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Guide to La Jolla

Scenic views and surf spots

A surf spot that offers a real view, rather than just a crowded beach where you are fighting for a sliver of sand.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 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.

The pier offers stunning sunset views over the expansive blue sea and sky. The coastline and ocean vistas are consistently breathtaking and spectacular throughout the year.

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.

People are saying

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

"The sunset views here are truly spectacular."

"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.

Offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the California coast with roaring waves and sea life. Plenty of seating lets you enjoy amazing sunset views and great sights of La Jolla.

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

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 loved the amazing 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.

Ocean views dominate the scene with sights of beaches and water all around. The hike down offers gorgeous cliffside vistas and high ground perspectives that impress even in cloudy weather.

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

People are saying

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

"The high ground offers breathtaking, stunning panoramic ocean views."

"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.

People are saying

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

"The scenic views here are truly 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.

Cliffs offer panoramic ocean views with a refreshing breeze and crashing waves. Hiking trails provide stunning coastal scenery and the beach shows beautiful views from every direction.

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.

People are saying

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

"The panoramic ocean views from the cliffs are breathtaking 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.

Spectacular Pacific Ocean views stretch across a large, clean beach with soft sand. Coastal walks offer sights of sea lions and both sunrise and sunset views add to the stunning scenery.

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.

People are saying

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

"I enjoyed the stunning ocean views here."

"The beach here is gorgeous and so clean."

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.

Views of the ocean and beach stand out with breathtaking and spectacular sights. The area feels spacious and offers a chill atmosphere alongside clean surroundings.

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.

People are saying

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

"I loved the breathtaking ocean views here."

"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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La Jolla, San Diego

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