The only place that you can launch or land a kayak or paddleboard (unless you are actively surfing the paddleboard), in the boat launch at the end of Avenida de la Playa in La Jolla Shores. You can drive onto the beach, unload your vessel, and then go park your vehicle. If you don’t want to risk getting stuck in the sand (a high likelihood without all-wheel drive), you can use the 15 minute loading zone at the end of Avenida de la Playa and carry your vessel a short distance.
Parking: Parking at the beach is always a challenge in the summer, but there is plenty of free parking in La Jolla. There is a large lot by the lifeguard tower just 2 blocks north of Avenida de la Playa. Even in the summer, if you get here before 10am, you might find a spot! Otherwise, the residential streets north and south of Avenida de la Playa are the place to go. Watch for the Thursday street sweeping regulation signs and don’t park on Avenida de la Playa as they only allow you 90 minutes are getting a ticket is almost certain if you over-stay. In July and August, if you arrive in the afternoon, expect to find a spot quite a few blocks from the beach. Please be respectful of the residents and businesses.
Water Activity Zones: San Diego Municipal Code specifies what water activities can take place and where. These codes are meant to keep people safe, so it’s important to pay attention to them. Hard objects like kayaks and paddleboards are incompatible with swimmers and snorkelers. Kayaks and SUPs MUST avoid swim zones and must yield to swimmers outside of swim zones. Please check the “MAP” page to see the location of swim zones.