La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores has been described by the Orange County Register as "the best beach in the area".
La Jolla Shores stretches roughly a mile of sand in La Jolla, California, bordered by Kellogg Park and backed by coastal cliffs that frame the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier. The calm water above an underwater park and the sandbars on either side of the pier offer varied compositions with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop.
Overview of La Jolla Shores Beach
La Jolla Shores sits within a coastal San Diego neighborhood known for its wide sandy beach and proximity to the La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, where fishing and removal of objects are not allowed. Scripps Pier extends out over the water here and offers a distinctive subject that can be photographed from beneath. The area also provides easy access to local dining and nearby attractions like Torrey Pines Golf Course and SeaWorld.
Best Photo Spots
La Jolla Shores has four photo spots: Scripps Pier, Kellogg Park, Goldfish Point, and The Cave Store, from beaches to coastal landmarks.
Scripps Pier
Photographs of This Location
La Jolla Shores Beach and Surf Features
La Jolla Shores runs over a mile along the coast in front of Kellogg Park, where two grassy picnic areas are separated by a large parking lot. The Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier stands at the beach, providing a focal point for shoreline shots. The sandbars here are less tide-sensitive than those at Mission Beach or Pacific Beach and hold more swell before closing out, even when the break itself is smaller than surrounding spots like Black's.
Common Questions
Photographers typically meet clients at Caroline's Cafe, located next to the stairs that lead down to the beach at La Jolla Shores.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach before 9am and after 6pm from April through October, and after 4pm from November through March.
The La Jolla Shores Hotel is located at 8110 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037.
The sun aligns between the pylons of Scripps Pier at sunset twice a year, drawing crowds of photographers.
Practical Information
$2.50 one-way / $6.00 day pass; Torrey Pines Rd → La Jolla Shores Dr → Calle Frescota; Bus routes 30, 31, 34/34A
free, Kellogg Park lot; Free; lot closed 10pm-4am
La Jolla Shores has permanent lifeguard stations patrolled by San Diego Lifeguards.; before 9:00 AM and after 6:00 PM (Apr 1–Oct 31); before 9:00 AM and after 4:00 PM (Nov 1–Mar 31); 10pm-4am closed
Free
Alcohol, camping, dogs, fire pits, fishing, and smoking are prohibited at La Jolla Shores.; Fishing and removal of objects from the area adjacent to La Jolla Shores is prohibited.
Session Tips
- Check the live Scripps Pier webcam before heading to the beach to see current conditions and crowd levels.
- Goldfish Point in La Jolla Shores is accessed by finding the trail behind the Cave Store and climbing down to the point.
- For La Jolla Shores sessions, weekdays are typically preferable because the beach is less crowded and parking is easier.
- Arrive before 9 or 10 a.m. during summer weekends at La Jolla Shores Beach, or take a rideshare to avoid parking issues.
- Arriving at Kellogg Park for La Jolla Shores before 10:00 AM is advisable in summer since the free lot fills up quickly.
What to Wear
- Going barefoot works very well for beach sessions at La Jolla Shores, and light fabrics with neutral tones usually photograph best while large logos and bold patterns can be distracting.
- Because La Jolla Shores sits directly on the beach, mornings and evenings can be windy; pack a sweatshirt and pants for cooler hours.
When to Shoot
Best Time to Photograph
1:20 PM - 1:44 PM
1:44 PM - 2:44 PM
12:30 AM - 1:30 AM
1:30 AM - 1:55 AM
Best Season
summer
Avoid
summer weekends
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 06:51 | 17:05 | 10h 14m |
| Feb | 06:32 | 17:34 | 11h 2m |
| Mar | 06:59 | 18:57 | 11h 58m |
| Apr | 06:19 | 19:19 | 13h 0m |
| May | 05:49 | 19:41 | 13h 51m |
| Jun | 05:40 | 19:58 | 14h 18m |
| Jul | 05:51 | 19:58 | 14h 6m |
| Aug | 06:12 | 19:33 | 13h 21m |
| Sep | 06:32 | 18:54 | 12h 22m |
| Oct | 06:53 | 18:15 | 11h 22m |
| Nov | 06:19 | 16:47 | 10h 28m |
| Dec | 06:44 | 16:44 | 10h 0m |
What to Expect During Your Session
Scripps Pier at La Jolla Shores is one of the most-booked spots for family photography in San Diego year-round, drawing crowds during golden hour and twice a year when the sun aligns between the pylons at sunset. A shoot can move from under the pier to the Blacks Beach cliffs on the north side and on to Goldfish Point, reached by finding the trail behind the Cave Store and climbing down. The Scripps Pier webcam shows current conditions, and arriving early on sunny days helps secure parking, as the lot fills up quickly.
A typical La Jolla Shores session starts with photos under the pier, then moves to the north side at the Blacks Beach cliffs, and finishes back near the stairs.
Getting There
Access & Transit
- Wheelchair access
- Stairs are required to reach the beach and pier at La Jolla Shores, making it a poor choice for groups with mobility limitations.
- Parking
- Parking at La Jolla Shores is challenging especially on weekends and during the summer, but street parking with steady turnover is available nearby.
- Public transit
- MTS Route 30
- Walking distance
- 30-40 minutes