Under Scripps Pier

This location is under the Scripps Pier on Scripps Beach, which is located next to the UCSD Scripps Institution of Oceanography campus in northern La Jolla. While the top is not open to the public, this long concrete pier is accessible via the beach. Try to find street parking on El Paseo Grande, but do not park in the campus lots. Look for the stairway to the beach on the north side of the last house located at sharp bend in El Paseo Grande. Walk North and you will encounter the pier within 3 minutes of walking.

California is beautiful year round, so the weather should always be in your favor.

If you're looking for a sun flare or beautiful colors in your shot, I recommend visiting this pier during the evening hours as the sun sets over the horizon. The crowds may be less busy during the school day.

I shot this during golden hour and framed my composition by getting low to the ground so that the reflection would be most accurate and level.

Wait for a set of waves to wash over the sand to clear foot prints and you'll have a perfect mirror of the pillars vanishing into the background.

Add a subject in the center to show scale and a personal touch, but make sure they're far enough way to not hog the frame or block all of the pier.

The trick to nailing this shot is to hold your phone or camera at the correct angle so the horizon line and the pier lines are all straight. I recommend a 50/50 composition with the horizon being centered.

I loved flying my drone at this location, so be sure to check it out from that perspective if you can!

Caroline's Cafe, located above the beach south of the pier, has delicious food and excellent views of the beach.

Walking north from the Scripps Pier leads into South Blacks Beach, a clothing-optional area.