La Jolla Shores Park
La Jolla Shores Park
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Mile-long beach features gentle waves during the summer months, making this spot a prime spot for novice scuba divers.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.5
2,719 reviews
Excellent
1,725
Very good
804
Average
157
Poor
30
Terrible
3
Margesmister
Toronto, Canada227 contributions
Feb 2020
...we were lucky that our visit coincided with the seal pups being born so there was probably 100 of them (so recently born still had their umbilical cords attached). We also saw whales and a bunch of other critters...overall very nice.
Written 18 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nathan N
6 contributions
Sept 2022
This was an amazing beach for surfing but along with that comes the crowds. We went on Saturday and had a really hard time finding parking, even getting there what we thought was early. That said, the waves were great and the water was really warms so it was still a good place to visit.
Written 16 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WI Cheese Girl
Madison, WI226 contributions
Jan 2022
This walk was definitely something I'd recommend. It's pretty long, plan about an hour, and there is a park and little sidewalk shops along the way. The best part is you can get really up close to seals. Really up close. It's beautiful. We parked underground, $25, so that's steep, but glad we did because there were no open parking spots along the trail.
Written 20 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BND96
Mesa, AZ162 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Great park in cove on the ocean. Easy to get to and plenty of free parking. Has plenty of free public restrooms but toilets were clogged by end of day. We ended up bringing our own inflatable paddle boards and paddled to the caves and had a picnic on the beach after the caves. Highly recommended for everyone.
Written 14 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
McClean Photography
San Diego, CA31 contributions
Dec 2020
I only have been to La Jolla Shores during sunsets and at night. I love how this area is never overcrowded and it is a good depart from the typical beaches in San Diego. I attached a picture of La Jolla Shores bioluminescence.
Written 13 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle F
2 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We stayed at la Jolla Shores hotel. It was right on the beach. Perfect location to all shops and restaurants. The weather was perfect. Definitely visit Jim's cave store. And highly recommend piatta restaurant for dinners. The mrkt square grocery and food shop has the best coffee and amazing breakfast toasts.
Written 3 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Armando R
el paso92 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
This beach is public, so there are restrooms and showers. We went on a Friday, and the beach was packed. Waves were awesome, but it wasn't the nicest looking beach. Coronado is the best looking beach in San Diego, but not sure if it's public (restrooms).
Written 16 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MikeB1952
Santa Fe, NM1,125 contributions
Mar 2020
We had a bit of time to spare before meeting our son. So we drove down to the shore and toward La Jolla. There in a residential area there was a break in the houses and a stairway down to the beach. We walked down steps to a rocky area near the water. The rocks were all pock marked with numerous crevices. Some little holes with small pools of water. The tide was about mid-way out so we weren’t able to get too far out. There was not a whole lot of sea life. But we saw a number of birds. Great area.
Written 22 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Indah Edlightz
Ontario, Canada3,923 contributions
Nov 2021
Beautiful, but sometimes very busy beach. Its not very big so get your spot early. Its a nice spot with lots to do in the area and view of the cove just to the left. Lots of restaurants in the area and you can also rent kayaks to enjoy the water. Parking is tough, we ended up parking further up the street and had to walk quite a bit, but its worth it as its the nicest beach in the area.
Written 28 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Waddler
York, UK12,478 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
It was a slight disappointment as we were hoping to snorkel with leopard sharks.
As it turned out it wasn't overly pleasant. There was a sea fret (or fog as they call it locally) so it wasn't easy to see them as they stand out more in sunlit waters and also it was a bit cold (the Pacific in California isn't the warmest anyway). The sea was pretty rough as well, so the snorkelling was not easy, and you have to be wary of stingrays which are plentiful on this beach.
After fighting through the swell for a bit I still hadn't seen any. On the way back I briefly glimpsed one swimming by my feet. I also glimpsed a stingray. Perhaps they were elsewhere, from the clifftops on the walk from La Jolla Coves we had seen a collection of them in a bay half way between La Jolla Cove and Shores.
We then got confused trying to leave the beach - the way we'd taken in by the Marine Room was blocked by the rising tide and we got lost in the private estate of the tennis club! I think we should have continued down the beach past it.
As it turned out it wasn't overly pleasant. There was a sea fret (or fog as they call it locally) so it wasn't easy to see them as they stand out more in sunlit waters and also it was a bit cold (the Pacific in California isn't the warmest anyway). The sea was pretty rough as well, so the snorkelling was not easy, and you have to be wary of stingrays which are plentiful on this beach.
After fighting through the swell for a bit I still hadn't seen any. On the way back I briefly glimpsed one swimming by my feet. I also glimpsed a stingray. Perhaps they were elsewhere, from the clifftops on the walk from La Jolla Coves we had seen a collection of them in a bay half way between La Jolla Cove and Shores.
