Scripps Pier and La Jolla Shores Surf and Travel Guide

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Scripps Pier and La Jolla Shores

Looking Down on Scripps Pier and La Jolla Shores

There is decent beachbreak on either side of Scripps Pier. Since the La Jolla Canyon refracts a lot of energy toward other spots, this area can have smaller waves. Unless, that is, a long period sw swell is running. Then the energy can focus more here. La Jolla Shores is just south of the pier and is smaller. More of a beginner spot, or just for those seeking something a little more gentle. Aside from the long period sw swells, this area works well on a short period wnw swell. Southish storm winds can blow sideshore-offshore here when most spots are hard onshore. Medium tide is best.

Typical Southern California Blackball Flag

The surfing crowds in the summer are concentrated into the non-blackball areas, especially by the pier. I have found myself weaving around surfers bobbing on the inside. Then I would drift into blackball areas only to find myself being yelled at by lifeguards on loudspeakers. I found myself wanting one of those bodyboard-surfboard “blackball busters”. On top of the crowds, the area is just plain expensive, especially in summer. There are much cheaper hotels within a few miles.

If you have the big bucks you can check in to the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club; from where you can have Jeeves carry your surfboard to the shore. For the rest of us, you might just want to consider a cheaper, less crowded, summertime alternative like Oceanside.

La Jolla Shores - Scripps Pier

Surfer Checking Out Small Surf at La Jolla Shores