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
2,723 reviews
Excellent
1,728
Very good
804
Average
157
Poor
31
Terrible
3
Chantae R
Suva, Fiji3 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
There are few places nicer than LJ shores to spend a day. Sea lions and seals so close by, scuba diving, surfing, lounging in the sand... plus a park for the kids. This beach is usually patrolled and also super clean. Great way to spend a day and cafes/restaurants are just a short walk away. TIP -- shuffle your feet when in the water to scoot away stingrays.
Written 25 January 2024
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.
10Orchard
Worcester, UK585 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Beautifully clean beach, with adjacent free parking with lots of spaces. Ideal for a quiet stroll. Unfortunately we could not find a coffee shop or we would have stayed longer.
Written 26 December 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.
Waddler
York, UK10,391 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.
Annamalai M
Fremont, CA4 contributions
Aug 2023
One of the best beaches that you should not miss while being in San Diego.
Beautiful views, good board walk, perfect place for swimming and surfing
Parking is a hassle, we were lucky to get one as a family was leaving, else you need to go around few time to have someone leave and you grab the spot.
Beautiful views, good board walk, perfect place for swimming and surfing
Parking is a hassle, we were lucky to get one as a family was leaving, else you need to go around few time to have someone leave and you grab the spot.
Written 14 August 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.
jasmineflowers
Minnesota323 contributions
Jul 2023 • Business
An absolute must! What a beautiful and fun area. The seals are free to witness and the views of the ocean at sunset are priceless. Parking is difficult, so plan ahead. But an absolute must for a San Diego trip.
Written 30 July 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.
Kuvasz1988
Saint Paul, MN1,150 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Hit the beach on a cold and foggy July day. Crowds were big. Waves were good but water was cold. Lots of surfers in the water.
Written 3 July 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.
SaltwaterCathy
College Station, TX42 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
What a beautiful area! We spent the better part of the day walking along the paths. We enjoyed seeing the seals and sea lions up close.
Written 8 June 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.
Tal_Hameed
Toronto, Canada446 contributions
Oct 2022
It's a nice place where you can clearly see the sunset and it has big waves and such. It's right by the villa and lots to do here to spend the day. Highly recommended especially during a nice summer day!
Written 7 May 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.
Kathy
Brookfield, WI9 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
I could stay here all day! It is beautiful beyond words! We love walking all around the shores and viewing tide pools, people watching, and enjoying the weather.
Written 6 February 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.
Julie C
San Diego, CA20 contributions
Nov 2022
I love this beach because it has beautiful views and unlike most beaches in San Diego you don't have to walk a mile through sand to get to the water edge. It's great lots of bathrooms there are even ice cream vendors if you get the munchies and they take venmo and zelle. The only negative is you have to be patient you might have to go around the parking lot a few times to find parking.
Written 5 January 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.
Gina
Fremont, CA
Any place to do bon fires
belrangodoucet
Almonte, Canada112 contributions
I did not see fire pits however they do have bbq pits that are very useful. Lots of families cooking out
Are there grills available for me to cook some hot dogs with? Or do i need to bring my own?
Lisa V
San Diego, CA93 contributions
Yes, but very few. They usually go quickly on a sunny day.
Marianne S
Reno, NV8 contributions
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 :)
Paul J
Sun City West, AZ225 contributions
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.
Donna T
Poway, CA333 contributions
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.
JoAnn H
San Diego, CA42 contributions
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. 😊
Harriet123_13
Ashford, UK35 contributions
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???
Barbara S
San Diego, CA140 contributions
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.
luvtocamp
Chicago1 contribution
We are going to be there January 5-7 - does anyone have any experience with the beach that time of year?
john g
San Diego, CA261 contributions
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
Yamini J
Michigan55 contributions
What are the beach timings ?
hemangjshah
Bengaluru, India226 contributions
Yep - no timings for the beach. Enjoy your visit!
hkdent
Boston, MA
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 ?
Cynthia L
El Cajon, CA74 contributions
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!
Helge H
Geneva on the Lake, OH
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.
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?
Dolans2010
Auckland Central, New Zealand66 contributions
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
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Claim your listingLA JOLLA SHORES PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about La Jolla Shores Park
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience La Jolla Shores Park:
- La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour (Single Kayak) (From £54.55)
- Luxury Catamaran Sailing Charter of San Diego (From £927.61)
- Private La Jolla Tour by Sidecar (From £241.13)
- Ultimate Private San Diego Sightseeing Tour (From £220.57)
- Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour (From £9.48)
- Hotels near La Jolla Shores Park:
- (0.02 mi) LA JOLLA SHORES PAD
- (0.06 mi) La Jolla Shores Hotel
- (0.14 mi) La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
- (0.11 mi) Stay at our La Jolla Shores steps from the sand, beach, park and restaurants
- (0.11 mi) Modern Beach Flat Rose to the Ocean
- Restaurants near La Jolla Shores Park:
- (0.06 mi) The Shores Restaurant
- (0.15 mi) Osteria Romantica
- (0.17 mi) Piatti
- (0.17 mi) Cheese Shop
- (0.19 mi) The Marine Room