If you’re looking for the best place to learn to surf in San Diego, you can stop searching now. La Jolla Shores isn’t just another beach—it’s a legend in the surf community, a sandy-bottomed haven where generations have paddled out for their first wave and fallen in love with surfing for life.
At Surf Education Academy, we’ve been lucky enough to see it all—kids standing on a surfboard for the first time, parents sharing waves with their teenagers, and even grandparents discovering the thrill of the ocean. There’s a reason this beach has such a reputation for being beginner-friendly yet endlessly fun for all skill levels.
Here’s why La Jolla Shores deserves a spot at the top of your surfing bucket list.
1. Perfect Waves for Learning
The magic starts with the waves themselves.
La Jolla Shores is famous for its consistent 1-3 foot swells during summer and mellow, manageable conditions most year-round. The waves here have a long, gentle slope, giving you plenty of time to stand up and find your balance before they break.
While other San Diego surf spots can be intimidating with fast, steep drops or rocky bottoms, the Shores invites you in. On most days, you’ll find rolling whitewater that’s tailor-made for beginners, with just enough challenge for intermediate surfers to practice turns and trimming.
It’s no wonder surf schools and families choose it as their go-to training ground.
Pro-Local Tip: Best tides are mellow medium to higher tides. This allows for a slow down in the crash of the waves allowing a more softer drop and push of the wave.
2. Soft, Sandy Bottom = Safer Surfing
If you’re new to the sport, nothing beats the peace of mind of a sandy-bottom beach.
Unlike reef breaks or rocky coves where a wipeout can mean bruises or cuts, La Jolla Shores has a forgiving ocean floor. The one thing I do like to tell people that La Jolla does have over Hawaii is the soft sandbars to learn and walk freely.
Unfortunately, most places to learn to surf in Hawaii have reefs and walking or falling on reef can ruin your vacay real quick. That means your focus stays on technique and fun—not on avoiding hazards under the water.
For parents, this is a huge plus. You can let your kids paddle out knowing the environment is as safe as it gets for learning. For adults, it’s simply one less thing to worry about while building your confidence.
3. Warm-Clean Waters and a Stunning Setting
San Diego is blessed with comfortable water temperatures, but La Jolla Shores often feels like it gets an extra dose of warmth. In summer, water temps regularly hit 68–74°F and can occasionally touch the high 70s. In the winter you will need a wetsuit to keep you cozy enough to enjoy the waves.
One of the secrets here is that the waters remain clean and sheltered from any high bacteria threats that impact other beaches in San Diego. One reason why you’ll see locals always rushing to The Shores.
The setting is unbeatable—on one side, the dramatic cliffs of La Jolla Cove; on the other, the pier at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Paddle out far enough, and you get postcard-worthy views in every direction. It’s no exaggeration to say you’ll remember your first surf session here forever.
4. An Authentic, Welcoming Surf Vibe
La Jolla Shores has a surf culture that’s friendly, inclusive, and unpretentious.
Yes, you’ll see experienced locals in the lineup, but they’re generally encouraging toward beginners, especially those showing respect for the shared space. Just try your hardest to follow the surf etiquette rules in the water. Check our blogs for more info about this. This welcoming atmosphere makes it easier to relax and focus on learning.
Families spread out on the sand, friends cheer each other on, and instructors work side-by-side with new surfers. It’s the kind of beach where strangers celebrate your first pop-up and high-five you when you ride a wave all the way in. This beginner friendly vibe helps the ease of curious watchers turn the opportunity to try surfing for the first time possible. With nearby surf shops, like La Jolla Surf Systems, they can help with all beach rentals, especially surfboards for all.
It’s that community vibe that keeps people coming back for decades.
5. Close Beach Parking, Access, and Amenities
Finding parking at a popular Southern California beach can be a nightmare—but not here. Well, in case it’s summer, then yeah get to the beach before 9am. Or local tip, park in the residential areas that are right across the street and help you avoid the parking lot terrors. Thursday mornings is a street sweeping day, so don’t get a ticket parking on the wrong side.
La Jolla Shores has a large beachfront lot just steps from the sand. Public restrooms, showers, and changing areas make it easy to transition from wetsuit to dry clothes, and there are even beach wheelchairs available.
If you’re carrying boards, snacks, or beach gear for the whole family, the short walk from your car to the water is a blessing. And for multi-generational beach days, having everything within reach makes the experience stress-free.
6. Lifeguarded, Family-Friendly Beach
Safety is a top priority, and La Jolla Shores delivers.
From morning to evening, lifeguards patrol the beach, keeping a watchful eye on surfers, swimmers, and paddlers. Whether you’re new to the ocean or bringing kids along, that presence adds a layer of comfort and security. Remember, lifeguards are there to protect people in and out of the water. Please respect them and be aware of beach flags and signs.
This isn’t just a surf spot—it’s a place for family picnics, sandcastle competitions, and shoreline walks. Even non-surfers love the Shores for its wide, sandy expanse and relaxed energy.
7. The Surf Education Academy Experience
While La Jolla Shores is amazing on its own, pairing it with professional, personalized coaching takes your surf journey to another level. Professionally-licensed surf schools can provide surf lessons that provide the shortcut in learning how to surf and avoid beginner issues.
At Surf Education Academy, we offer:
- Private and group surf lessons for all ages
- Summer surf camps for kids and teens
- Adaptive surf programs for every ability level
- Team-building and special event surf days
We focus on safety, ocean awareness, and building a lifelong love of surfing—not just teaching you to stand up on a board. Whether it’s your first time in the water or you’re leveling up your skills, we create an experience that’s fun, memorable, and empowering.
Bonus Perks
- Epic photo ops: Between the waves, cliffs, and sunsets, you’ll want your camera ready.
- Walkable dining: After surfing, stroll to nearby spots like The Cheese Shop, Shore Riders, or Shorehouse Kitchen for the perfect post-session meal.
- Year-round fun: Even in the off-season, some mellow winter swells and fewer crowds mean more waves for you.
FAQs About Surfing at La Jolla Shores
Is La Jolla Shores good for total beginners?
Yes! Gentle waves, sandy bottom, lifeguards, and expert instructors make it ideal for first-timers.
Can families or groups surf together?
Absolutely. We run lessons and camps that welcome all ages and group sizes, making it a shared adventure.
Are there waves year-round?
Yes. Conditions shift with the seasons, but there’s almost always something to ride—whether it’s summer rollers or mellow winter surf.
Final Takeaway: A Beach for Everyone
Learning to surf at La Jolla Shores isn’t just about catching your first wave—it’s about joining a tradition. It’s the laughter between sets, the encouragement from total strangers, and the confidence you feel when you paddle in at the end of the day. La Jolla Shores is like the perfect training grounds for beginners and intermediate surfers and even pros when the waves get good.
Whether you’re solo, with friends, or teaching your kids the joy of the ocean, this beach is where great surf stories begin.
Ready to start your own surf session? Book a lesson with Surf Education Academy and experience the magic of La Jolla Shores for yourself.
