Free things to do in La Jolla top most San Diego sightseeing itineraries because of quality rather than cost. I’ve outlined twenty of the best here, from public art to our fabulous beaches.
This list only features free activities. I also publish a guide to La Jolla attractions that includes ticketed experiences and other paid options.
1. La Jolla Shores Beach
The beach tops more La Jolla itineraries, and this one is actually our favorite of all San Diego beaches.
These waves are thought to be the most gentle in the county, making this an ideal place to paddle out in a kayak, learn to surf, scuba dive, and stand-up paddleboard. Plus, the ocean is full of marine life thanks to the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park here.
There’s plenty of flat sand for families to sprawl out, as well as lifeguards, showers, and restrooms. It’s one of the most family-friendly beaches in San Diego. Kellogg Park (below) is adjacent. See why we think La Jolla Shores is San Diego’s best beach.
La Jolla Shores Beach
8200 Camino Del Oro
La Jolla, CA 92037
(619) 221-8899
2. Kellogg Park
This lovely little playground provides a nice space for kids to run and play, steps away from La Jolla Shores Beach. Bring a picnic (or get takeout from one of the nearby La Jolla Shores restaurants like The Cheese Shop) and even exercise on the huge grassy area.
This playground is perfect for the times that you want to go to the beach but not necessarily get too sandy or in the ocean. Park in the sizable adjacent parking lot (though it can fill up quickly during the summer) or on the street. And, it’s next door to La Jolla Shores Hotel and steps from La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, which is a bonus for overnight guests.
Kellogg Park
8200 Camino Del Oro
La Jolla, CA 92037
3. Torrey Pines Gliderport
The Torrey Pines cliffs have been a launch point for soaring aircraft since the 1930s. Today, it’s a place people come to fly or relax while watching paragliders and hang gliders take to the sky above Black’s Beach and over the ocean. Bring your camera, as it’s a much cooler experience than it sounds on paper.
Those who are daring can actually strap in and take a paragliding or hang-gliding tandem flight for a fee. We like the casual food for purchase (sandwiches, salads, and soups) available at the Cliff Hanger Cafe. Or, bring your lunch own to eat at the picnic tables there.
(Fun fact: Charles Lindbergh flew along this stretch of coast from Mount Soledad to Del Mar in a Bowlus sailplane on February 24, 1930, directly over what’s now Torrey Pines Gliderport.)
Torry Pines Gliderport
2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive
La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037
phone: 858 452 9858
4. Seals at the Children’s Pool
As its name implies, the Children’s Pool was supposed to be a swimming area for kids. The seawall was built in 1931 to protect the area from rough waters.
The protected area has gradually filled with sand, forming a small beach that California harbor seals have called home since about 1992.
Though there is controversy over whether they should be permitted to stay, locals and tourists can catch a glimpse of them sunbathing, swimming, and nursing their pups on any given day. It’s pretty cute, and kids love it.
See my guide to visiting the La Jolla seals and sea lions.
Children’s Pool
850 Coast Blvd
La Jolla, CA 92037
5. La Jolla Cove
For good reason, La Jolla Cove beach is the postcard image of our seaside community. Calm water here makes it a popular entry point into the ocean for swimmers and snorkelers.
The patch of sand is tiny, but you’ll see loads of families and beachgoers relaxing here in good weather. A permanent lifeguard station monitors the beach and water year-round.
Our sea lions typically rest on the cove’s point, if not on the beach. Please keep your distance as they are wild animals.
Learn more about how to spend a day at La Jolla Cove.
La Jolla Cove
1100 Coast Boulevard
La Jolla, CA 92037
6. La Jolla Recreation Center
Whether you live in La Jolla or are just visiting, the La Jolla Recreation Center is a fabulous place to let kids blow off steam. The play area has three play areas, including swings, monkey bars, play structures, basketball courts, and plenty of grass.
Other amenities include picnic tables (perfect for groups—it’s not uncommon for local kids to celebrate birthdays here), decent bathrooms, pickleball, and free programming (check the schedule).
