Dawn patrol surfing in La Jolla

Walk down Palomar Ave to the bluff and scramble over the rocks. Enter the water to the left of the big rock and time your jump between sets.

Limited street parking along Palomar Avenue; arrive early or park in nearby neighborhoods and walk down.

Multiple access points along Bird Rock Ave and the ends of residential streets off La Jolla Blvd. The most popular entry is at the foot of Bird Rock Ave, where you can scramble over the rocks to reach the water. Wear reef boots for the entry—the rocks are sharp and slippery with algae. There are no formal beach access stairs, so mobility-impaired visitors will have difficulty.

Free street parking on Bird Rock Ave, La Jolla Blvd, and the surrounding residential streets. No meters or time limits in most areas, but some blocks have 2-hour zones. The roundabouts on La Jolla Blvd can be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the neighborhood. Parking is easier on weekday mornings; weekends fill up as the coffee shops and restaurants on La Jolla Blvd draw foot traffic.

Access is via the coastal bluff trail off Nautilus Street or from Windansea Beach to the south. From Nautilus, walk west to the bluff edge and descend the rocky path. The scramble down to the water requires some agility—it's not a maintained staircase. You can also paddle north from Windansea if conditions allow. The reef is roughly 150 yards offshore from the bluff access point.

Free street parking on Nautilus Street and the surrounding residential blocks. No meters or time limits on most streets, but parking can be competitive on weekend mornings when Windansea overflow spills into the neighborhood. Arrive before 8am on weekends to secure a spot near the access. The neighborhood is quiet and residential, so keep noise to a minimum when loading and unloading.

Large lot at Kellogg Park; gone early on sunny days

Limited close parking; walk from Shores lots when packed

Limited close parking; walk from Shores lots when packed