Windansea is an iconic surfing location for sure, but there are far more ways to enjoy the beach.
Our team at Go Visit San Diego put together a list of a few to enjoy when you’re in the area.
Fun Winter Swell at Windansea
What are the Best Activities to Do at Windansea Beach in La Jolla?
If you’re looking for a quick cheat sheet or what to do at Windansea, you’ve come to the right place!
Go surfing, grab a towel and sunbathe, play in the sand and build a sand castle, or go for a walk along the beautiful Pacific Ocean coastline. You could also have a picnic for sunset or explore the tide pools at low tide.
Know that while those are the best activities to do at the beach, dogs are prohibited and going swimming or snorkeling are not recommended as the beach break makes the conditions a bit too aggressive.
Surfers Checking Out the Swell at Windansea
Visit The Surf Shack
There’s a lot of surf history in San Diego and it doesn’t get much more ‘San Diego’ than the Surf Shack at Windansea!
One of Windansea’s distinguishing features, the eucalyptus branch and palm frond covered shack at the south end of the beach is not to be missed. Lovingly called “The Surf Shack at Windansea Beach”, the palapa was constructed in 1946 by Woody Ekstrom, Don Okey and Fred Kenyon as a place to store surfboards and foster a sense of community. According to local legend, the shack was home to a great many Polynesian luau beach parties back in the day.
The Surf Shack represents the carefree days of the La Jolla community and was dubbed a historical landmark in 1998. The simple shade structure has been re-made over the years and it is as San Diego as it gets!
Surfer on An Over Head Wave at Windansea
The Surf at Windansea
While the beach is beautiful with the small bluff and rocky coast to the north and south, the surf is really what makes Windansea so famous and why people visit.
Beneath the surface of Windansea Beach is an ocean floor riddled with steep slopes. These slopes create powerful waves that attract surfers from across the county and state. The main peak at Windansea is a reef break, which sees waves as big as 10 feet during the winter months and challenges surfers with powerful, thick waves that are characterized by a long-tapering right and shorter, hollower left.
The surf at Windansea can get very good and very big! There is a bit of localism and it is best to respect the locals when surfing here. I’d call this an advanced surf spot best left to more experienced surfers.
What Are the Famous Surf Spots at Windansea Beach in La Jolla?
The beach enjoys a storied reputation as a truly special Southern California surf break and has hosted several surf legends, including Butch Van Artsdale and Mickey Munoz. In the early 1960s, Windansea enjoyed media attention from The Surfer’s Journal, which called Windansea locals the “heaviest surf crew ever.”
Famous breaks at the beach include Turtles, Middles, and Simmons.
What are the Best Surf Conditions at Windansea?
Surfers can enjoy the best surf conditions when the swell direction is NW, WNW, SW, or SSW with winds coming in from the east. Know that straight west swells are blocked by San Clemente Island.
Ideally you’ll be looking for medium low to high tides and surf heights ranging from chest high to double overhead.
We Love Windansea Beach
A Great Place to Sunbathe
The beach at Windansea is beautiful with the sandstone rocks giving way to a sandy beach which can get quite crowded in the summer months for sunbathers.
If you want to sunbathe at one of the best beaches to get a tan, spread out a towel near the south end at the bottom of the stairs. But be aware that the Southern California sun gets hot! Bring sunblock to ensure a burn doesn’t ruin your vacation.
Checking Out the Tide Pools at Windansea Beach
Explore the Tide Pools
Tide pools are shallow pools that appear in the rocks mostly during low tide. Teeming with marine life, I love to explore them with my kids looking for everything from snails and sea urchins to small fish.
On the north end of Windansea there are rocks that make up in my opinion some of the best tide pools in San Diego! Just be sure to watch your step and wear sturdy shoes as the rocks and be very slippery.
Crowded Day at Windansea Beach
Is Windansea Beach Swimmable?
Windansea offers its share of exciting activities, but swimming is not recommended due to the strong shore break, rocks, and currents. The waves crash hard on the shore, posing a potential threat to inexperienced swimmers.
Although there are lifeguards on duty, their priority is to monitor the surf, not necessarily to oversee swimming so I’d say Windansea is not the best beach for swimming. If you are looking for the best places to swim in San Diego, we wrote an article on that so check that out for better options.
Contast1 Birch Aquarium Gray Whale Statues
Things to Do Beyond the Beach
After quite a few visits to the area, me and the family have picked out some local hotspots we don’t like to miss when we’re in the area…and we think you shouldn’t either.
If you’re looking for a place to eat, grab a coffee or just some other activities to do near the beach, our team at Go Visit San Diego recommends the list below.
- The Promiscuous Fork: The main theme of this restaurant is fun. Their menu is a potpourri of dishes with flavors that come from all over the world- just because they’re delicious. They use fresh and simple ingredients that you can feel good about putting in your body.
- Better Buzz: This coffee shop is our go-to for fresh java, smoothies, and light meals. We love the fun atmosphere and tasty food and drinks.
- Queenstown Village: If you’re looking for a tasty place to grab lunch or have dinner, I’d suggest Queenstown Village. Located less than 2 miles from Windansea towards the Village of La Jolla, I’m a fan of the meat pies while my son prefers the chicken sandwich and sweet potato fries. The atmosphere can be described as ‘whimsical’ with unique décor, a stylish bar and lots of plants and greenery.
- Nearby Attractions and Tours: I love surfing at Windansea but sometimes you just need a break from the sun! In that case, head up to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, one of my family’s favorite attractions in San Diego, to learn about local marine life.You’re looking at 15 minutes or so by car. You could also head to Mission Bay Park and check out SeaWorld San Diego or take the 2-Hour Kayak Tour of the 7 Caves which I recently took for the first time with my family. It was entertaining and fun to be out on the water in La Jolla exploring the coastline looking for sea life.
La Jolla Village can get a bit sleepy in the evenings as everything pretty much closes by 9pm, and this is true for restaurants as well so plan accordingly.
Empty Marine Street Beach from Cliffs
Walk to the Nearby Beaches
If you walk north from the center of Windansea you’ll find some of my favorite tide pools in San Diego which connect with the south end or Marine Street. The marine life is worth checking out.
If you head to the south it gets rocky and is a great place to watch a sunset, but not the best for walking in the sand. Travel about a mile and a half south, by street rather than beach, and you’ll encounter Bird Rock Beach, another great destination for surfing and scenic views.