A Twenty-Something’s La Jolla Beach Guide

The La Jolla Cove is a top spot for snorkeling – with an abundance of wildlife from sea lions to garibaldi.

Carli Leavitt contributed this guest post.

Ahh – A San Diego beach day as a twenty-something. This is a beautiful experience full of young and interesting locals and visitors sporting their best beach bods and bikinis. It’s not surprising that this is one of the most popular San Diego things to do. The hardest decision for a lucky local is – which La Jolla beach should I go to today?

As a native, I have frequented nearly all of the beaches in San Diego, and I have to say, my favorites are in La Jolla. This affluent neighborhood has an array of vastly different beaches with wildlife, intimate coves, and even the occasional nudist. So, in an attempt to keep you from losing a finger to a seal or getting more than you bargained for at the nude beach, here is my guide to La Jolla beaches:

La Jolla Cove: This charming cove is ideal for young people looking to get in the water and explore. The Cove is protected by cliffs creating a calm water environment free from big waves. A top spot for snorkeling – with an abundance of wildlife from sea lions to garibaldi – it also offers a grassy park just above the beach that’s a prime location for lying out and soaking up the sun.

The Children’s Pool, home to a seal colony, is a good day-date destination.

Children’s Pool: Although this La Jolla beach was originally created for children, it’s been taken over by seals and sea lions. It now provides an opportunity to view these charismatic marine mammals in their natural habitat, lounging on the protected sand. The seal colony is a great year round day-date destination. It’s always fun to watch the seals – especially during pupping season – as they bark, swim, and waddle across the sand.

The Shores: Now – this is the La Jolla beach for sunbathers and socializing! During summer and weekends, this stunning and expansive stretch of white sand is packed with families, young people, and visitors looking to enjoy a quintessential San Diego day. I personally love this area because it gives locals a chance to mingle with out-of-towners and bask in the beauty of our community.

Black’s Beach and Torrey Pines State Beach sweep along the north San Diego coast.

Black’s Beach: Located below the award-winning Lodge at Torrey Pines, Black’s is by far the most exciting beach in our area. As San Diego’s only nude beach and one of the top surf breaks in Southern California, Black’s attracts all kinds of people and nudists of all ages. Bordered by sky-high bluffs, this La Jolla beach feels like a hidden paradise. But, visitors beware – in spite of the fact that nudity is illegal here, you are sure to get an eye-full. If you’re not interested in going au natural, I recommend sticking to La Jolla’s more conservative options.

Carli Leavitt, is a San Diego native and the editor of SanDiego.com. She writes about  local attractions, hotels, beaches, and nightlife across San Diego County.

Photo credit: ADAMS / HANSEN STOCK PHOTOS.

Tags: beach guide, Beaches, Black's beach, family-friendly, free activities, La Jolla beaches, La Jolla Shores Beach, nude beach, nudity, San Diego, seals, Snorkeling, sun bathing, surfing, The Cove, vacation

Category: Beaches, Deals and free activities