Nine spots to ensure your La Jolla beach day is supreme.

La Jolla’s beaches are simply superlative, drawing millions here each year for the “shore thing” in beachgoing, from family-friendly beaches and secluded spots to historic spots and more.

Pick from our list of the best La Jolla beaches below, listed from north to south, and start exploring the dramatic views, exciting wildlife, mysterious rock formations, relaxing stretches of sand and more.

1. Black’s Beach

Black’s Beach is infamous, the stuff of legends, rumors and more. The most difficult La Jolla beach to access, Black’s is a two-mile stretch of pristine golden and black sands with prime surf below 300-foot cliffs and hang gliders soaring above you. 

The northern portion of the beach belongs to the California Department of Parks and Recreation; the southern portion is owned by the city of San Diego. 

And yes, the state park side is clothing-optional.

Getting to Black’s Beach isn’t for the faint of heart: There is one road down to the beach, gated against vehicles (unless you’ve got a rare, exclusive key!) but open to foot traffic. Several trails ranging in difficulty also exist from the Torrey Pines Gliderport, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and nearby.

Use caution when at Black’s Beach – lifeguards aren’t always present and this beach doesn’t have bathrooms, showers or other such amenities.

The bluffs above are sensitive and prone to collapse due to erosion, prompting the occasional cliff rescue by San Diego Fire-Rescue staff.

2. La Jolla Shores Beach

La Jolla Shores beach, referred to by locals as just “The Shores,” is a true outdoor wonderland of possibilities, consistently ranking on top lists of best beaches nationwide.

A large parking lot (that still fills up early), rows of bathrooms and showers at two comfort stations, wheelchair access and a large playground make The Shores easily the most family-friendly, though the adjacent Kellogg Park and flats of sand before the gentle waves aren’t the only features calling.

Shores is also one of the best La Jolla beaches from which to explore the stunning landscape and ecosystems of the La Jolla coastline.

Jump on a kayaking tour to check out the seven sea caves or snorkel your way through the myriad species in the Marine Protected Area.

Or you can save the thrills for another day and enjoy the luxury of a day on the sand, building castles and playing in the waves under the watchful eyes of the lifeguards.

3. La Jolla Cove Beach

The Marine Protected Area stretched south into La Jolla Cove, home to the highest marine biodiversity in the country.

But perhaps La Jolla Cove beach is most recognized for its rugged scenery and presence of sea lions.

Whatever brought you to The Cove, you’re welcome to swim and snorkel and peer among the rocks; a staffed lifeguard tower watches over you as you descend one of two staircases to the beach.

Parking is available along Coast Boulevard above the beach; there are plenty of sidewalks edging The Cove through Scripps Park along Point La Jolla and more. Scripps Park also offers a vast spread of grass on which to picnic, play Frisbee and more, along with newer bathrooms.

Please remember to give the sea lions plenty of space as they are large, heavy wild animals not keen on joining your selfies. And leave the surfboards, kayaks and fishing equipment behind – nothing more than swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving is allowed here.

4. Boomer Beach

This one is truly just for the swimmers. Accessible only via a narrow footpath down from Scripps Park just south of Point La Jolla (which is closed to humans and dogs), Boomer Beach is where locals take off for swimming and body surfing sessions, often accompanied by sea lions also frolicking in the waves.

Only take the sandstone scramble down to the water if you’re an experienced swimmer – there are no lifeguards about and the rocks nearby pose quite the challenge.

5. Shell Beach

Shell Beach, at the south end of Scripps Park, recently reopened to the public. Take the long, historic staircase down to the shoreline during low tide to explore this smaller beach, where a lifeguard is only occasionally present.

Shell Beach is a perfect place for noticing shells and rocks and watching wildlife. The rocks can be rough and slippery, so bring some sturdy footwear.

6. The Children’s Pool Beach

If you’ve seen photos of La Jolla, you’ve undoubtedly seen images of The Children’s Pool beach, which opened in 1931 after La Jolla benefactor Ellen Browning Scripps commissioned the construction of the iconic 300-foot seawall to break the waves, making the water safer for children.

The Children’s Pool Beach is closed annually from Dec. 15 to May 15, during harbor seal pupping season.  When you visit, please be respectful of wildlife and keep a safe distance.

Even during the half-year closure, limited parking is available and The Children’s Pool is a lovely part of your coastline stroll to observe the seals, seagulls, pelicans and more from above.

When the beach is open, there is a staircase below the plentiful bathrooms and lifeguard station, and the memorable wall makes for some truly terrific swimming, wading and watching. Just keep in mind that the large population of seals causes an increase in water bacteria levels due to their waste.

Note: South Casa Beach, between The Children’s Pool and Wipeout Beaches, appears on many lists of La Jolla beaches, but this gorgeous inlet is unfortunately closed due to severe erosion of the steps leading to it in 2024; there is currently no word on its reopening.

7. Wipeout Beach

Wipeout Beach provides a wider shore for sunbathing and resting between wave jumps, but only during low tide. Visit during a high tide, and this beach virtually disappears.

A lone lifeguard watches from the bluffs above and there are no bathrooms or parking aside from Coast Boulevard, so plan ahead to make the most of your visit.

Make sure to walk the length of the beach to explore the rugged rocks and caves, hidden from the landscaped cliffs above. Or stay on top and savor the stunning views. You’ll find several people dotted along the bluffs during sunset!

8. Marine Street Beach

Another so-called “pocket beach” (without parking or bathrooms), Marine Street Beach is simple and spacious, perfect for watching the waves.

Frequented mainly by locals, especially during the off-season, you’ll find people engaging in all forms of leisure, including beach volleyball. 

Come for the scenery, stay for the relaxation – this spot is a must for the beach reads, the meditations, the sunset worshippers and those just looking for a true-blue beach day, with a lifeguard present during busy times. 

9. Windansea Beach

Been to Windansea Beach? Charmed, I’m sure, with its moss-covered rock formations and jutting sandstone. Windansea is also home to the historic architectural icon “The Shack,” a palm-covered surf hut built in 1946 where surfers can rest their boards and enjoy shelter from the sun.

The Shack is also where lifeguards post up to watch you surf, swim or simply play in the waves, mainly among the locals who have been coming here for generations.

Anyone trying their hand at surfing here needs to come with experience, however: Windansea waves aren’t the friendliest, nor are the rocks and rip currents.

Come sunset, you won’t be disappointed, with several nearby residents coming out to enjoy the show with you. This is where the golden hour of photography really shines, as evidenced by the number of family and wedding photographers during the evening hours.