The Best Beaches in La Jolla

The most beautiful beach in San Diego. Clear water, sea lions, sea caves, and excellent snorkeling.

La Jolla Cove is a small, dramatic beach surrounded by sandstone cliffs and sea caves. The water is some of the clearest in San Diego, making it the best place for snorkeling and swimming. Sea lions and seals are common, and while the smell can be strong, the wildlife is part of the experience. The beach is small and can get crowded, especially in summer, so arrive early. The scenery is unmatched, with the cove framed by cliffs and the village of La Jolla above. It is the best beach for visitors who want natural beauty and a memorable swim.

Read our full La Jolla Cove review — scored 90/100 in our Best Beaches in San Diego with pros, cons and what to order.

A local surf break with a classic California vibe. The palm-thatched shack and rocky coastline make it the most scenic surf beach in San Diego.

Windansea is the beach that surfers picture when they think of Southern California. The break is consistent and powerful, with a reef-bottom wave that produces both lefts and rights. The palm-thatched surf shack on the sand is a local landmark, and the rocky coastline gives the beach a rugged, untamed feel. The beach is not ideal for casual swimming, but it is excellent for surfing, tide pooling, and photography. Parking is limited, and the stairs down are steep, but the atmosphere is worth it. It is the best beach for experienced surfers and anyone who wants to see San Diego's surf culture up close.

Read our full Windansea Beach review — scored 93/100 in our Best Sunset Spots in San Diego with pros, cons and what to order.

Beautiful beach below Torrey Pines Reserve. Best paired with a hike and a picnic, not a full swim day.

Torrey Pines State Beach is the beach at the bottom of one of San Diego's most beautiful natural areas. The sand is clean, the cliffs are dramatic, and the views extend north toward Del Mar. The best way to visit is to combine it with a hike in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, then walk down to the water. The beach is narrower than Coronado or Pacific Beach, and the facilities are limited. The surf can be strong, and swimming is best left to strong swimmers. It is the best beach for a nature-focused day rather than a full beach day.

San Diego's most dramatic surf beach. Powerful waves, high cliffs, and a remote feel despite being inside the city.

Black's Beach is famous for two things: powerful surf and a clothing-optional section. The surf is some of the best in San Diego, with a beach break that can produce excellent waves for experienced surfers. The cliffs are steep and dramatic, and the access involves a hike down from Torrey Pines or a walk from the north. The clothing-optional section is at the south end, and the rest of the beach is open to everyone. The scenery is stunning, but the currents and wave power make it less suitable for casual swimmers. It is the best beach for surfers and adventurers who want a wilder coastline.