Marine Street


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Marine Street Beach

LOCATION:
At the foot Marine Street in La Jolla, four blocks west of La Jolla Boulevard [Map It]

Hours: Accessible 24 hours per day; no camping allowed

PARKING:
Limited street parking only within residential neighborhoods

PHONE:
619/221-8899

FACILITIES: [Legend]

 Beach Information

Special Comments: Marine Street Beach is known for its powerful, plunging surf. The steep, fast and hollow waves that break very close to the shoreline are often not suitable for stand-up surfing but are perfect for boogie boarding and body surfing. For this reason, Marine Street tends to draw a younger crowd. The beach, with its coarse white sand, features a rock reef at each end.

In the past, Marine Street Beach had a bad reputation as a gathering place for some not so desirable individuals. There was a time when crimes of vandalism and even violence were relatively common occurrences.

However, the City of San Diego banned alcohol from the beach a couple of years ago and began stationing lifeguards on the beach full-time during the summer and on busy spring and fall weekends. Since that time Marine Street Beach has become more family friendly.

The beach itself is a pleasant stretch of coarse white sand with rock reefs at both ends — Simmons Reef to the south and Horseshoe Reef to the north. The water is usually crystal clear, making Marine Street a great location for snorkeling.

As stated above, the waves at Marine Street are powerful and break in very shallow water. There have been several spinal injuries to swimmers and body boarders who were driven headfirst into the bottom by breaking waves. Use caution when swimming here.

Once again, alcohol is prohibited at all times on Marine Street Beach. As on all San Diego beaches, glass beverage containers are also prohibited. Dogs are permitted only before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. and must be leashed at all times.

Food/dining: The nearest restaurants are along La Jolla Boulevard and Pearl Street and range from fast food to moderately priced restaurants. There is also a Vons grocery store at Girard Avenue and Pearl Street.

Restrooms: There are no public restrooms available at Marine Street Beach.

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