WindanSea Beach

On our list of the best activities in San Diego.

Sandstone rock plateaus break WindanSea Beach in La Jolla into small private nooks for sunbathing, and a palm-frond surf shack built into the rocks in 1947 by three returning surfers still stands as the beach's landmark. Underwater reefs push waves anywhere from two to ten feet, producing a consistent break that draws surfers, and a shore break steep and hard enough that the city warns swimmers to time their entry and exit carefully. The lot along Neptune Place holds only sixteen spaces, so most people walk in from nearby streets. Alcohol, glass and dogs are all barred on the sand.