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Local picks in La Jolla

Surf spots with nice views

The quality of the waves matters, but you also want a vantage point that makes the time spent waiting for a set worth it.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
UCSD Scripps Pier image 1
UCSD Scripps Pier image 2
UCSD Scripps Pier image 3
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Pier extends over calm ocean waters with stunning sunset views and a dramatic silhouette against the sky. Surrounding area offers a tranquil atmosphere with quiet beaches and active surf spots nearby. Public access to the pier is restricted, but the nearby coastline provides excellent photo opportunities and peaceful walks.

Waves at the pier are awesome and attract many surfers. The northside of the pier offers a great spot to catch waves. Nearby shores provide a relaxing beach vibe alongside good surf conditions.

Views under the pier offer a unique perspective with expansive blue sea and sky. Sunsets here are breathtaking, showcasing the La Jolla Coast and ocean breeze during peaceful walks.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the beautiful sunset views over the Pacific Ocean."

"The views here are stunning, especially at sunset."

"The views from this surf spot are stunning and beautiful."

Good to know

1

The pier is closed to the general public, as it's for scientific researchers only.

2

Parking at UCSD Scripps Pier is limited; consider street parking nearby.

3

The beach is open to the public for relaxation and enjoying the ocean.

02
Calumet Park image 1

Park overlooks the Pacific Ocean with amazing sunset views and roaring waves creating a serene atmosphere. Visitors enjoy a quiet, peaceful vibe with grassy bluffs and a small beach area. The space feels private and cozy despite being in a neighborhood setting.

Good waves push onto shoreline cliffs, creating solid surf conditions. A slippery trail leads up from the waves, often busy with surfers.

Spectacular Pacific Ocean views dominate the scene with roaring waves and visible sea life. The spot offers breathtaking sunsets and clear sights of the California coast and La Jolla.

People are saying

"It's a great place to watch the sunset over the water."

"It's a quiet place perfect for relaxing or reading."

"I enjoyed the great ocean views from the cliff."

Good to know

1

Parking may be a challenge due to limited spaces.

2

There are no bathrooms available at Calumet Park.

3

The park is pet friendly, but dog access is limited.

03
Black's Beach image 1

Clothing-optional beach with steep cliffs and a man-made stair path offers stunning ocean and paragliding views. Atmosphere feels peaceful and free, with a respectful community and strong connection to nature. Access requires a challenging hike, making it less suited for families or those with mobility issues.

Big, world-class waves make this spot great for surfing. The surf here is consistently amazing and offers a fun atmosphere.

Ocean views stretch wide from high ground, offering breathtaking scenery. The hike down the cliff reveals gorgeous beach and water views that make the effort worthwhile.

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 waves here are perfect for surfing."

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.

04
Windansea Beach image 1

Giant rock structures and hollow formations shape a unique shoreline with great waves for surfing. The atmosphere stays quiet and peaceful, offering numerous benches for relaxing and watching sunsets. The beach remains less crowded and casual, ideal for calm walks and family time.

Great waves make it an excellent spot for beginners and more experienced surfers. The water stays warm, adding to the fun of catching waves and swimming.

Stunning ocean views dominate the scene with numerous benches placed for relaxing and taking it all in. Quiet and casual, the spot offers a chance to enjoy breathtaking scenery along with local animals and plants.

People are saying

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

"I found the views here to be unmatched and beautiful."

"This surf spot has beautiful views and awesome waves."

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.

05
Torrey Pines State Beach image 1

Towering sandstone cliffs overlook a pristine beach with crashing waves and a gentle breeze that creates a calm, refreshing atmosphere. Visitors find space to spread out, enjoy peaceful solitude, or watch paragliders launch from the cliffs. The setting offers stunning panoramic views and a raw, natural vibe without pretense.

Waves suit both beginners and experienced surfers with spots perfect for kids on boogie boards. Plenty of space and a gentle breeze add to the relaxed surf vibe.

Cliffs offer an incredible panoramic view of the ocean with crashing waves below. Hiking trails provide stunning views of the coastline and beaches, creating a calm and refreshing atmosphere.

People are saying

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

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

"This surf spot offers amazing ocean views and beautiful trails."

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 Shores Park image 1

Large beach with spectacular ocean views and a spacious grassy area creates a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere. Lifeguards and fire pits add to the safe, relaxed vibe. The park feels well-maintained and perfect for quiet afternoons or casual gatherings.

Gentle, nice-sized waves make this spot great for beginners. Plenty of space lets surfers find their own spot, while clean, clear water supports both surfing and snorkeling.

Stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and west coast line stretch across a large, clean beach. Coastal walks offer sights of sea lions and both sunrise and sunset create amazing scenes.

People are saying

"The beach here is really clean and felt safe."

"The beach here is gorgeous and so clean."

"I enjoyed the stunning ocean views from the park."

Good to know

1

Parking at La Jolla Shores Park is limited, especially on weekends.

2

Free parking is available, but it can fill up quickly.

3

Public restrooms are located near the parking lot.

07
Kellogg Park image 1

Open space with beach access and ocean views creates a relaxing atmosphere. Grassy areas and a playground attract families and picnickers. The vibe shifts from peaceful to lively with music and crowds near the sand.

Gentle ocean waves make it an easy place to learn surfing. The ability to wade in the ocean adds to the relaxed vibe, but lifeguards often warn about swimming in the surf zone without signs posted.

Views of the ocean and beach stand out with breathtaking scenery and a captivating atmosphere. The area feels spacious and clean, offering a chill spot to enjoy the water and surroundings.

People are saying

"Parking available, but you might need to arrive early."

"This beach is a great playground for the kids."

"It's an easy surf spot for learning."

Good to know

1

Parking is free, but it can be challenging to find a spot during the day.

2

Arrive before 8am to secure a public parking space near the park.

3

The park has a great kids' playground right on the beach.

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