La Jolla Shores vs Coronado Central Beach

If you’re looking for wide, sandy San Diego beaches, you can’t do much better than La Jolla Shores and Coronado Central Beach. But which wins our comparison?
Jess Tucker
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
La Jolla Shores vs Coronado Central Beach
Why We Love These Beaches
Comparing Scenery
Save on Gear
Beach Activities
Atmosphere & Crowds
Getting to the Beaches
Safety Conditions
Our Recommendation

Highlights

La Jolla Shores vs Coronado Central Beach
Scenery
Parking
Final Verdict
La Jolla Shores vs Coronado Central Beach
Scenery
Parking
Final Verdict

What We Love at Both La Jolla Shores and Coronado Central Beach

Great Place to Swim at Coronado Central BeachSand Dunes and the Beach at Coronado Central Beach

No San Diego vacation is complete without a day, or a few days, on the beach! And with more than 75 picturesque beaches up and down the coast, you’ve got your pick.

While there are literally dozens of beaches to choose from, two that often make the lists of peoples’ favorite places to swim and sunbathe are La Jolla Shores in the La Jolla neighborhood and Coronado Central Beach in Coronado.

Two Highlights from Great Beach Neighborhoods

Both Coronado Island and La Jolla are defined by their beaches. You’ve got plenty of options in both neighborhoods, but we think these are two of the best!

Local Tips
Safety First!
La Jolla Shores has better lifeguard coverage even toward the northern and southern ends.

For La Jolla, the Shores beach is the closest to a classic beach day experience, with many other beaches gaining popularity through the surfing scene. Other unique beaches in the area include The Children's Pool, where seals and sea lions roam, and the La Jolla Tide Pools filled with sea life.

Coronado beaches are predominantly swimming beaches like Coronado Central, with other options including Coronado Shores Beach, Glorietta Bay, and Silver Strand State Beach. There’s also North Beach Dog Beach, nicknamed Dog Run Beach for its pet friendliness.

Ada Access to Coronado Central Beach
Ada Access to Coronado Central Beach

Among the Most Popular

It’s no exaggeration to say these are two highly popular and idyllic beaches in San Diego. I’d even say they exemplify the beach day experience, and they sit at the top of many lists of peoples’ favorite beaches.

If you’re debating between these two, it helps to know where each of them excels and how they differ from each other.

With that in mind, let’s dive into our comparison guide so you can learn about their strengths and decide where you want to go!

Comparing the Scenery at Both Beaches

Large Open Beach at La Jolla Shores
Large Open Beach at La Jolla Shores

Both Coronado Central Beach and La Jolla Shores are big, sandy beaches, but only one has a famous hotel in the background.

Walking Around La Jolla Shores

La Jolla Shores is pretty standard for what I picture when I think of a San Diego beach. You’ve got your wide beach filled with golden sand, plenty of sun, and of course, the sparkling waves of the Pacific Ocean.

Most of La Jolla Shores beach is flat, especially toward the middle. If you head toward the north or south ends, you’ll find cliffs bordering the beach.

Exploring Coronado Central Beach

Like La Jolla Shores, Coronado Central Beach is wide and sandy. It’s got all the trappings of the best beach retreats in the area, with the added bonus of the famous Hotel del Coronado at your back.

I think it’s a really special backdrop that helps this beach stand out!

Climbing Over Seawall to Go Scuba Diving at La Jolla Shores
Climbing Over Seawall to Go Scuba Diving at La Jolla Shores

Where to Find Better Features: Coronado Central Beach

Whether you’re looking for the perfect photo op or you’re just interested in the more beautiful beach, nothing beats having the Hotel del Coronado as your backdrop.

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Finding Activities to Do on the Sand & in the Sea

Do you prefer keeping active with fun activities to lounging on the sand? I’m the same way! Luckily, there’s lots to do at both locations.

Plus, want to save on beach gear rentals and admission to close by attractions? Don’t forget your Go City San Diego pass, and use our discount code GVSD5OFF to snag it for even cheaper!

Climbing Over Seawall to Go Scuba Diving at La Jolla Shores
Climbing Over Seawall to Go Scuba Diving at La Jolla Shores

Activities at La Jolla Shores

La Jolla Shores has tons of things to do. You can keep it laid back by sunbathing and strolling along the boardwalk, or you can hop in the water!

The water here is protected by the bay. This makes it an ideal swimming and paddle boarding spot with calmer waves, similar to La Jolla Cove. It also lends itself well to scuba diving, as the La Jolla Underwater Park is right offshore, plus kayaking at the La Jolla Sea Caves.

It’s no surprise for a La Jolla beach to attract surfers, and this is no exception. The waves here are fairly beginner-friendly, making it a popular spot for surfing lessons. That said, if you’re looking for larger and more challenging surf, you’re not far from Windansea Beach or Blacks Beach.

Recreation at Coronado Central

Coronado Central Beach also has good conditions for many classic beach day activities, though not quite as many. Still, the paddle boarding there is excellent, and it’s got a boardwalk too. We recommend renting a bike in Coronado so you can ride along part of the Bayshore Bikeway.

Lots of people flock to the beach to sunbathe, so if you’re more interested in working on your tan, this might be your preferred pick!

