Tourmaline Surfing Park

Tourmalines are precious stones displaying a unique array of colors. Officially named Tourmaline Surfing Park, it sits at the base of Tourmaline Street just south of La Jolla. This beach area north of Crystal Pier extends approximately one mile from the north to south. There are several coastal cliffs up to 100 feet in height creating a natural break that separates the Pacific and this beach region from La Jolla. A sidewalk winds up the cliff-top along most of the south end of the beach. Tourmaline Surfing Park includes a public parking lot heavily used by surfers and sailboarders year round.

Tourmaline is accessible from Mission Boulevard. From La Jolla Boulevard turn left on Tourmaline Street to the public parking lot or search for limited on-street parking in residential areas.

Surfers who know the beach topography and wave action categorize this region as featuring three sections with different wave characteristics - The Cove, Pump House and Grimace Rock. Locals and old timers stand in the parking lot before and after they surf to say hello, answer tourist questions and even discuss business deals. They are known to be some of the friendliest people in the region who enjoy sharing their wealth of knowledge about surfing and the local area with visitors.