Nestled in the picturesque coastal community of La Jolla, Windansea Beach is a hidden gem known for its stunning natural beauty and iconic surf culture.

In this post, I’ll share my honest impressions of Windansea Beach, highlighting both its captivating sunsets and the limited activities available.

Whether you’re planning a visit or simply curious, read on to discover what to expect and why Windansea Beach might not be the top pick for everyone.

Overview:

• Windansea Beach Address and Location
• Parking at Windansea Beach
• Things to Do at Windansea Beach
• Why this Beach it’s not my Top Pick
• F.A.Q.s
• Conclusion

Windansea Beach Address and Location

If you fly into San Diego International Airport, you’ll notice a mural sign in Terminal 2 showing an image of Windansea Beach.

This is located in the baggage claim area.

The beach is about a 30-minute car ride, give or take with traffic, and is 15 miles away from the airport.

My sister and I first visited this beach at the beginning of this year.

Despite having heard about it as a hot surfing spot, we never prioritized visiting it.

Windansea Beach is tucked in a residential area, surrounded by homes and charming streets.

Nearby attractions include La Jolla Cove, famous for its sea lions, and La Jolla Village, a lively street filled with boutique shops and restaurants.

Parking at Windansea Beach

There isn’t much of a parking lot in front of Windansea Beach.

Given the limited parking in this lot, most visitors end up parking along the residential streets in front of houses.

Note:

There are about a total of 19 parking spots (I counted) right in front of the beach in a dirt parking lot with no lines separating the spots, including:

• 1 – spot labeled as emergency parking
• 2 – spots labeled accessible parking for persons with disabilities

During peak times, finding a spot can be challenging, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the beach is less crowded.

On weekends and holidays, parking can be particularly scarce.

There are no costs associated with parking in this area, but be mindful of parking regulations and respectful of the residents.

Things to do in Windansea Beach

There’s not much to do at this beach compared to other beaches, but it’s still a pretty spot worth exploring.

This beach is known for its rugged terrain with rocky outcrops and a narrow strip of sand.

Scenic spots include the natural rock formations and tide pools that are visible during low tide, offering a chance to observe marine life up close.

However, if you are wondering what to do here, we’ve put together the top activities we’ve noticed while visiting:

Surfing

Windansea Beach is a hot surfing spot known to many locals.

It’s common to see surfers out in the water riding waves here.

While there are several beaches in San Diego known for surfing (Oceanside Pier and Swamis Beach to name a few), Windansea holds its own with consistent waves and a vibrant local surf culture.

Walking Yourself or Walking Your Dog

You’ll notice while visiting this beach that most people just walk here.

There is a dirt trail along the beach where you’ll see people walking, although it’s not a defined hiking trail like the one at Torrey Pines State Beach.

For those who have pets, you can walk your dog along the walkway.

There are signs indicating that dogs must be on a leash at all times.

Additionally, dogs aren’t allowed in the water at this beach!

My sister and I noticed a few dogs running in the water, but don’t be like these dog owners and please obey the rules.

I like to believe these people are just ignorant and not reading the regulations.

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly beach in San Diego, there are a few worth visiting, such as Del Mar North Beach and Coronado Dog Beach.

Here, all 365 days of the year, you can have your dog swim along the beach.

Exploring Tide Pools

One of the unique features of this beach is its tide pools, which become visible during low tide.

These natural rock formations are home to a variety of marine life, offering a fascinating glimpse into the underwater world.

Exploring the tide pools can be a fun and educational activity, especially for those interested in marine biology or simply enjoying the wonders of nature up close.

Photography

This beach is a great spot for photography lovers.

The unique landscape, with its rugged terrain and natural rock formations, provides stunning backdrops for photos.

The iconic Windansea Shack, a historic palm-covered hut adds a touch of nostalgia and character to your shots.

I have to admit, though, that El Matador State Beach and Big Sur, in my opinion, offer even more breathtaking photo opportunities.

However, Windansea Beach still holds its own charm and is definitely worth capturing through your lens.

Sunset Watching

One of the highlights of Windansea Beach is its breathtaking sunsets.

Honestly, any beach on the West Coast I feel in worth wonders seeing.

My sister and I didn’t get a chance to catch the sunset here, unfortunately, at the time.

