Our guide to La Jolla tides: the highs and lows of the local coastline.

Anywhere in La Jolla, you’re never far from the edge of the Pacific Ocean and putting your toes in the water. The sea attracts beachgoers wanting to relax, swimmers looking to exercise, surfers communing with the ocean, scientists conducting research and people craving those views.

More than that, the water’s ebb and flow is a crucial component of our marine ecosystem and maritime industry in La Jolla, promoting the health of ocean species, informing us of the best times to sail, swim or surf and when commercial and recreational fishermen will be most successful in their catches.

If you’ve ever wondered about the constant ebb and flow of La Jolla tides, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about them below.

Understanding tides

Tides, though ever-changing, are nonetheless dependable: the alternating rise and fall of the sea happens in predictable patterns, according to the gravitational pull of the sun and moon.

Tides originate in the ocean and develop towards the shoreline, where we view them as rising (high tides) or decreasing (low tides). 

High tide is the waves’ highest point; low tide is the lowest. The difference in height between the high tide and low tide is called the tidal range.

The timing of the tides and their heights vary around the world due to the local topography. Here along the West Coast, the high and low tides differ in height and each occur twice every 24 hours, which is called a mixed semidiurnal tide.

La Jolla tides can appear differently at our various beaches, due to the vast geographical features distinguishing each of them, from Windansea and Marine Street to Wipeout, The Cove and La Jolla Shores.

The Shores is a calmer beach, where La Jolla tide ranges seem more gentle and gradual, whereas the rockier points off Wipeout and Windandsea mean tidal shifts seem more aggressive.

Tides vs. swells

Many confuse high tides with large waves. Tides are caused by gravity and the movement of the moon and sun; waves – and swells – are caused by wind and earthquakes.

King tides

About six to eight times a year, we are treated to “king” tides in La Jolla, also known as “perigean spring tides” and marked by the unusually large difference between the high tide and low tide.

During king tides, high tides are well above the average and can lead to coastal flooding, though in La Jolla this is rare. More probable are an increase in dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion.

Low tides during king tides means more opportunities to view the La Jolla tide pools and other coastal points normally underwater – read on for our guide to visiting those spots.

Winter storms, which bring windy conditions, encourage larger swells; if the large swells combine with king tides, La Jolla’s coast will be inundated with unusually large wave events, dangerous to be in but breathtaking to watch. 

Predicting La Jolla Tides

Knowing how La Jolla tides will measure up at any time comes down to reading a tide chart. La Jolla has two high tides and two low tides a day, as shown in the graphic below:

Accurate tide information, showing the La Jolla tide times and heights, can be found via the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or Surfline, though many resources and mobile apps (like windy.app) exist.

Viewing high tide and low tide in La Jolla

To get an eyeful (or two) of the changing tides from above, head to one of our best La Jolla viewpoints like Coast Walk Trail or the bluffs above our La Jolla beaches.

To get right in the action, you’ll need to hit the sand, and La Jolla Cove, Windansea Beach or The Children’s Pool are great places to start.

To experience high tide La Jolla-style while staying indoors, book a Hide Tide Dinner at sea-level restaurant The Marine Room, where fine dining is served while waves crash dramatically against the wide windows.

La Jolla tide pools

Guided Tidepooling Adventures/Birch Aquarium

Perhaps the best part of low tide? La Jolla’s tide pools come into view, small pools and pockets of water in the rocks ripe for exploring.

The tide pools themselves are home to a rich ecosystem of marine life, hiding within the safety of the rocks while protecting themselves from the waves.

La Jolla’s tide pools are found throughout the various beaches; you’ll find several just below Cuvier Park, at Shell Beach, The Cove and La Jolla Shores.

Wander throughout the tide pool area during low tide (beware of slippery spots!) to observe anemones, crabs, snails, slugs and other beautiful La Jolla wildlife.

Though it’s tempting, leave the shells, pebbles and animals there – much of La Jolla is a marine reserve, and there are law-protected spots throughout. Above all, remember you are a visitor in the animals’ home, a place in desperate need of conservation and respect.

To experience a more hands-on tide pool, UC San Diego’s Birch Aquarium in La Jolla offers the Preuss Tide Pool Plaza, where you can touch local tide pool creatures and learn more.

Safety considerations

La Jolla’s tides are a thrill to experience, but please use caution when observing the water. Stay away from the cliffs as they can be unstable and bluff collapses do occur.

If at the shoreline, know that waves can hit you by surprise, which at best will leave you wet but at worst will sweep you out to sea, requiring help.

Make sure you’ve checked the tides beforehand; there is always a risk of being stranded by a high tide.

And if you’re new to surfing or swimming, please try those with experienced groups or instructors; most La Jolla tide events and waves are not for beginners.

Armed with a tide chart, La Jolla visitors can check the best of the water off their list, from viewing the best of La Jolla high tides from above to strolling the beaches during low tide and peeking into a pool or two. Where will you go first?

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