I did a shore dive last night at La Jolla Shores -- just north of Vallecitos Point. Surf: 2 footers. Surge: a little. Vis shallower than 50 fsw: 5 ft. Vis deeper than 65 fsw: 15 ft. Water temp at surface: 68°F. Water temp at 70 fsw: 53°F.
Compared to past years, vis and overall diving conditions have been pretty crappy here in San Diego this year. More recently, conditions have been better. Hopefully, vis will be nice when you're here.
Yes, you will encounter problems finding parking at La Jolla Shores in the summertime (particularly on the weekend). Drop off your gear at the corner of Vallecitos and Camino del Oro...and then park elsewhere. Sometimes I have to park a 10 min. walk away.
Power Scuba is an active Meetup.com Group that may have a dive planned during your stay. It might also be worthwhile to join the
Divebums.com email list to solicit local dive buddies and get daily dive reports.
If you have the opportunity, I'd recommend signing up for a boat dive in the Point Loma Kelp beds. There's a lot more life there (especially colorful nudibranchs) than at the Shores. La Jolla Cove can be amazing on a good day...but conditions can be hit or miss there. I've had dives where we've seen giant sea bass, topes, and harbor seals
on the same dive. Recently some divers have been running into a sevengill shark there. Maybe it's the same shark(s) that are hanging out at the Lazy Daze (site in Point Loma Kelp beds).
Bring your snorkeling equipment to watch the leopard shark show at the Marine Room.
Have fun!
