La Jolla Shores and Scripps Pier Family Photography in San Diego

La Jolla Shores is one of the most popular beach locations in San Diego for photo sessions. It is the largest sandy beach in the La Jolla area and one of the easiest to access. Aside from the beautiful shoreline, La Jolla Shores features the well known Scripps Pier, which we can photograph under. While photos under the pier are often a favorite among clients, La Jolla Shores offers much more variety for your San Diego mini session.

La Jolla is a beautiful seaside neighborhood in Southern California. An upscale coastal area of San Diego, it has a charming village with shops, restaurants, and cafes, and ocean views almost everywhere you go. The coastline is famous for its high cliffs, small coves, tide pools, panoramic viewpoints, and rocky shoreline.

Although it is a very popular destination, La Jolla has a relaxed and calm atmosphere. It has less of a party vibe than Pacific Beach and feels quieter than downtown San Diego, making it a great place to spend time with family. La Jolla often feels like a classic San Diego vacation postcard.

La Jolla Shores is a favorite location of mine for San Diego mini sessions for several reasons. Even though it can be a busy beach, it provides plenty of open space for candid walking photos. Whether we have Scripps Pier in the background or the cliffs near Blacks Beach, it works beautifully for family photography and engagement sessions.

La Jolla Shores is one of the busier beaches in the San Diego area, and parking can be challenging, especially on weekends and during the summer. I recommend arriving early so you have plenty of time to park and walk to the meeting spot.

Weekdays are usually best for La Jolla Shores and Scripps Pier sessions. Parking is significantly easier, and the beach tends to be less crowded.

During La Jolla Shores sessions, I typically enter the beach near Caroline’s Cafe. We start with photos under the pier, then move to the north side where the cliffs of Blacks Beach catch the late afternoon light. From there, we slowly make our way back toward the stairs to finish the session. It does involve a bit of walking, but it is very scenic and enjoyable.

You can also take a moment to read my Family Photography Tips page, which includes helpful ideas to make the most of your San Diego family photography session.

Meeting Point

For La Jolla Shores sessions, I usually meet clients at Caroline’s Cafe, located next to the stairs that lead down to the beach.
You can click here to view the exact meeting point on the map.

Access

La Jolla is one of the busiest neighborhoods in San Diego, and parking can be limited, especially on weekends and during the summer. I recommend arriving early to allow enough time to find a space before the session.

There is street parking nearby, and turnover is usually steady. Two parking lots near Caroline’s Cafe belong to the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego). These lots are generally closed to the public during weekdays but often offer paid public parking on weekends unless an event is taking place at the nearby Seaside Forum.

Please note that stairs are required to reach the beach and pier. Because of this, La Jolla Shores may not be the best choice if someone in your group has mobility limitations.

Best Time for Photos in La Jolla Shores

Like most beaches in Southern California, the best light for photography is the last hour before sunset, commonly called golden hour. Morning sessions are also possible, but sunset light is usually the most flattering. Weekdays are typically preferable since La Jolla Shores can be crowded.

Outfits

Going barefoot works very well for beach sessions and helps create a relaxed, natural look in walking photos. Choose clothing that fits your style but remains comfortable. Light fabrics and neutral tones usually photograph best, while large logos and bold patterns can be distracting.

Coordinating colors between family members helps, but everyone does not need to match.

Pets

Dogs are allowed on the beach and boardwalk at La Jolla Shores before 9:00 AM and after 6:00 PM from April 1 through October 31, and before 9:00 AM and after 4:00 PM from November 1 through March 31. Dogs must remain on a leash at all times. Please confirm current rules online as they may change.

Pets are always welcome in my family photography sessions.