La Jolla Beaches
The beaches in La Jolla range from the wide sands of La Jolla Shores Beach to the small pocket beaches such as La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Children's Pool to the big surf along Windansea Beach.
To the north is the Scripps Pier and more beach and tide pool areas. The pier is a research facility, but the beach and tide pools are open to the public. They are part of the Scripps Shoreline-Underwater Reserve. On either side of the Scripps Reserve are two other ecological reserves. All of the natural features and the marine life in these Reserves are protected and should not be touched or disturbed.
La Jolla Shores and Kellogg Park
La Jolla Shores Beach is popular with families because of the ease of access and the nearby facilities at Kellogg Park. Lifeguards are on duty. Separate areas are designated for surfing and swimming. Restrooms and outdoor showers are conveniently located. In Kellogg Park are picnic areas, fire pits, and expanses of grass. A few fire pits are located on the beach.
Parking at La Jolla Shores
A large paid parking lot is located along Camino del Oro, but on summer days it is usually full by mid to late morning. Free street parking is nearby.
La Jolla Children's Pool
A seawall offers partial protection to La Jolla's Children's Pool, a small pocket beach near Seal Rock. This picturesque beach is popular with families with children and others. Most come to observe the wildlife rather than to wade or sunbathe.
Children's Pool
Nearby Seal Rock is usually crowded with harbor seals and sea lions. These marine mammals have taken up residence on the beach, too. Visitors should stay well back from the seals and sea lions. Some people have advocated turning the beach into a marine mammal sanctuary.
Divers like Children's Pool for its easy access to the water and close proximity to interesting underwater reefs.
Lifeguards are on duty. Facilities include restrooms and outdoor showers. Parking can be found along Coast Boulevard and other nearby streets.
Windansea Beach
South of Children's Pool, Windansea Beach stretches along the coast at the foot of Nautilus Street. Known best for its great reef surf breaks, the beach is also popular with sunbathers who like finding secluded spots between the sandstone outcroppings along the shore.
Northern End of Windansea Beach
Because of a strong undertow and hard breaking waves, Windansea Beach can be hazardous for swimming. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. A palm covered surf shack on the beach is now a historical landmark. There are no facilities at the beach.
