La Jolla Shores: A Great La Jolla Beach

La Jolla Shores is the largest La Jolla beach. If you find yourself here, you're in for a good time. It's a place for family and for friends, for those who want to relax and for those who want an active day.

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On the Sand

La Jolla Shores has quite a bit of beach to offer. There is usually a higher concentration of people on the sand by the main lifegaurd tower and south of it because this area is in front of the swimming section of the ocean.

This section of beach is generally pretty active, with people playing around on the sand and quite a few families.

If you're just looking for a quiet day relaxing on the beach, that's easily attained as well. All you have to do is head north of the main lifegaurd tower towards Scripps Pier, where sunbathers are typically scarce.

It's a pretty mellow place though. I mean, I come here to do homework sometimes, it's that relaxed.

As a plus, you usually have quite a show in front of you watching all the talented surfers out in the water.

La Jolla Shores is probably the most family-oriented La Jolla Beach. There's a ton of space, so kids have a ton of room to run around and build sand castles. The calm crowd La Jolla attracts is also a plus for parents.

In the Surf

On most days there are quite a few surfers out in the water. The ocean is warm enough to go out year-round, but in the winter months wet suits are needed. Yes folks, San Diego is not summer all year long, contrary to popular belief. ;)

The waves are suitable for surfers of all skill levels, from beginner to experienced (I actually learned to surf here).

Lessons are available for those who want to learn how to surf, and beginners can stick to the whitewash if they so please.

I learned how to surf at La Jolla Shores when I was 10 years old, on the whitewash of course. My uncle took me and my brother out and taught us on his longboard. These conditions made for huge confidence boosters and a great first surfing experience. I remember leaving the beach that day extremely happy thinking that I could surf.

I have never surfed consistently, certainly not enough to be able to call myself a surfer, but I did gain a little more experience the last few months with the help of a surfing class that met weekly at Scripps pier. This means I actually caught waves rather than rode them after they'd already broken, which is infinitely more challenging and fun.

Experienced surfers can paddle out and have at 'em. Although I'm not an expert, friends of mine say that to get some really good sessions it's usually better to head to a nearby La Jolla beach, Blacks Beach, instead.

Around the Shores

The Park at the Shores

La Jolla Shores comes equipped with a very large grass area, where you can commonly find games of football, soccer, or frisbee.

The picnic tables and the wide open space make this area a popular barbeque destination as well.

There is a jungle gym on the south side of the park, so for those with small children this can be a good addition to your beach trip.

Dining Around this La Jolla Beach

If you feel like getting a bite to eat there are some good options within walking distance on Avenida de la Playa. You can see my recommendations on this page of my favorite La Jolla restaurants.

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