What’s in a name? Tiny Cardiff was named by J. Frank Cullen, who developed the town in 1911, for his wife’s homeland, Wales. (The “by-the-Sea” was added later by another developer). La Jolla, on the other hand, means “the jewel” in Spanish, a reminder of California’s historic roots. Though the names may suggest different (old) worlds, the two are part of a string of beaches that are magnets for surfers, paddlers, anglers and beachgoers.
What’s in a name? Tiny Cardiff was named by J. Frank Cullen, who developed the town in 1911, for his wife’s homeland, Wales. Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times
Under a cloudy sky, a paddle boarder travels across at the La Jolla Underwater Park and State Marine Conservation area at sunset. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Pamir Saatcioglu of Ankara, Turkey, follows a guide as he makes his way through a cave and past leopard sharks and rugged cliffs at the La Jolla Underwater Park and State Marine Conservation area. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
After launching over the cliff from Torrey Pines Gliderport, paragliders soar high over the majestic cliffs overlooking Black’s Beach. Black’s is known for its big winter waves, nude beach and paragliding. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
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Oliver Devanneaux of San Diego plays in the surf with his son, Eloi, 2, at San Elijo State Campground in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Cardiff, north of San Diego, is known for its charm and small-village hospitality. Sunny days and cool evenings prevail throughout the year, and afternoon ocean breezes keep the temperature pleasant along the 2.6 miles of pristine ocean beaches. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
An aerial view of Black’s Beach, which is known as a clothing-optional space. The beach is part of Torrey Pines City Beach and Torrey Pines State Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
A nude couple take a walk at low tide at Black’s Beach. Access to the beach is difficult because of the high cliffs and lack of improved stairways. The safest access is from adjacent beaches north and south, but these routes may be obstructed by high tides or surf. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Tall grasses grow on the clifftop where surfers gather at at San Elijo State Campground in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
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Surfers pass a campfire at dusk along La Jolla Shores in scenic La Jolla, near San Diego. La Jolla is an underwater park and state marine conservation area. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
A couple watch the fading sunset while a surfer heads out to catch a wave near a beach hut during the last moments of the day at Wind and Sea Beach in La Jolla.
For more in this series exploring Southern California’s beaches, visit our Cruising the Coast page.(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
