3 La Jolla Beaches Nominated in USA Today’s ’10Best’ West Coast Beaches Contest

Last Updated on May 17, 2024

Three of La Jolla’s most popular beaches have been nominated by a panel of expert travel lovers on USA Today’s ’10Best’ Readers’ Choice series for 2023. The three beaches are amongst the 20 total beaches in the U.S.

Here are the three La Jolla beaches being nominated and why they made the list!

1) La Jolla Shores

two people run across the sand into a breaking wave on La Jolla Shores beach, one of the top La Jolla beaches

Photo by frank mckenna on Unsplash.

La Jolla Shores is known for its vast, flat, sandy shoreline, gentle surf, and endless outdoor adventure activities. This is the best beach to sprawl out on for the day because you’ll have the space to. It’s the launch point for many fun activities in and out of the water. La Jolla Shores is perfect for swimmers because of its clear and calm waters, with designated lifeguards on duty year-round. It’s also a great spot to take a beginner’s surf lesson. The Shores Beach is home to a protected marine sanctuary, making it a popular area to explore when scuba diving or snorkeling. If you prefer to stay above water, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the sea caves of La Jolla Cove. Along the beach of La Jolla Shores, there’s grassy parkland for picnicking and barbecuing, a playground for kids, and a boardwalk to skate down. There’s also more parking at La Jolla Shores than you’d find at any other beach in La Jolla, granted it still gets busy during the peak season.

2) Black’s Beach

a group of surfers are scattered waiting for the next set of waves at blacks beach, one of the top La Jolla beaches

Photo by Reed Naliboff on Unsplash.

Just North of La Jolla Shores Beach is the secluded Black’s Beach. It’s the least accessible beach, as it sits below towering 300 ft cliffs with a few different access points. The easiest way to get to Black’s is by walking North from La Jolla Shores Beach or down the long and steep staircase access at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, although that could be a challenge for some. There are a couple other ways to get to this beach that we cover in our beach guide. Black’s Beach is popular among surfers, mainly because of its barreling waves, especially in the winter. It’s also a quieter beach experience, with a clothing-optional section at the Northernmost end of the beach. People love this long stretch of beach to walk, sunbathe, and enjoy the stunning coastal views.

3) Windansea Beach

surfer rides the last part of the breaking wave close to shore at Windansea Beach, one of the top La Jolla beaches

Photo by Kristopher Allison on Unsplash.

The beautiful Windansea Beach is tucked away in the neighborhood but is undoubtedly one of La Jolla’s most visited beaches by locals and tourists. Windansea Beach is known for being a hotspot for experienced surfers because of its strong currents and shore breaks. This picturesque beach has moss-covered rock formations, sandy coves, and a historic palm-covered shade structure known as the surf shack. It’s a popular place for sunbathing, photography, and tide pooling during low tide.

Vote for your favorite La Jolla Beach.

Viewers can vote once per day on which beach they think is the best. The poll ends on May 22 at noon E.T. The winning beaches will be announced Friday, June 2.

**Voting has ended! Here’s how La Jolla’s beaches ranked among the 10Best West Coast Beaches:

No. 2 La Jolla Shores Beach

No. 4 Windansea Beach

No. 8 Black’s Beach

*See the complete list here.

Check out our ultimate beach guide to learn more about La Jolla’s beautiful beaches and decide which one to head to on your next visit!