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. 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

Return from Scripps Pier to Popular Surf Spots

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