Calumet Park
A serene oceanfront bluff park in La Jolla, offering stunning Pacific views, a unique stone beach, and peaceful spots for relaxation and events.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Calumet Park
Best Time
Golden hour magic

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene oceanfront bluff park in La Jolla, offering stunning Pacific views, a unique stone beach, and peaceful spots for relaxation and events.
"Incredibly beautiful seaside. Location created by magnificent nature, rocks, waves, ocean, you can admire these views forever."
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Catch the sunset for breathtaking colors over the ocean. It's a popular time, so arrive early for a good spot.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the benches or the grassy bluff. Grab pastries from Wayfarer for a treat!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ocean Bluff Views
Along the bluff
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, perfect for sunset watching and quiet contemplation.

Stone Beach
At the base of the bluff
A unique beach composed of beautiful tumbled stones, offering a relaxing sound as waves crash.
Benches with a View
Lined along the bluff
Numerous benches provide comfortable spots to sit, relax, and soak in the serene coastal scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Oceanfront Serenity
Beach Access & Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Catch the sunset for breathtaking colors over the ocean. It's a popular time, so arrive early for a good spot.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the benches or the grassy bluff. Grab pastries from Wayfarer for a treat!
👟 Slippery When Wet
The trail to the beach can be slippery, especially after rain or with wet surfers. Wear appropriate footwear.
💧 Bring Essentials
Don't forget water, sunscreen, and swimwear if you plan to spend the day exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Catch the sunset for breathtaking colors over the ocean. It's a popular time, so arrive early for a good spot.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the benches or the grassy bluff. Grab pastries from Wayfarer for a treat!
👟 Slippery When Wet
The trail to the beach can be slippery, especially after rain or with wet surfers. Wear appropriate footwear.
💧 Bring Essentials
Don't forget water, sunscreen, and swimwear if you plan to spend the day exploring.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Calumet Park's stunning ocean views and peaceful atmosphere, calling it a hidden gem perfect for relaxation and picnics. The unique stone beach and the beautiful sunset vistas are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some note that the trail to the beach can be slippery, and parking might be challenging during peak hours.
"We had a 15 person wedding in October (with a permit approved through the state/county) and WOW. It was like a venue people pay thousands for. We had our ceremony during sunset so the park was busy. We were able to set up around 3pm on one of the furthest spots that was kind of isolated and although there must have been an audience ( the park cheered for us 😍😍🥹🥹)-it felt private. For all the upcoming weddings- don’t fret- it is amazing!!!"
Christina Smith
"Beautiful, peaceful, little park perfect for a picnic! My boyfriend and I stopped by on our way out of town to see the ocean one more time and ended up staying a couple hours enjoying the views and relaxing in the sun with a cool breeze. There is a short trail down to the water where the beach is made up of the most beautiful tumbled stones creating a relaxing sound (see video), also a dream for any beach combers like me! 🌊🪨🐚"
Alta Moraine
"Incredibly beautiful seaside. Location created by magnificent nature, rocks, waves, ocean, you can admire these views forever. 1 million percent wonderful place, if you find yourself in San Diego, be sure to visit it. We walked there all day and it was amazing. Bring water, sunscreen, goggles and swimwear. Forget about time and devote your entire day to this place. I love it. I hope I will visit there again."
Kristina Kovalyova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Calumet Park is located in the Bird Rock neighborhood of La Jolla. It's accessible by car, with street parking often available nearby. Public transportation options might require transfers, so driving is generally recommended for ease.
Street parking is typically available around Calumet Park. During peak times, especially sunsets or weekends, it can be competitive.
If you are staying in the Bird Rock area, walking to Calumet Park is a pleasant option. It's a lovely stroll along the coast.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Calumet Park is a public park and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to visit and enjoy the ocean views.
Calumet Park is generally open from sunrise to sunset, like most public parks. It's a great spot for both morning strolls and evening relaxation.
Yes, events and weddings can be held at Calumet Park with the appropriate permits from the state/county. It's been used for intimate ceremonies with stunning backdrops.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can relax on the benches, enjoy picnics, admire ocean views, and walk down to the unique stone beach. It's a perfect spot for quiet contemplation and enjoying nature.
Yes, there is beach access via a trail on the north end of the bluff. Be mindful that the trail can be slippery.
Absolutely! The ocean views, especially at sunset, and the unique stone beach make it a fantastic location for photography.
Restroom facilities are not explicitly mentioned in visitor feedback, so it's advisable to plan accordingly or check local listings.
While not explicitly stated, most San Diego parks allow dogs on leashes. It's always best to check local regulations for specific rules.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Calumet Park itself does not have restaurants, but it's an ideal spot for a picnic. You can grab food from nearby eateries in La Jolla.
Consider picking up pastries from Wayfarer or enjoying seafood from Fish Shop, both popular spots in the area.
Yes, Calumet Park is perfect for picnics. There are benches available, and the grassy bluff offers a lovely setting.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset offers dramatic lighting and colors, making it ideal for photography. Morning light can also be beautiful and less crowded.
Capture stunning ocean vistas, coastal landscapes, and the unique stone beach. It's also a picturesque spot for portraits.
The benches along the bluff offer classic viewpoints. The trail leading down to the stone beach also provides unique photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💖 Couples and Romantic Getaways
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers and Relaxation Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Bird Rock
The park itself is a relatively small, linear green space situated atop an ocean bluff. It's characterized by its well-placed benches that invite visitors to sit and admire the expansive Pacific Ocean. The sound of the waves crashing below is a constant, soothing soundtrack to any visit. This tranquil atmosphere makes it a popular spot for quiet reflection, reading, or simply soaking in the sun and sea breeze.
Experiencing the Stone Beach
The sound of the waves interacting with the stones creates a wonderfully relaxing auditory experience. Beachcombers will find this area particularly appealing, as the stones are smooth and varied in color and texture. It's a dream for anyone who enjoys collecting unique natural treasures or simply listening to the rhythmic ebb and flow of the ocean against the shore.
Events and Special Occasions
While the park can be busy during popular times like sunset, visitors have reported feeling a sense of privacy even amidst a crowd. The community often embraces and celebrates these moments, adding to the park's charm. For those planning an event, securing permits well in advance is crucial, and understanding the park's layout will help in planning the setup.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit