La Jolla Shores Beach

The sandy bottom at La Jolla Shores slopes gradually into the water, and the offshore marine reserve keeps the swell gentler than most San Diego beaches. Swimmers, beginner surfers and stand-up paddlers share the same stretch that lifeguards patrol year-round. It's the only beach boat launch inside San Diego's city limits, and kayak tours head out from the sand toward the sea caves along the bluffs, with leopard sharks and stingrays showing up in the shallows at the south end in season. Parking is free but fills by mid-morning in summer; a short walk up Avenida de la Playa turns up a cheese shop, a burger stand and a pizza counter, while the Marine Room serves dinner at tables just above the tideline.