Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
Yes
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Just south of the more heavily trafficked La Jolla Cove is a small and unassuming shoreline with lots to see. The smooth rock formations at Nicholson Point Park contain pits, faults, and crevasses that host tide pools and provide resting places for many sea birds. Parking is less crowded along the residential Coast Boulevard than it is in the commercial area to the north. Look for the stairway down to the sandy beach, or maneuver down some sandy trails. Although most of the shore is rocky, there are some soft sandy areas which befit a spread blanket and picnic. If lounging or exploring tide pools isn't your thing, there are also options for surfing, swimming, and scuba diving. Take care to watch the surf, as the rocky shore can be dangerous for the inexperienced. Other activities include fishing and photography; the sunsets from this beach are phenomenal. 

Note: Dogs are only permitted on a leash before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m. November through March, and after 6 p.m. April through October.

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Interesting rock formations. Great bird watching. Easy access.

Cons

Parking may be limited. Not many sandy stretches.

Features

Surfing
Tide pools
Wildlife
Bird watching
Tide pools

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

04/03/2019
My family spent the summer of I think 1959 in a darling apartment above Nicholson Pt. The lady who owned the house on the street was named Mary and I thought her last name was Nichols. Does anyone know anything about her?
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