What You Can Expect to Find in La Jolla
La Jolla is the crown jewel of San Diego. It has everything – sandy beaches, reefs, epic waves, and even seals! Known for its upscale vibe and incredible coastline, it is an awesome place to surf.
La Jolla Cove boasts unique water caves and remarkable wildlife which draws many snorkelers, scuba divers, paddle boarders, kayakers, and swimmers. The Children’s Pool beach is a family favorite as a colony of seals harbor here. Be sure to check it out in the spring when all the pups are still little!
Popular beaches for surfing are Tourmaline, Wind ’n Sea, La Jolla Shores, Scripps, and Blacks. Calumet Park and Bird Rock are other local spots. Blacks and Wind ’n Sea are ideal breaks for short boards as the waves are often large, fast, and hollow. Both these beaches are better for advanced surfers – some believe that these are the best breaks in San Diego County. However, the Shores, Tourmaline, and Scripps are great for beginners.
Known for its upscale vibe and incredible coastline, it is an awesome place to surf.
What Makes La Jolla Great for Beginners?
La Jolla Shores and Scripps are located next to each other. Scripps is north of the Shores and is in front of UCSD’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Tourmaline is a little farther south on the boarder of Pacific Beach and La Jolla. All three beaches are wide, flat and sandy. This is ideal for group gatherings, families with young kids, or those learning to surf.
Especially at the Shores and Tourmaline, the waves are usually very mellow and rolling – perfect for foamies and longboards! The waves at Scripps work for either short or long boards. Waves are often long and smooth which is ideal for those learning to stand or for those transitioning to a shorter board.
Both beaches have sizable parking lots located next to the sand and additionally have parking on the nearby neighborhood streets. However, parking can still get packed on hot summer days. Get there early to get a spot.
When is the Best Time to Go?
The wide beaches of Tourmaline, Scripps, La Jolla Shores often allow for solid waves despite the height of the tide. However, mid-tide is preferable. Waves at these beaches are pretty consistent, but will be larger in the winter season.
These wide beaches allow for solid waves despite the height of the tide, however, mid-tide is preferable.
Who Surfs in La Jolla:
Surfers from all over southern San Diego frequently paddle out at Scripps and Tourmaline. Expect to see a huge range in abilities here, from those just learning to stand to advanced surfers and everything in between. The vibe can be a bit competitive right next to the Scripps Pier, but generally these beaches have quite a friendly line up. Tourmaline is a great longboarding break so there are usually lots of longboarders out in the water!
Ready to Hang Ten?!
Let’s get out there! 😎 Book a lesson in La Jolla or at any of our other awesome beach locations. One of our fantastic instructors will meet you at the beach with all the gear necessary. They’ll have you catching waves in no time! See you soon!