La Jolla Shores

Location 8200 Camino del Oro La Jolla, California 92037 © 2002-2005 Kenneth & Gabrielle Adelman, California Coastal Records Project An aerial view of the La Jolla Shores area. The large Spanish-tiled building is the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. Kellogg Park is the grassy area to the north. © 2004 SanDiegoDiving.com The Beach at La Jolla Shores © 2002 SanDiegoDiving.com The lifeguard station at La Jolla Shores Dive Plans Edge of the Canyon

Description
La Jolla Shores is located in beautiful La Jolla, California. This beach is a popular destination for tourists, surfers and divers.

Two main features of this beach make it one the most frequented dive locations in San Diego. The facilities, generally good conditions and relatively easy surf entries make the Shores a good spot for diver training. For advanced divers, there is easy access to the La Jolla submarine canyon.

The conditions are usually good, with relatively small surf and often favorable visibility. The bottom compostion is mostly sand.

General Considerations
La Jolla Shores is within the boundaries of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve, so no taking or harassment of marine life is permitted. You may not transit the reserve with fishing equipment or game bags.

This beach is often crowded with surfers, swimers, sunbathers and divers.

Be aware of your position when approaching depths over 60'. Topographical maps illustrate how the slope steepens drastically when heading toward the submarine canyon.

It is always a good idea to check with nearby lifeguards for updated conditions and hours of lifeguard operation before diving at the Shores.

Facilities
There are public rest rooms, telephones, showers, a playground, fire rings, a boat launch and several hotels, retail stores and restaraunts located in close proximity to La Jolla Shores. There is a lifeguard station at the Shores and lifeguards are on duty year round. The lifeguard station opens at 9am in the summer and as late as 10am at other times of the year. The station closes at sunset.

Ample free parking spots (350 spaces) spots are available provided in a paved lot next to the beach. A large grass area makes for an ideal place to meet, set up camp and don your gear.

For the non-diver, there are numerous shops, and hotels in nearby downtown La Jolla. Mostly as a result of La Jolla, San Diego is often referred to as one of the best places for "topside activities".