La Jolla Shores Look Down with Leopard Sharks

You’ll find a large parking lot off Camino Del Oro which is the easiest place to park your car. There’s also parking on the streets just outside of The Marine Room restaurant which will put you on the south end of the beach where the sharks typically gather. It’s sometimes a bit challenging to spot the sharks from the beach but if they’re out, you’ll usually see some snorkelers and stand up paddle boarders by them. Of course, the easiest way is to send the drone up for a better look! I’ve always had success setting up on a towel near Marine Room since it’s a little less crowded and searching from there. Just be careful not to set up in front of the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club since it’s technically a private reserved section of the beach and someone may come ask you to leave. Enjoy!

Visit in August, as the leopard sharks only nurse in La Jolla Shores for a month or so a year depending on water temperature. August is usually the time when they're at their peak.

In the morning the sharks are less active and the morning light makes for great light for droning.

Follow local drone regulations and permit requirements if flying a drone.

There's two ways to get a shot of the sharks: drone or underwater. A drone is the best way to get a wide-angle shot of the scene and truly the best way to capture the scale of all of the sharks.

Try to use a polarizing lens if you're doing aerial shots to help cut down on reflections and glare on the water surface.

Swimming with the sharks is also fun and a popular activity (they're bottom feeders and harmless to humans). The sharks are very afraid of humans so avoid any sudden movements or they will swim away quickly.

Piatti's down the hill at La Jolla Shores is the BEST Italian restaurant around. The dipping sauce is one of the best I've had in the world! Address: Piatti, 2182 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037