La Jolla is an area in San Diego known for its beautiful beaches. La Jolla Shores Beach is a casual, popular spot for locals and visitors, perfect for sightseeing and leisure activities. Adjacent to it is La Jolla Shores Beach Park, with a spacious grassy area where you can enjoy picnics and strolls while taking in ocean views. Additionally, plenty of cafes and restaurants near the beach, so you can relax and enjoy the area all day!
Enjoying La Jolla Shores Beach
La Jolla Shores Beach is also well-known as a beginner-friendly surf spot with gentle waves, making it perfect for boogie boarding and playing in the water. Kayak tours and surfing lessons are popular here, allowing first-timers to easily try these activities. The kayak tour, in particular, is a highly recommended activity!
Across the walkway, there’s a grassy area with ocean views, ideal for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. The beach has public restrooms, showers, a beach volleyball court, and a bike rental shop, making cycling along the coastal path a popular activity. Nearby Avenida De La Playa is lined with cafes and restaurants, offering convenient break spots.
The Scenic Caroline’s Seaside Cafe
About a 10-minute walk along the coastal path from La Jolla Shores Beach (heading left) brings you to Caroline’s Seaside Cafe, a popular spot among locals. This cafe is famous for its stunning ocean views, with the terrace seating on the second floor offering an incredible view! However, table reservations aren’t available, so it’s best to go early if you expect it to be busy. Unfortunately, the cafe doesn’t have dedicated parking, so if you’re arriving by car, you’ll need to park in a nearby street parking area and walk to the cafe.
Scripps Pier and Nearby Attractions
Right near the cafe is Scripps Pier, managed by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Although it’s a research facility and not open to the public, you can enjoy the view from outside. It’s especially popular as a photo spot at sunset!
Located within the same area, the Birch Aquarium is open to the public and offers interactive exhibits and baby seahorses, making it enjoyable for both children and adults.
Convenient Parking Information and Tips
La Jolla Shores Beach offers around 300 free parking spots, but they have a 2-hour limit. If you plan to stay longer, it’s recommended to use one of the all-day parking areas a bit further away. The beach has California’s characteristic strong sunshine, so don’t forget sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Surprisingly, the breeze can make it feel chilly, so having a light jacket to throw on is a good idea.
There are designated times when dogs are allowed on the beach, so if you plan to bring your dog, check in advance. Once, we could park but ended up waiting in the car with our dogs because we didn’t know the rules. The allowed hours for dog walking vary by season, so checking beforehand is recommended.
La Jolla Shores Beach and its surroundings offer beautiful nature and a relaxing atmosphere. When you visit San Diego, be sure to stop by! Whether for a walk, beach fun, or a scenic cafe experience, you’ll create unforgettable memories.
La Jolla Shores Beach
8200 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla
＊For more information on dog-friendly hours and details, click here.
Caroline’s Seaside Cafe
8610 Charles F. Kennel Way
La Jolla, CA. 92037
Birch Aquarium
2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
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