La Jolla Shores

La Jolla Shores (8200 Camino del Oro) is a sandy beach approximately one mile long, adjacent to a residential area. In summer, waves at this beach are usually the most gentle of all San Diego beaches, although rip currents may still be strong at times. For this reason, many novice scuba classes are held at La Jolla Shores. Kellogg Park, a grassy area, is located behind the main lifeguard station and is ideal for picnicking. A wide cement boardwalk parallels a portion of the beach between the park and the sand.

La Jolla Shores lies adjacent to the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Ecological Reserve. Fishing and removal of objects from this area is prohibited. At the north end of this beach lies the Scripps Institute of Oceanography and Scripps Pier. The pier is not open to the public, but the Steven Birch Aquarium is within 1/2 mile of La Jolla Shores and is open daily.

La Jolla Shores has the only beachfront boat launch within City limits. Small vessels can be launched directly into the surf at the foot of Avenida de la Playa, approximately 300 yards south of the lifeguard station. This is an unimproved boat launch and vehicles are allowed to drive on the sand in a very limited area at five miles per hour or less. Four wheel drive is highly recommended.

Lifeguard Protection:

A permanent lifeguard station is located adjacent to the main parking lot at the foot of Calle Frescota. This station is generally staffed daily from 9:00 a.m. to near dusk. Closing hours vary based on time of year. Check at the lifeguard station for further details.

Rip Currents:

Most California beaches experience strong rip currents. The safety tips section provides an explanation of rip currents and some methods of freeing yourself if caught in a rip current. The best advice is to swim near a lifeguard.

Water Activity Zones:

This beach has separate water areas reserved for swimming and surfing. Check with lifeguards for details.

Surfing:

Surfing is permitted in specified areas and waves tend to be pretty good when the swell is right. Great for long boarding! Very crowded in the summer! This is where I learned to surf!

Scuba:

The south end of the beach near the foot of Vallecitos is heavily used by  classes. There is a submarine canyon off the beach and the protection offered by the San Diego La Jolla Ecological Reserve ensures the presence of sea life.

Restrooms and Showers:

Public restroom and showers are located 100 yards north and south of the main lifeguard tower.

Disabled Accessibility:

In addition to disabled parking, the boardwalk is disabled accessible. A temporary rubber walkway is often available to allow limited access over the sand. A special beach wheel chair, which requires an attendant, is generally kept at the main lifeguard station and available on a first come, first served basis at no charge.

Beach Fires:

Containers for beach fires are generally provided during summer months and available on a first come, first served basis. The burning of rubbish is prohibited. Only wood, charcoal, or paper products may be used as fuel. Fuel for the fire may not exceed a height of more than twelve inches above the upper edge of the fire container. The fire must be extinguished before leaving the beach. Open beach fires, outside containers are prohibited at all San Diego beaches.

Regulations:

Standard San Diego beach regulations apply, with the following modifications:

• The consumption of alcohol at this beach and park area is prohibited at all times.
• The taking or possession of sea life or artifacts is prohibited.

Directions:

From the north, take Interstate 5 south and exit at La Jolla Village Drive westbound. Turn left at the signalized intersection at Torrey Pines Road and follow it to the signalized intersection at La Jolla Shores Drive.

From the south, take Interstate 5 northbound and exit at Ardath Road. Turn right at the signalized intersection at La Jolla Shores Drive, then turn left at the signalized intersection at Avenida de la Playa. Turn right on Camino del Oro.

Public Transit:

Call San Diego Transit at (619) 233-3004 for buses that serve this beach.

Parking:

A 350 space parking lot (8 disabled spaces) can be found at the foot of Calle Frescota next to the lifeguard tower. In summer, this lot fills to capacity by mid-day. Limited on street parking may be available.

Large Groups:

The basic rule of thumb is that any gathering of over 75 people requires a permit from the Park and Recreation Department. A permit is also required for a wedding of any size, water event, athletic event, voice and/or music amplification, or use of special setup equipment (such as an inflatable party jump, dunk tank, canopy, etc.) For permit information call Regional Parks at (619) 235-1169.