Beach guide
La Jolla Shores
San Diego, San Diego County, CA
Overview
La Jolla Shores is a sandy beach about a mile long in the La Jolla community of San Diego. In summer its waves are usually the gentlest of any San Diego city beach, which makes it a favorite with families, first-time surfers, swimmers, snorkelers and divers.
Layout
The main access point is Kellogg Park, a grassy park with a playground near the boardwalk, about 75 yards south of the lifeguard station. The park's parking lot sits off Camino del Oro and fills up quickly on summer weekends. Restrooms with showers are spread around the site, and the beach has fire rings.
Kayaks, paddleboards and divers
The Shores has the only beachfront boat launch within San Diego city limits. It's an unimproved launch on the sand, where vehicles may drive in a limited area at 5 mph or less. The City notes surf camps, diving and kayaking areas at the beach.
Protected water offshore
The beach sits next to two marine protected areas: Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve, where all take is prohibited, and San Diego-Scripps Coastal State Marine Conservation Area. Two submarine canyons bring cold, nutrient-rich water close to shore. Fishing and removing objects from the reserve is prohibited, so leave shells, rocks and sea life where you find them.
Good to know
The beach is a permanent, year-round San Diego Lifeguards station. Alcohol, glass and smoking are banned on the beach and in the park, and the parking lot gates close at 10 p.m.
Getting there & access
Driving and parking
Take State Route 52 west to La Jolla Parkway, then La Jolla Shores Road, Avenida de la Playa and Camino del Oro; the Kellogg Park lot is on the left. The lot is open 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the gates close at 10 p.m. It fills quickly on summer weekends, so arrive early.
Launching kayaks and small boats
La Jolla Shores has an unimproved launch on the beach, the only beachfront boat launch within the City of San Diego. Vehicles may drive on the sand only in the limited launch area, at 5 mph or less.
Swimming and surfing zones
Lifeguards normally post a black-and-yellow checkered flag to mark the boundary between swimming and surfing zones. Summer surf here is usually the gentlest of all San Diego beaches.
Questions for lifeguards
San Diego Lifeguards staff a permanent station here year-round. Call 619-221-8899 or email SDLG@sandiego.gov with questions.
Amenities
- Lifeguard station — Permanent, staffed year-round
- Restrooms & showers — Several restrooms with showers around Kellogg Park
- Fire rings — On the beach; containers only
- Playground — Near the boardwalk, about 75 yards south of the lifeguard station
- Kellogg Park lawn — Large grassy area for picnics and kids
- Beach launch — Unimproved launch for kayaks and small boats
- Parking lot — Kellogg Park lot, 4 a.m.–10 p.m.
Rules & official resources
- No alcohol, glass containers or smoking on the beach, walkways, park areas or adjacent parking lots
- Citywide, dogs are not allowed on San Diego beaches, boardwalks or adjacent parks from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Nov. 1 to March 31) or 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (April to October), and must be leashed at all other times
- Fires only inside fire containers; no fires between midnight and 5 a.m.; burn only wood, charcoal or paper
- No overnight camping, sleeping or parking on the beach or in adjacent lots; Kellogg Park lot gates close at 10 p.m.
- At the launch, vehicles may drive on the sand only in the limited area, at 5 mph or less
- Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve offshore: no take or possession of any living, geological or cultural marine resource
- San Diego-Scripps Coastal SMCA: no take except recreational hook-and-line take of coastal pelagic species (northern anchovy, Pacific sardine, Pacific mackerel, jack mackerel; not market squid)
Common boat service needs here
Rinse and care for kayaks and small boats
Paddlers and small-boat owners who launch through the surf here bring sand and salt home on every trip. A regular fresh-water wash keeps hatches, rudders, fittings and trailers from corroding.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Getting a boat to the beach
The Shores has a beach launch, not a ramp, so most owners arrive with light craft on a roof or small trailer. Owners without a suitable vehicle sometimes hire transport for a kayak, small sailboat or inflatable.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 7, 2026