UCSD, LA JOLLA - SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

For the past few years, I have seen people posting photos on Instagram of the rope swings in La Jolla and I have been super jealous.  They are situated high up on a cliff overlooking the ocean and the pictures are often taken at sunset making them even more epic.  I have had the thought on many of my trips to San Diego to search them out but never made the time.  Finally, I decided to make it happen.

GETTING TO THE LA JOLLA SECRET SWINGS

I had heard stories and read posts about getting to the swings in the past so I had a general idea of where to look for the swings.  I had done my research on Google Maps ahead of time and it looked pretty easy to get to the spot.  The only thing that I was confused about was that a lot of people had said that they were hard to find or difficult to get to.

Amanda and I set out about an hour before sunset and followed the directions up La Jolla Shores Drive and parked where La Jolla Shores meets Discovery Way.  From there we started on foot up Discovery Way and across Expedition Way.  There is a well-used trail that according to Google Maps is called the UCSD to Birch Aquarium Trail.  We followed that through a grove of trees and ultimately came to what looked like the edge of a cliff.  The trail continued on after making a sharp turn and headed down the mountain to the Aquarium Visitor Lot.  In a patch of trees near the turn in the trail, we saw a couple ropes that had been cut hanging from a branch.

THE TROUBLE WITH INSTAGRAM

Instagram is a double-edged sword.  It is a great tool to let people share their experiences with others and allow you to explore new places.  However, it also means the end for many of other places.  Once a place becomes insta-famous, everyone starts visiting and it becomes over-saturated with people and often causes issues.  These swings are a perfect example of that.  With so many people visiting them, the land owners are worried about liability and take them down as soon as a new one pops up.  Similarly, a few of the people that visit these places don't show respect and it punishes the many that would love to visit them.  That is what happened with the beached boat that became insta-famous in Point Reyes.  Someone decided to use steel wool to create an image and burned a good majority of the boat down.  Make sure that when you venture out to these places, that you follow the "leave no trace" mantra so that many others can enjoy them as well.

AN AMAZING LA JOLLA SUNSET

We thought that all was lost since the swings were cut down and the sky was full of clouds, obscuring the sunset.  We decided to just sit and enjoy the view for a bit since we had made the trek out here.  Just as we were getting ready to leave, the sky opened up and gave us about ten minutes of the most amazing colors in the sky.  It made the trip well worth it in the end.  I have since seen some posts about a new swing that is closer to the ocean in La Jolla that we may have to check out soon.  Here's to hoping that we make it before that one is gone...

Make sure to let me know on Instagram or leave a comment if you know of any amazing rope swings to explore.