This Picturesque California Beach Is Home To Seals, Seashells, And Crystal Clear Water

La Jolla is one of the swankiest suburbs of San Diego. When walking around, you'll see art studios, fancy cars, perfectly manicured parks, and incredibly clean streets. However, what makes La Jolla special is its coastline. Here, you'll be able to experience both rocky cliffs and sandy coves.

Walking along the Ellen Browning Scripps Park (considered one of San Diego's most photographed spots) is the perfect way to combine these types of terrain. Between the sections of cliffs, there are steps down to the aforementioned beaches. Notable among them is the small and delightfully uncrowded Shell Beach.

What you can expect at Shell Beach is in the name. Keep your eyes peeled for seashells of all types at this little slice of postcard-worthy coast. This is easy given how crystal clear the water is, but nearby reefs make it unsafe to venture out far so keep your beachcombing to just knee-deep water. Shells are especially abundant in the mornings. As you hunt for shells of all colors here, make sure to only take home a few to preserve the landscape for others to enjoy too. 

As you descend the stairs to Shell Beach from Ellen Browning Scripps Park, you'll quickly notice how wonderfully untouched it feels despite being near a large metropolitan area. The sounds of the city disappear and are replaced with the movement of gentle waves and seagulls.

The waves often create tide pools from late fall through early spring. Creatures like hermit crabs, starfish, and more find themselves in these pools. Remember not to touch them and be careful climbing over the possibly slippery coastal rocks that help these pools form.

The scenery on the way to and from Shell Beach is amazing on its own, but you'll pass by great restaurants on the trek as well. At the Cove House, take your pick from dozens of drinks to pair with salad bowls, burgers, or seafood all with a balcony view of a palm tree-lined road leading to the ocean. Close by is Cherrywine Sushi and Burmese Cuisine, which serves fresh seafood dishes with Asian flair. For dessert, head to Bobboi Natural Gelato.

Keep following the coastal trails around Ellen Browning Scripps Park to find more gorgeous beaches for your California bucket list. You really can't go wrong with any of La Jolla's options. Enjoy wildlife viewing, relaxation, and even swimming at La Jolla Cove and Children's Pool La Jolla (not just for kids) to name a couple. There are restrooms and outdoor shower spigots for rinsing off the sand at some of these as well.

Aside from featuring some of the most picturesque spots California has to offer, La Jolla is home to quintessential California wildlife as well. Even before looking out over La Jolla's deep blue water, you'll probably hear sea lions barking. They hang out in groups all along La Jolla's seashore, as do the quieter harbor seals.

Seeing them in their natural habitat is truly magical, but remember to keep your distance. This could mean getting out of the water and letting them swim in peace if they come around. They will bite humans and touching them is illegal under California law.