Shell Beach in La Jolla, CA - California Beaches

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About Shell Beach in La Jolla, California

Shell Beach in La Jolla is located at the south end of Ellen Browning Scripps Park. At this spot there is long set of stairs that takes you from the large grass park down to the sand at Shell Beach.

As the name suggests, there is a slightly higher chance to find seashells at this beach, but it’s not a big space. The sandstone bluff provides bookends on each side so try to visit at low tide when the beach is bigger and there are more things to discover in the surf.

A pathway along the bluff goes north through the park and continues to the Coast Walk Trail above La Jolla Bay. Viewpoints are all around this park and along Coast Boulevard and the trail.

Seal Rock is just offshore from Shell Beach and Children’s Pool Beach is visible beyond that to the south. Parking can be a challenge on the waterfront in La Jolla, but drive around on Coast Boulevard and hopefully a spot will open up for you.

Address: 1000 Coast Blvd
La Jolla, CA 92037
Park Name: Ellen Browning Scripps Park
Owner: City Park
Pet Details: Leashed dogs allowed on beach before 9am and after 6pm from April-Oct. (changes to 4pm Nov.-March).
Fees: Free and paid parking in the area
Activities: Tidepooling, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving
Amenities: Grass Park, Tide Pools, Sea Shells, Viewpoint, Lifeguard
Links: Water Quality
Water Temps
Tide Chart