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New Yorkers 1st Choice
La Jolla's best

Beaches

The sound of the waves is the only thing that can reset the mind.

Based on 469 Opinions
+466
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Updated May 2026
01
Windansea Beach image 1
Windansea Beach image 2
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Giant rock structures and great waves make surfing thrilling here. Quiet atmosphere with peaceful beach and clean sand invites calm walks and family time. Numerous benches offer perfect spots for relaxing and watching sunsets.

Beautiful waves and clean sand create a peaceful beach with great spots for surfing and diving. The area features charming rock formations and offers quiet, scenic views perfect for photos and relaxing walks.

People are saying

"I found the beach beautiful with its giant rock structures."

"I watched a beautiful sunset here; the views were stunning."

"It's a quiet gem, peaceful and casual."

Good to know

1

Parking is often available on neighborhood streets near Windansea Beach.

2

There are no restrooms available at Windansea Beach.

3

Access to the beach is easy via stairs.

02
Torrey Pines City Beach image 1

Cliffs frame a secluded beach with a steep path that offers a good workout. Serene and uncrowded, it features lovely sunset views and a refreshing breeze. Ideal for hiking and walking, it also attracts surfers rather than swimmers.

A secluded beach with cliffs right next to it offers a serene and quiet spot. Access involves a steep hike or paved path, with good restrooms and showers available.

People are saying

"The hike to the beach is steep but worth the amazing cliff views."

"I loved the beautiful cliff and beach views."

"The sunset views from the top are beautiful."

Good to know

1

There is paid parking available onsite.

2

The beach has good restrooms and a shower area.

3

The path to the beach is steep, requiring a workout.

03
Windansea Park image 1

Rocky coastline and phenomenal waves make this beach a surfer's dream. Unique sandstone formations and clean sand create a dramatic, peaceful setting. Soft winds and breathtaking sunsets add to the lively yet relaxed atmosphere.

Sandstone formations and huge rocks break up the scenery along the beautiful sandy beach. Waves suit surfers well, and the water color stands out as especially beautiful.

People are saying

"The sunsets here paint the sky with incredible colors."

"This beach is beautiful with unique sandstone formations and huge rocks."

"The surf here is amazing, truly a surfer's heaven."

Good to know

1

There are no lifeguards at Windansea Park.

2

Designated parking is available, but can be challenging during peak hours.

3

The beach is not suitable for small children due to strong waves.

04
Black's Beach image 1

Clothing-optional beach with black sand offers wild beauty and strong waves. Steep cliffs and a man-made stair path provide stunning ocean and paragliding views. Peaceful, free atmosphere suits adults seeking adventure and nature connection, but challenging hike limits access.

A clothing-optional beach with black sand offers a wild, beautiful setting and good waves. The hike down provides gorgeous views and the atmosphere suits adults seeking adventure and sightseeing.

People are saying

"It's a clothing-optional beach, so be prepared to see nudity."

"The high ground views here are breathtaking, especially with the cliffs."

"The crowd here is really chill and nice."

Good to know

1

Black's Beach is a nudist spot and not family-friendly.

2

There are no facilities or restrooms, so bring water and snacks.

3

Access to Black's Beach is difficult with steep trails.

05
Torrey Pines State Beach image 1

Towering sandstone cliffs create a stunning panoramic view over a quiet, serene beach with clean shores and unique rock formations. Gentle breeze and crashing waves add to the calm, refreshing atmosphere perfect for hiking, surfing, or watching paragliders launch from above.

Quiet and serene beach with clean shores and a unique rock beach area. Offers great spots for hiking and surfing with peaceful views and minimal crowds.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be beautiful and clean."

"The panoramic ocean views from the cliffs are stunning and refreshing."

"The bathrooms here are clean and functional."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $20 for all-day access.

2

The hiking trails are currently closed until February 2026.

3

Volunteers offer guided hikes on weekends.

06
La Jolla Tide Pools image 1

Coastal tide pools offer clear water and diverse sea life, perfect for families. Easy access with street parking and a staircase leads to a clean, quiet beach. Gentle waves and scenic views create a peaceful atmosphere for relaxing or strolling.

Easy access via street parking and a staircase leads directly to the beach with tide pools. The beach stays clean and less busy than others nearby, with sidewalks for easy walking.

