La Jolla Shores
8300 Camino del Oro, La Jolla, California
Located along the rugged coast of Southern California, this mile-long (1.6-kilometer) sandy beach is known to have the gentlest waves of any of the local beaches in summer. Because of this, La Jolla Shores is a prime spot for novice scuba divers and a busy swimming area frequented by families and surfers.
Near the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, La Jolla Shores is a popular launch point for scuba divers, kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders, and snorkelers. At certain times of the year, you might spot leopard sharks, diamond and round stingrays, and shovelnose guitarfish, while green sea turtles and broadnose sevengill sharks are farther offshore. For kid-friendly activities, head to Birch Aquarium, which lets you explore the discoveries made by scientists at the Scripps Institute with interactive tide pools and exhibitions.
La Jolla Shores has permanent lifeguard stations patrolled by San Diego lifeguards.
Bathroom and shower facilities are available here.
Toward the beach's southern end, you’ll find Kellogg Park, a large grassy area with a playground.
Driving or a rideshare service is the easiest way to reach the beach. If traveling from the north via the I-5 freeway, take the exit for La Jolla Parkway West to La Jolla Shores Drive. From the south, take the exit for La Jolla Village Drive West off the I-5 freeway, then turn left on Torrey Pines Road and right on La Jolla Shores Drive.
You can visit La Jolla and the surrounding San Diego area year-round. That’s because the weather is generally warm and sunny. The cool season is from December to March, with mild temps that most Californians would call cold. In the summer and school holidays, you’ll encounter the biggest crowds, especially families at La Jolla Shores.
Just south of La Jolla Shores, you’ll find La Jolla Cove. Although it’s a relatively small beach, it is one of the most photographed in Southern California. Because it’s a protected bay, there’s also small surf in summer, similar to La Jolla Shores; it's an ideal spot for swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers.
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