Black’s Beach is one of most infamous beaches La Jolla has, and getting there is not for the faint of heart. This 2-mile stretch of sand is vast and gorgeous, with many guests enjoying the clothing-optional policy. This La Jolla beach is just one mile north of the Torrey Pines Glider port trailhead – so if you dare to go bare, you won’t be alone!

 

It sits at the base of 300-foot cliffs that are captivatingly dangerous. It’s a good idea to set your towel a safe distance away from the cliffs as there have been severe injuries from falling parts of the bluffs. 

 

Black’s Beach is by far the most challenging La Jolla beach to get to, no matter how you decide to approach it. Luckily, there are a few different ways: 

Directly West of La Jolla Cove, you’ll find a fun scramble down the sandstone to get to the remote Boomer’s Beach. Despite being so small, it’s considered to be one of the best beaches in La Jolla because it’s a quiet alternative to the more populated beaches nearby. You’ll likely see more than a few seals and sea lions in the water and lounging on the beach and up on the rocks of Point La Jolla. Remember always to give them plenty of space.

Just south of Children’s Pool Beach, you’ll find respite from the crowds at the secluded South Casa Beach. This triangle-shaped mini cove is an easy one to cross off your list. It’s another excellent spot to explore the tide pools during low tide or find a corner to relax and enjoy the views. 

You might see a few seals and sea lions wobbling around, but not nearly as many as you’d see at Children’s Pool Beach.

La Jolla Shores beach, referred to by locals as just “The Shores,” is by far the most impressive as a true outdoor wonderland of possibilities. Set up your home base for the day on the open sand or the adjacent stretches of grass at Kellogg Park for all-day fun. 

An exciting way to get to know the stunning landscape and ecosystems of the La Jolla coastline is to become a part of it. So, for the bold adventure seekers, kayak out to explore the seven sea caves of La Jolla or scuba dive the underwater park to see flourishing giant kelp forests, rocky reefs, and marine life. There are plenty of rental options just up from the beach. 

Or, you can save the thrills for another day and enjoy laying out to get your summer glow and take it all in. This beach park is also the best for wheelchair accessibility, so everyone is welcome. And as your epic La Jolla beach day closes, warm up and catch the sunset around the bonfire – just be sure you snag a bonfire early! 

Shell Beach sits at the southernmost end of the park. You’ll take the long concrete staircase and navigate around large rocks to get to this little beauty. This La Jolla beach is best during low tide so you can make the most of the small space. It’s great for tide pooling, collecting sea shells, and watching the native wildlife! The rocks can be rough and slippery, so bring some sturdy footwear. Shell Beach is teeming with life and is a great place to bring your kids or let your inner child come out to explore.

Wipeout Beach provides a wider shore on the other side of South Casa, but only during low tide. Visit during a high tide, and this La Jolla beach virtually disappears.  The rugged bluffs and several caves add to its unique hidden appeal and character. Walk along the cliffs overlooking the beach for stunning views—a great place to stop and watch the sunset. 

Marine Street Beach is known for its pristine white sands, spacious simplicity, and thunderous surf. This hidden gem is quieter than its northern beach neighbors and frequented mainly by locals. 

Scuba diving, surfing, tide pooling, and laying out in the sun are popular activities at this secluded LA Jolla beach. As you walk North on Marine Street Beach, you’ll pass through Whispering Sands Beach, where you’ll find a short staircase that will take you up to explore the La Jolla Tide Pools. 

La Jolla Cove is the most recognizable and scenic corner of the La Jolla coastline and has welcomed visitors since 1890. Part of the La Jolla underwater park and the Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve, this protected, charming coastal inlet is home to incredible active marine life and is prime for snorkeling and diving. The word “Matlahuayl” came from the Kumeyaay tribes native to the area and meant “place of the caves,” one of two origins where La Jolla gets its name. 

La Jolla Cove Beach is buzzing with life, so there’s always something to see. So, grab a seat on a bench to admire the views and catch the action, or take the short La Jolla Coastal Walk Trail right by The Cave Store. At the Cave Store, you can also get a ticket to take the 145 stairs down a tunnel through the sandstone, where you can experience a sea cave from the inside looking out. 

It’s no wonder visitors flock to this little piece of paradise to swim, explore, and laze around like our sea lion friends. But watch out for those sea lions, as they like to keep unsuspecting visitors on their toes. Check out this viral moment from July 2022 when two sea lions can be seen seemingly chasing visitors up the beach. However, don’t worry too much – experts believe the sea lions were chasing each other, with visitors just getting caught in the middle. Always give wildlife plenty of space to do their thing, and maybe cancel your beach nap plans when lounging in the Cove.

The Children’s Pool Beach and its famous 300-foot curved concrete wall have been a beloved treasure since it opened in 1931. Ellen Browning Scripps funded this architectural marvel so that children could have a safe place to play and swim away from dangerous undercurrents. 

Visitors can walk to the end of the wall to get closer to wildlife, most notably the hundreds of seals and sea lions who call this place home, and you’ll likely hear and smell them before you even see them. The Children’s Pool Beach closes annually during the pupping season, from Dec. 15 to May 15, to allow the seals to give birth to their pups safely. When you visit, please be respectful of wildlife and keep a safe distance. 

This local’s favorite beach might not be the longest, but she sure packs a punch. Windansea beach has so much personality, decorated by its stunning moss-covered rock formations and jutting sandstone. It 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.