We then got confused trying to leave the beach - the way we'd taken in by the Marine Room was blocked by the rising tide and we got lost in the private estate of the tennis club! I think we should have continued down the beach past it.
Written 6 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I did not see fire pits however they do have bbq pits that are very useful. Lots of families cooking out
Written 8 November 2019
Are there grills available for me to cook some hot dogs with? Or do i need to bring my own?
Written 19 March 2019
Yes, but very few. They usually go quickly on a sunny day.
Written 8 June 2019
How much does it cost to rent one of those beautiful Cabanas? Do u have to book in advance? How far away is La jolla from say Mission Beach? Marianne :)
Written 2 December 2017
No idea about the Cabanas. We never rented one of these features. However , I am pretty sure that reservations would recommended. Distance from La Jolla to Mission Beach is about 15 to 20 minutes pending traffic and the time you will need to find a parking spot.
Written 3 December 2017
We plan to attend Grunion Run this Friday June 9 at La Jolla Shores or the Scripps Pier. I know La Jolla Shores beach is really busy during the day. Where is a good place to park for the grunion Run and How early should we arrive to get a parking spot?
Thanks.
Written 7 June 2017
There's a parking lot that fills fast during the day and for sunset (and probably during the grunion runs). There is free street parking however, just plan to walk a few blocks. Don't forget to drop a pin so you don't forget where you parked. 😊
Written 10 June 2017
Hi, we are going to be in San Diego from 7th April for about 9 days. My teenage daughter is hoping to do some sunbathing and swimming in the sea. What are the chances of that given average temperatures mid April?
What's it there like now? Any swimmers in the sea???
Written 25 March 2017
Hi,
sunbathing should be ok, the temperatures during the day are quite warm, even right now, provided there is no cloud cover or even fog. The water temperature of the Pacific Ocean is generally not very warm, especially not at the beginning of the year. Enjoy your stay and don't forget the sun screen.
Written 25 March 2017
We are going to be there January 5-7 - does anyone have any experience with the beach that time of year?
Written 8 November 2016
It's nice all year, but the waters going to be 60 degree's. Growing up here we always thought it was funny when the tourist went swimming in the winter, But heck, might be your first time in the Pacific Ocean. You can rent wet suits and kayaks all year. It's a great walk all the way to beautiful Blacks beach ( careful it's a nude beach) at low tide. Just north of the shores is La Jolla farms road, a short drive here will allow you to see many 10 + millon dollar homes. Go to the glider port just north of LJ shores, you can look down at the surf. Sometimes you'll see a whale off shore. Stay back from the cliffs though, we lose a tourist every month. You'll be next to Torrey Pines golf course, and then TP park just above that. Del Mar is just above that, much like the town of Carmel
Written 9 November 2016
Yep - no timings for the beach. Enjoy your visit!
Written 14 September 2016
hkdent
Boston, Massachusetts
we are planning a trip to San Diego, Nov. 21 to 29. We plan on renting a house on or at a beach. We do not plan on slugging out on the beach for the entire trip. Two families with adult children. any opinions on Pacific Beach vs. La Jolla as a base ?
Written 6 August 2016
In November, the crowds will definitely be less than in the summer. Both beaches are beautiful. La Jolla Shores is quieter, but I personally prefer Pacific Beach because there is so much more to do there. Pacific Beach is more central to San Diego, and very close to Sea World, if you're interested in going there. In Pacific Beach there are lots of places to eat or get a coffee drink, and your typical beach shops. One of the things I like best about Pacific Beach (and Mission Beach which is right next to it), is the long Boardwalk for walking or riding bikes. If you want to go for a bike ride right next to the beach, Pacific Beach is the way to go. In November, the Boardwalk will not be crowded at all, especially during the week. If you want to rent a place right at the beach, there are plenty at Pacific Beach, but not so many in La Jolla. La Jolla is definitely a more upscale area (expensive) than Pacific Beach, so it's really all about what you're looking for. My feeling is, if you want a typical Southern California "beach experience", Pacific Beach is it. But you will enjoy either one!
Written 15 August 2016
Helge H
Geneva on the Lake, Ohio
We are visiting San Diego in a couple weeks and we collect beach glass. I read that it is spotty at best to find any but perhaps someone can give us some spots where one may find some. Thanks.
Written 7 January 2016
I'm planning on spending the day on Monday, labor day, what time would you suggest I arrive in order to get a parking spot and secure a fire pit...also can I cook in the pit or bring a bbq grill?
Written 4 September 2015
get there early as it will be busy there is a carpark at the top of the street above the cove for 10 bucks as for the fire pit i didnt see any so take your own it should be fine
Written 5 September 2015
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