La Jolla is often referred to as San Diego’s “Jewel by the Sea,” and after residing here for over 2 years we can honestly say it’s lived up to its reputation! Spread over several miles of coastline you’ll find hidden La Jolla beach coves, long white sandy beaches, nude bathing, and even sea lions! With such diverse La Jolla beaches in a small town it’s easy to see why people travel from all over the world to spend the day soaking in the California sun. Yet, the secret beaches of La Jolla are the real prize!

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Secret Beaches of La Jolla Guide

In all reality none of the beaches we mention are a secret. However, we have come to realize that most people don’t stray far from the popular spots while on vacation. Now if you’re a beach hopper like us and love to explore different places, then the relatively small coast that makes up La Jolla is the perfect spot to spend your sunny days. It’s time to get familiar with the best beaches of La Jolla, and all they have to offer!

The beaches of La Jolla are listed in order, starting closest to Downtown San Diego and running north up the coast.

Windansea Beach

Swimming: Yes

Surfing: Yes

Boogie Boarding: Yes

Best For: Watching Surfers and Sunsets

What makes Windansea different than the rest of the beaches on this list is its ever evolving-landscape. The current pulls the sand in and out from the shore at Windansea, which brings a constant change to its appearance.

Depending on the time of year you visit you’ll see a long white sandy beach, while other months cliffs as high as 25 feet that drop down into caves! Located in a more residential area, Windansea Beach is often quieter and more laid back then the other La Jolla beaches. Your only worry will be if you want to sit to the left or right of the iconic tiki hut!

Windansea Beach Location

Wonderful Windansea: The Best Beach in San Diego

Marine Street Beach

Swimming: Yes

Surfing: No

Boogie boarding: Yes

Best For: Boogie Boarding and Body Surfing

Just around the bend from Windansea Beach, this long stretch of sand is what you typically think of when you dream about California. Also known as the boogie boarding beach, its soft rolling waves and lack of rocks make it the perfect place to ride some waves without having to worry about surfers. The one warning is that at certain times of the year the tide can fill the beach with seaweed. In that case, just head to one of the other 8 La Jolla beaches on this list!

Marine Street Beach Location

La Jolla Tide Pools

Swimming: No

Surfing: No

Boogie Boarding: No

Best For: Less Crowds and the View

Just as the name suggests this long stretch of rocky beach is filled with tide pools. Much less crowded than the other sandy beaches of La Jolla, you will often see families set up with tents and tables of food for a relaxing afternoon. If you’re not one to get in the water but still want a beautiful view, this is a great spot to spend the day. You can also set up on the grassy cliff that overlooks the water and this stunning La Jolla beach cove.

La Jolla Tide Pools Location

Wipeout Beach

Swimming: Yes, but the Current Can Be Rough

Surfing: No

Boogie Boarding: Not the Best Spot

Best For: Walking the Beach At Low Tide

This is the largest beach in downtown La Jolla. Stairs lead from the walkway down to the top of a set of rocks, and from there you hop right down to the sand. During high tide not much beach is left, but during low tide it is one of the best beaches in La Jolla. The waves change with the weather, but on a calm sunny day this is the perfect beach to visit in the heart of the town center.

Wipeout Beach Location

La Jolla Children’s Pool

Swimming: No

Surfing: No

Boogie boarding: No

Best For: Watching the Sea Lions

This La Jolla beach cove is home to dozens of sea lions who spend their days soaking in the hot sun and swimming in the chilled ocean water. No trip to La Jolla is complete without seeing (and smelling) the sea lions.

However, the children’s pool isn’t where you should plan to spend your beach day in La Jolla. Make sure to walk out on the jetty that protects the children’s pool for beautiful views of the California coast!

La Jolla Children’s Pool Location

Shell Beach

Swimming: Yes

Surfing: No

Boogie Boarding: No

Best For: Sunbathing and Swimming

Just past the sea lion’s you’ll find a small slice of sand called Shell Beach. Located right in the heart of La Jolla Village, this is an awesome place to spend some time in after watching the sea lions.

A long set of stairs will take you from the bluffs to the beach below. Don’t be surprised if you see a sea lion floating in the water or bathing onshore… Just make sure not to get too close!

Shell Beach Location

La Jolla Cove

Swimming: Yes

Surfing: No

Boogie Boarding: No

Best For: Snorkeling in La Jolla

For being a small La Jolla beach cove, this prime real estate sure does draw a large crowd. Similar to Shell Beach and the Children’s Pool, sea lions can be spotted spending their afternoon right beside swimmers.

This is also the jump off for the La Jolla Underwater Park. Countless swimmers with snorkels and flippers can be seen in the ocean and exploring La Jolla from below the waterline. If you want to go snorkeling in La Jolla this should definitely be on your agenda!

La Jolla Cove Location

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The La Jolla Shores

Swimming: Yes

Surfing: Yes

Boogie Boarding: Yes

Best For: Everything

Of all the beaches in this beautiful town, this is by far the most visited. This long stretch of sand that spans almost a mile is packed in the summer months as it has everything to offer. Kayaks leave to cross the bay and explore the La Jolla coves, surfers fill the break line, and countless beach goers cool down in the ocean.

This beach is absolutely stunning, but the only problem is how crowded it gets. For that reason, we wouldn’t say it’s one of the best beaches in La Jolla. We would also advise to avoid peak hours in the middle of the summer. Yet, if you’re visiting in the off-season you might have the beach all to yourself!

Shores Location

Black’s Beach

Swimming: Yes

Surfing: Yes

Boogie Boarding: Yes

Best For: Hiking, Natural Bathing, and Surfing

This is the toughest beach to find, but also can be the most rewarding depending on what floats your boat! The best way to get to Black’s Beach is to park at the Torrey Pines Glider Point. If you come on a Saturday, dozens of paragliders will be taking off and filling the sky above. To get down to the beach you have to hike down several hundred stairs that cut from the top of the cliff down to the sand.

Warning: Black’s Beach draws two types of people. Surfers looking to get away from the crowds, and sunbathers who prefer to spend their days in the nude. You’ve been warned!

Black’s Beach Location

What’s your favorite out of all the secret beaches of La Jolla? Leave a comment below and let us know!

Safe Travels,

Brigitte and Jake

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Where to Stay in San Diego

Ultra Luxury (High End) – La Valencia – If you’ve ever visited La Jolla then you’ve probably seen the extraordinary pink luxury hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You’ll have access to all the great bars and restaurants as well as an incredible view of the beach. We honestly can’t think of a better, more luxurious place to stay while you’re in San Diego!

Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – Hotel Indigo – This funky but comfortable accommodation is a great choice if you’re looking to stay downtown without breaking the bank. Situated right in the happening Gaslamp district, Hotel Indigo features a rooftop bar overlooking Petco Park.

Hostel Life (Budget) – ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel – Located in the heart of the boardwalk in Pacific Beach, this surfer hostel is one of the best options around! It has an amazing view and is right in the middle of all the beach bars and action of San Diego’s most popular beach.

For more places to stay near the secret beaches of La Jolla you can explore the latest prices here!

*By booking through our website we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This allows us continue our travels and keep providing great content to our readers! You can also bookmark this link for all your future stays*

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