Least crowded surf spots in La Jolla

La Jolla, California

Updated February 10, 2026 at 8:52 PM · Dialed recommendations refresh every 30 minutes based on tide, wind, and crowd telemetry from Quiver.

When La Jolla lineups stack up, knowing a backup changes everything. These 6 breaks range from tucked-away reef passes to underrated sandbars that stay empty even on weekend south pulses.

Top spot recommendations

Sort your quiver, choose the right tide window, and jot down a backup in case the main peak gets stacked.

Loading map...

Featured Beaches(6)

Big Rock

Advanced

Big Rock is a heavy, hollow left-hand reef break at the foot of Palomar Avenue. It produces fast stand-up barrels on west swells and is best suited to advanced surfers due to the very shallow reef and powerful waves.

Birdrock

Intermediate

No description available.

Horseshoe

Intermediate

No description available.

La Jolla Shores

Beginner friendly

La Jolla Shores functions as San Diego's most popular beginner beach, rated 7/10 for learning environment.

Scripps

Beginner friendly

Scripps Pier offers beginner to intermediate beach break rated 6/10, with pier structure creating defined peaks on both sides.

Windansea

Advanced

Windansea stands as San Diego's most consistent and iconic break, rated 9/10. This flat rock reef under La Jolla's wealthy neighborhood produces long rights (up to 150m) and short hollow lefts.

What to focus on today

  • Secondary peaks and tide windows that thin crowds
  • Parking tricks and walk-in trails most visitors skip
  • Forecast cues that trigger locals-only surges
  • Nearby alternates when the primary target turns into a zoo

Session logging tips

Once you wrap the surf, drop a note in your Quiver journal with tide, board, and crowd observations. Over time you'll see crystal-clear patterns about when La Jolla rewards this type of session objective.

Ready to Join the Surf Community?

Find your crew, track epic sessions, and discover amazing spots. Free to join — priceless connections.

Learn More

🏄‍♀️ No credit card required • Join 1,200+ surfers already connecting