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Scripps Beach is a great place to take your family or friends if you want to see marine life up close—this beach is known for its abundance of fish, sharks, rays, and even octopi! If you’re feeling brave enough after exploring all this sea life (or maybe just bored), try surfing here instead!
Scripps Pier is perfect for sunbathing too; there are plenty of areas where you can lie back on your towel with your face towards the sun (and away from pesky insects). You might want to put sunscreen on before going out through—the sand can get hot so don’t forget that extra layer of protection!
6. Blacks Beach
Blacks Beach is the most popular clothing-optional beach in San Diego and a popular surfing spot.
The surf can be rough, but it’s great for experienced swimmers. You can also take advantage of the open space and cliff diving. It’s a great place to swim or sunbathe if you’re looking for some quiet time to yourself just watch out for those pesky seagulls!
How to reach
As far as how to get there goes: Google Maps says that Blacks Beach is 7 miles south of La Jolla Cove on Scripps Park Road; however, the directions aren’t entirely accurate.
We recommend getting off at the Torrey Pines State Reserve exit and driving through Torrey Pines State Reserve until you reach Black’s Beach Street. From there, park your car in one of the parking spaces outside Scripps Park or walk along Black’s Beach Street until you reach your destination!
7. Torrey Pines Gliderport Beach
This beach is a great place for surfing, swimming, hiking, and camping. It’s also a popular spot for fishing, walking, and bird watching. In addition to the breathtaking views of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and La Jolla’s Promenade Pier (you can see it from the beach), you can take advantage of the glider port activities that are offered here on weekends with picnic equipment available at your disposal.
The best time to visit this beach is in fall or winter because during the summer months it gets very crowded with people who come here to enjoy kite surfing.
Conclusion
La Jolla is well known for its beautiful beaches. Whether you want to surf, sunbathe or take in the scenery, there’s something for everyone on our list of the best beaches in La Jolla. You can find your dream beach by checking out what each one has to offer before deciding which one suits your needs best!
