The beach at the foot of Ravina St. in La Jolla has other, more recognizable names.

A large 5' round storm drain empties out on the beach and reef at what would be the foot of Ravina. For over 50 years , the surf break is called "Horseshoe." Horseshoe is the surfer's name because of the way the wave curves around and forms a horseshoe shape as the wave approaches the reef.

The other, older name for the beach is "Whispering Sands." This name comes from the way the sand will "squeek--squeek" as one walks across the sand at certain times. Only older people and real estate agents refer to it as Whispering Sands anymore.

Going further down the beach--a block or two south, the beach becomes more well known as "Marine Street Beach." Ask just about any kid who grew up in San Diego, and they all know Marine Street as a place where they surfed, partied, bodyboarded, etc. as they went through a phase of their maturing. Marine Street beach is at the foot of Marine Street, and there is a low water run-off storm drain diversion drain at that location--always blocked by sand and not operating. Water from the street just flows onto the sand, and into the ocean.

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for La Jolla - Nicholson Point and 8,000 other beaches.