Trying Out Surfing at La Jolla Shores
Trying Out Surfing at La Jolla Shores

More Things to Do: La Jolla Shores

There’s simply more to do at La Jolla Shores, making it the winner in this category.

Popular Hotels Nearby
Popular Hotels
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Coronado Beach Resort
$184
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Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa
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Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
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Grande Colonial La Jolla
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Comparing the Atmosphere and Popularity

Both of these beaches are very busy on an average day, but there are some key differences in their atmospheres.

Side Walk Cafes in Encinitas
Side Walk Cafes in Encinitas

The Ever-Popular La Jolla Shores

La Jolla Shores is one of if not the most popular beach in San Diego, up there with La Jolla Cove Beach, San Onofre, and Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas.

It’s very accessible, which helps cement its popularity especially with families, but this can be off-putting if you’d rather go somewhere a little quieter.

Crowds at Coronado Central Beach

Generally, Coronado Island sees fewer visitors than La Jolla, and that’s reflected with thinner crowds at the beach. You certainly won’t have the place to yourself, but you won’t be fighting for a spot most days.

The boardwalk has a lively atmosphere, and I’ve often seen live music around the northern end of The Del, especially on weekends. There are also plenty of places to grab lunch.

Jetty at Coronado Central Beach
Jetty at Coronado Central Beach

The Winning Beach: Coronado Central

With fewer visitors and a pleasant atmosphere, Coronado Island’s Central Beach is better for crowd-averse beachgoers.

Featured Hotel
Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
Beachfront
Beachfront
Families
Families
Historic
Historic
4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars
It doesn’t get any more iconic in San Diego than the Hotel Del Coronado. This luxury hotel is what other hotels strive to be. Treat yourself to this experience.
Prices Starting at $374
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Getting to Coronado Central vs La Jolla Shores

Let’s take a look at the parking situation at both beaches, plus their amenities.

Front of the Fred Shuttle in the Gaslamp Quarter
Front of the Fred Shuttle in the Gaslamp Quarter

La Jolla Shores’ Accessibility

La Jolla Shores is about a 30 minute drive up the freeway from Downtown San Diego given normal traffic conditions.

La Jolla Shores has a massive parking lot. On the off chance that it’s full, you can often find additional spots in the neighborhood nearby.

Not only is this beach accessible, but it has lifeguards and bathrooms. On the grassy area next to the beach, you’ll find barbecues and picnic tables, plus people playing volleyball and soccer.

Reaching Coronado Central

Coronado Central Beach can be found just a short drive from Downtown San Diego over the famed Coronado Bridge. With reasonable traffic conditions, you should expect a 15 minute drive or Uber/Lyft ride.

Compared to La Jolla Shores, Coronado Central Beach has very limited parking. You likely won’t find much if you arrive later in the day outside of parking at the hotel lot, which is expensive, or finding a street spot, which are further away and harder to find.

One major upside at Coronado Central Beach is that the Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton - one of our most recommended places to stay - borders the beach. If you’re looking for a beachside hotel with excellent Coronado beach access, you can’t do better than that!

Good news is that there are restrooms and lifeguards onsite.

Inside the Circuit Electric Shuttles
Inside the Circuit Electric Shuttles

Which is More Accessible: La Jolla Shores

La Jolla Shores is the clear winner in terms of both amenities and accessibility.

Wave Conditions and Safety

Both of these beaches have calmer waves, but it always pays to be doubly sure where safety is concerned.

Having a Beach Fire at La Jolla Shores
Having a Beach Fire at La Jolla Shores

Waves at La Jolla Shores

La Jolla Shores has enough active waves to allow for surfing, but it’s fairly protected, especially close to the beach. There are lots of lifeguards with towers set up to cover the majority of the beach and for most of the day.

Safety at Central Beach

Coronado Central Beach is similarly calm and the waves there are even more infrequent. There are lifeguards, but not quite as many as at La Jolla Shores.

Walking Out to Go Scuba Diving at La Jolla Shores
Walking Out to Go Scuba Diving at La Jolla Shores

The Safer Beach: La Jolla Shores

In my experience, La Jolla Shores has better lifeguard coverage even toward the northern and southern ends.

Additional Tips and Things to Know

You might already have your preferred beach in mind, but here’s a little more info about each option before we give you our final decision.

La Jolla Shores on a Cloudy Day
La Jolla Shores on a Cloudy Day

Tips for La Jolla Shores

  • Since it’s so close to the Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, fishing or any activities that could disturb the ecosystem are not allowed here.
  • The beach is accessible via wheelchair, and beach wheelchairs are available to borrow.

Lifeguard Station at Sunset at Coronado Central Beach
Lifeguard Station at Sunset at Coronado Central Beach

What You Should Know About Coronado Central Beach

  • The beach borders Coronado’s Naval Air Station.
  • Beach-accessible wheelchairs can be found at the Central Beach Lifeguard Tower.

Which Beach Do We Recommend Overall?

La Jolla Shores South End of Beach
La Jolla Shores South End of Beach

As we usually say when we write these beach comparison articles, we probably wouldn’t bother to put all the work into comparing two beaches if we didn’t think they both were fantastic options!

These are two of San Diego’s most beautiful beaches with tons of reasons to visit them both. But if I had to pick a winner, I’d give the honor to La Jolla Shores! I love its picturesque layout, variety of available beach activities, and ease of accessibility even on the busiest days!

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La Jolla Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
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