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La Jolla Shores Beach
Photo via Wikimedia (La Jolla Cove)
FreeBeaches & Coast

La Jolla Shores Beach

La Jolla, CA

★★★★★4.7(4,437 Google reviews)

Wide, gentle-surf beach ideal for young swimmers, sandcastles, kayaking, and beginner surfing.

Good for

  • Ages 0–2
  • Ages 10+

Happening near here

Everything on this weekend →

La Jolla Shores Beach, San Diego, CA 92037, USA

Free

beachswimmingkayakingfamily

Map

Tides today

Next low tide

12:44 AM

-0.1 ft — best for tide pools

Next high tide

4:48 PM

5.5 ft

Predictions from NOAA · La Jolla station

What visitors say

  • Erica Yoon★★★★★

    Best beach for kids. Go in the morning, park in the residential area for a full day. Set up a beach tent and stay there for as long as you could. Playground to entertain the youngest kid when he's bored from too much sand play.

    2 months ago

  • rajdeepsingh anand★★★★★

    Beautiful experience, must go if you are in san diego. Sea lions are a delight to watch. The cove is beautiful, get in slowly and carefully. Lots of eating joints available if you are with family or group. Get in during the pre evening time , spend your time with the nature , worth every minute.

    4 months ago

  • Gerardo Sosa Gallardo★★★★★

    La Jolla Shores is a beautiful, wide stretch of beach that feels calm, welcoming, and ideal for a relaxing day by the ocean. The soft sand and gentle waves make it particularly great for families, beginners learning to surf, and anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful beach experience in San Diego. The atmosphere is laid-back yet lively, with people paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming in the shallow water. It's also an excellent spot for picnics and long walks along the shore, especially during sunset when the sky transforms into warm, colorful hues. In comparison to more rugged nearby beaches, La Jolla Shores offers a more open and easygoing vibe, providing plenty of space to spread out and unwind. Additionally, there are nearby cafes and small shops, making it convenient to spend the entire day in the area. Overall, La Jolla Shores is a relaxing coastal gem—scenic, family-friendly, and perfect for enjoying the best of Southern California's beach life.

    2 months ago

  • Judy Klimek★★★★★

    Best beach we visited in San Diego. We visited before low tide, and swam for a while (extremely gradual depth change and gentle waves) before walking down to Scripps pier to see the sea stars on the pier. Then walked up the beach more to see the tide pools. It was a great way to experience the Pacific Ocean!

    4 months ago

  • Keith Simmons★★★★★

    Parking is scarce and driving is very tight in the neighborhood. I always get a little confused as to what street I'm supposed to be on to and from the beach. I love this beach and there were lifeguards and basic organized etiquette.

    4 months ago

Reviews from Google · See more on Google Maps

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