Bird Rock Beach

Located in the neighborhood of Bird Rock, Bird Rock Beach is a narrow rocky beach in the community of La Jolla. The beach is situated below a blufftop residential area. There is a rock formation just offshore known as the Bird Rock. This rock formation received this name as it once used to be shaped like a bird and has been significantly worn away by erosion since. 

Bird Rock Beach does not have lifeguards or any other amenities, so plan your visit accordingly. The beach allows dogs on a leash before 9 am and after 6 pm between April and October. Between November and March, dogs are allowed on a leash before 9 am and after 4 pm.

Bird Rock Beach offers many fun activities including beachcombing, sunbathing, tide-pooling, wildlife watching, fishing, swimming, surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, boating, jet skiing, and wakeboarding. There are two great surfing spots situated towards the north and south of the beach access stairs. However, getting to these surfing spots can be a bit difficult as they might require crossing over large rocks. If you are planning to go into the water near Bird Rock Beach, we recommend being careful as it is known to have rip currents. The rocky shoreline around this beach can also inflict grave injuries. The water near Bird Rock Beach is home to many animals including seals, sea lions, and migrating grey whales (between December and April). If you like birdwatching, you can see many kinds of birds perched atop the Bird Rock. There are many tidepools on this beach which you can explore during low tide. If you are planning to fish in the water near Bird Rock Beach, make sure that you follow the local fishing regulations.

Getting to Bird Rock Beach is easy - the access stairs to the beach are located near the intersection of Bird Rock Avenue and Dolphin Place, where street parking is also available nearby. We recommend being careful while getting down to the beach as the rocks present here can be large and sharp.

As an interesting fact, the Bird Rock neighborhood was originally named "Bird Rock City by the Sea" after this rock formation in 1906 by pioneer developer Michael Francis Hall.

There are many attractions near Bird Rock Beach. The Map & Atlas Museum of La Jolla exhibits an interesting collection of antique maps, some dating back to more than 500 years. If you like shopping, the downtown area of La Jolla offers many shopping stores, boutique shops, spas, and restaurants. If you are looking for another attraction near Bird Rock Beach, La Jolla Hermosa Park (also known locally as Rock Park) is an oceanfront grassy park that has benches and picnic tables. This park offers magnificent Instagram-worthy views of the South California shoreline.

If you get hungry, there are many restaurants near Bird Rock Beach.  Herringbone La Jolla is an upscale restaurant that serves delicious steaks and seafood. The Cottage La Jolla offers excellent traditional American and Southern Californian dishes. In addition, the restaurant also has a vintage ambiance. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Bird Rock Beach, the modestly priced Don Bravo Grill & Cantina offers delicious chimichangas, tacos, and burritos.

If you are looking for a hotel near Bird Rock Beach, there are many great restaurants nearby. The 4-Star La Valencia Hotel has Spanish architecture and offers a variety of amenities including a restaurant, a tapas bar, a pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center. A more affordable hotel is the 3-Star Holiday Inn Express & Suites La Jolla - Windansea Beach which offers many amenities including complimentary breakfast and a pool with a jacuzzi. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Bird Rock Beach, the modestly priced 2-Star The Shoal La Jolla Beach offers many amenities including a pool, hot tub, and fire pit. In addition, the hotel offers free accommodation to children aged 17 and under staying with an adult.