But, based on many Instagram and Tiktok posts you can

The best spots to watch the sunset are from the rocky outcrops or the sandy beach itself, where you can enjoy unobstructed views of the horizon.

Tip: Sunsets are particularly beautiful during the late spring and summer months when the sky is often clear, and the colors are more vibrant.

Why this Beach Isn’t our Top Pick

After visiting countless beaches, from living in both Florida and California, I’ve noticed that beaches can generally be categorized into a few types.

There are the popular ones, heavily frequented by tourists, such as Santa Cruz and La Jolla Shores.

Then, there are the secluded beaches like Stonesteps and Blacks Beach, offering a more tranquil experience.

Lastly, there are beaches that offer a variety of activities and amenities, such as Torrey Pines State Beach and San Clemente, which are great for hiking and other outdoor activities.

In my opinion, I prefer beaches that offer a range of activities and amenities.

Windansea Beach is great for a walk and taking pictures, but that’s mostly what you’ll see here.

Unless you’re a surfer, which most people aren’t, the main activities are limited to strolling along the walkway.

Beaches that offer hiking, exploring tide pools, or simply enjoying facilities like restrooms and cafes provide a more rounded experience.

Here are some amenities that you won’t find at Windansea Beach:

Additionally, Windansea Beach is not dog-friendly for those who want to let their pets enjoy the water.

As previously mentioned you’re better off going to Del Mar North Beach or Coronado Dog Beach.

These missing amenities can significantly impact the overall convenience and experience of visiting Windansea Beach, especially for those looking for a more fully-equipped beach day.

F.A.Q.s

Where is Windansea Beach located?

As previously mentioned Windansea Beach is located at 6800 Neptune Place, La Jolla, CA 92037.

This beach is known for its rugged terrain and iconic surf culture.

Is there parking available at Windansea Beach?

There is only a dirt parking lot in front of the beach.

Most visitors you’ll notice park along the residential streets nearby.

Parking can be challenging during peak times, so it’s best to arrive early or visit during off-peak hours.

Are there restrooms at Windansea Beach?

There are no permanent restroom facilities at Windansea Beach.

The only available option is a single portable potty stall, which is not ideal for a full day at the beach.

Is Windansea Beach dog-friendly?

Dogs are not allowed in the water and must be on leash all the time.

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly beach where your pet can swim, consider other beaches like Del Mar North Beach and Coronado Dog Beach.

Is Windansea Beach good for surfing?

Yes, this beach is known as a popular surfing spot.

It’s common to see people surfing here.

However, we recommend never going surfing alone since there is no lifeguard presence as well as the rocky terrain found here.

There has been an increase in police patrolling as well due to alterations between people in this location.

Can I find tide pools at Windansea Beach?

Yes, Windansea Beach has tide pools that become visible during low tide.

These tide pools are home to a variety of marine life, including sea anemones, starfish, crabs, and small fish.

Exploring them can be a fun and educational activity.

Are there any food and beverage options at Windansea Beach?

There are no cafes, restaurants, or food stands directly on the beach.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their food and drinks or visit nearby La Jolla Village, which offers a variety of dining options.

Is Windansea Beach accessible for people with disabilities?

Windansea Beach is not particularly accessible for people with disabilities.

There are no ramps or paved paths, and the terrain can be quite rugged.

Additionally, the portable potty stall is not mobility accessible.

What makes Windansea Beach unique?

This beach is unique for its rugged natural beauty, iconic palm hut, and excellent surfing conditions.

It offers stunning sunsets and picturesque landscapes, making it a favorite spot for photographers and surfers alike.

Conclusion

Windansea Beach is a charming and scenic spot in La Jolla, perfect for those looking to enjoy a quiet walk, capture stunning photos, or ride the waves.

Its unique landscape, iconic palm-covered hut, and beautiful sunsets make it a picturesque destination.

However, for those seeking a beach with a wide range of activities and amenities, Windansea Beach may fall short.

With limited facilities, a lack of dog-friendly water access, and minimal accessibility for people with disabilities, it doesn’t offer the convenience or variety that some other beaches in the area do.

Despite these limitations, Windansea Beach’s natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere still make it worth a visit, especially for surfers and photography enthusiasts.

Whether you’re exploring the tide pools or simply enjoying the serene environment, this beach has its special charm that continues to attract visitors year-round.