Our list is in geographical order, from North to South, and La Jolla is next. This pier belongs to the the University of California, San Diego’s Scripps Institute of Oceanography. It is not a recreational pier and you can’t walk on it, but it is not only one of the most popular beaches in San Diego, but one of the most scenic.
14 miles north of San Diego, La Jolla is Spanish for “The Jewel,” and it is easy to see why this is regarded as The Jewel of San Diego. Home to the rich and luxurious, La Jolla is an escape from the rest of the city. The village is a quaint town on a cliffside that leads down to the ocean, and is home to high-end shopping and dining topped with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.
La Jolla attracts many visitors, from those who want to get a taste of the high life, to those who just want to lay on the beach and soak in the glories of Southern California. The pier itself sits on La Jolla Shores, the city’s popular beach just north of the village. This beach attracts surfers, snorkelers, scuba divers, hikers in Torrey Pines State Park – the cliffs that line the beach north of the pier – and many others. There are about 8 bonfire pits and some volleyball courts, and if you want a pit, or even a spot in the small parking lot or side streets, you better arrive before 10am.
The pier divides the north and south side of La Jolla Shores. The opulent homes end and the Torrey Pines cliffs begin, along with a calmer atmosphere, tide pools, and rocks to climb on. The pier attracts those who want some shade from the beating California sun, and if you don’t have a sun umbrella (strongly recommended) it does provide the only shade on the beach. Many people let their kids play in the water that runs under it, and you will see many people taking photos straight down the middle. This is a prime photography spot, and a nice place for things like engagement and family photos. If you keep walking, you will have an even calmer atmosphere and a feeling that the beach is yours. It is a beautiful serenity that will give you the relaxation you probably craved when you picked La Jolla.