People are saying

"It's a great Kid Friendly place to explore tide pools and see marine life."

"The views here are breathtaking, with waves crashing."

"I loved exploring the beach and spotting all the marine life."

Good to know

1

Parking near the tide pools is easier on weekdays than weekends.

2

Getting there early helps secure parking spots.

3

There is free street parking available.

07
The Shack Bar & Grill image 1

Beach bar boasts a tiki-style deck with a downtown urban beach view perfect for relaxing after a walk. Friendly vibe shines through dog-friendly setting and lively noise levels. Pool tables and a fire pit add to the fun, social atmosphere.

Outdoor deck offers a downtown urban beach view with a relaxed beach bar atmosphere. Popular spot to unwind after work or a walk along the beach.

People are saying

"The bar has great drinks and reasonably priced food."

"It's a chill spot with a fun patio and quirky decor."

"The beach bartenders are awesome and welcoming."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating options.

2

Parking is generally easy to find near the restaurant.

3

Happy hour specials include a $13 chicken corn dog and margarita deal.

08
Children's Pool La Jolla image 1

Cliffs and walkways offer stunning views of seals and sea lions on rocks. Small sandy beach with clean restrooms suits families with kids. Benches and stairs create a relaxed vibe perfect for watching wildlife and sunsets.

Seals and sea lions often lounge on the rocks and visit the cove, creating a lively scene. The beach offers a small sandy area with clean surroundings and restrooms, making it suitable for families with small children.

People are saying

"I loved watching the seals and sea lions sunbathing on the beach."

"I loved the nice view of the seals and sea lions."

"The bathrooms and showers here are really nice."

Good to know

1

Access to the beach is closed during winter months because of the sea lions.

2

Parking can be challenging at the Children's Pool La Jolla.

3

The beach has seasonal closures, so plan ahead to ensure it is open.

09
Marine Street Beach image 1

Rough surf and pitch-perfect sand create a quiet beach with few people. Multiple volleyball nets attract active players. Friendly dogs appear early, adding to the calm vibe. Parking is easy on nearby streets, making access simple.

Beach volleyball thrives here with many stanchions available. The beach has a quiet, clean vibe and a friendly dog community before 9am. Rough surf makes it unsafe for swimming and not ideal for sunbathing.

People are saying

"This beach is great for volleyball with multiple nets available."

"You can find plenty of street parking easily."

Good to know

1

Limited street parking is available in the residential area by the beach.

2

Swimming is not recommended due to rough surf, especially for weak swimmers.

3

Dogs are allowed at the beach before 9am, and most are friendly.

10
La Jolla Shores Hotel image 1

Oceanfront hotel offers spectacular beach views and unmatched beach access just steps from the water. Guests enjoy dog-friendly beachfront dining and relaxing with cozy yet luxurious bar ambiance. Amenities include bike rentals and a free local shuttle for easy exploration.

The hotel sits in a prime location on the beach, just steps from the water, offering unmatched beach access. Activities include kayaking, lounging with beach chairs, and beachfront dining, all in a dog-friendly setting.

People are saying

"It's fantastic being right on the beach, just steps from the water."

"The beds were clean, spacious, and comfortable."

"It's a great Kid Friendly spot right on the beach with lots of toys."

Good to know

1

The hotel is located right on the beach, just steps from the water.

2

Parking costs $45 per night in the garage.

3

Rooms are outdated and in need of upgrades.

11
La Jolla Caves Snorkel & Watersports image 1
Water sports equipment rental service

Enjoy top quality gear for water sports with sizes for all ages and calm, shallow waters perfect for families. Staff deliver paddleboards and umbrellas right to the beach and lead beach clean-up events with all supplies provided. Guides share insights on local wildlife, making it a fun and eco-friendly spot.

Staff bring paddleboards, chairs, towels, and umbrellas right to the beach. They also organize beach clean-up events and provide all supplies needed for them.

People are saying

"Alex made our snorkeling tour fun and stress-free, even for beginners."

"The staff is so patient and friendly with kids."

"Alex delivered paddleboards and snacks right to the beach for us."

Good to know

1

All the gear is in great shape and quality.

2

Parking can be very difficult, so plan ahead.

3

The snorkeling adventure is suitable for all ages.

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La Jolla, San Diego

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