Bring a picnic or walk to nearby La Jolla restaurants for lunch after play. A lot of seasonal festivals happen here, too.
La Jolla Recreation Center
615 Prospect Street (at Draper Street)
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 552-1658
7. La Jolla Library Events
The La Jolla Library hosts free youth and adult events. Go online to check the calendar. Kids love story time, baby yoga, and sign language classes, while adults can enjoy everything from creative writing workshops to yoga. Plus, it’s a nice space to read or study in.
La Jolla Library
7555 Draper Ave (between Pearl St & Kline St)
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 552-1657
8. Warwick’s La Jolla Events
One of La Jolla’s most beloved stores, Warwick’s Books, hosts events with well-known authors that you can check their calendar.
While some are book signings (in which case you’d need to buy a book), other events include interesting talks with a variety of local and non-local authors, including celebrities (we saw Ozzy Osbourne and Apolo Ohno there).
It’s the country’s oldest family-owned bookstore.
Warwick’s
7812 Girard Ave
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-0347
9. Coast Walk Trail
You’ll find the trailhead to Coast Walk Trail just north of The Cave Store. This is a lovely, mild hike (more like a walk) above the sea caves toward La Jolla Shores, which is about .6 miles long each way.
It’s kid-friendly, and the views are spectacular. You may hear some chatty sea lions, see some colorful kayaks on the water, bird watch, and then some.
10. Shell Beach Shelling & Seasonal Tide Pools
Find Shell Beach at the bottom of a small stairway at the south end of Ellen Browning Scripps Park. Visit when the tide is very low (minus tides are ideal) for the best viewing of tide pools, but there is usually a small sandy area here year-round.
Usually, December and January are the best months for La Jolla tide pooling along the boardwalk here. Sea slugs, starfish, fish, and other sea life can be visible here. Kids love it, and you can picnic at Ellen Browning Scripps Park.
Shell Beach
Coast Highway at Ellen Browning Scripps Park
La Jolla, CA 92037
11. La Jolla Open Aire Market
Every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at La Jolla Elementary School, the La Jolla Open Aire Market is free to wander. Browse the selection of artisanal bread, gorgeous flowers, organic fruits, vegetables, and a variety of fresh food.
Food vendors are on-site to prepare everything from an early morning burrito to crepes. Should you choose to purchase, feel good that some proceeds benefit La Jolla Elementary School. Free family activities take place every third Sunday, ranging from crafts to holiday-themed events.
La Jolla Open Aire Market
7337 Girard Ave
La Jolla, CA 92037
12. Picnic at Ellen Browning Scripps Park
AAA Magazine says that this is the most photographed spot in San Diego, and I believe it. Ellen Browning Scripps Park rests above the beach with panoramic views and plenty of grassy areas for a picnic or a game of catch.
Also, the wind-blown trees here are said to have influenced Dr. Seuss’s truffula trees in The Lorax. His house in La Jolla overlooked this park (note that the tall one recently blew down and is no longer there).
It’s adjacent to La Jolla Cove and Shell Beach, while also within walking distance to plenty of places to eat up on Prospect Street.
Ellen Browning Scripps Park
Coast Blvd & Girard Ave
La Jolla, CA 92037
13. Windansea Beach
A beach in a residential area with great waves for surfing, Windansea Beach is a local favorite and much less touristy than other beaches in the county.
There isn’t a ton of sand or tourist amenities, but it is a gorgeous place to hang out and watch the sunset. I don’t recommend that inexperienced swimmers or kids get in the water here, as the shorebreak is rough.
Windansea Beach
6800 Neptune Place
La Jolla, CA 92037
14. Stuart Collection at UC San Diego
Stuart Collection
UC San Diego
Photo: Philipp Scholz Rittermann
The Stuart Collection, an internationally renowned sculpture collection on the campus of UC San Diego, is free to explore, with a map available for printing online or via an iPhone app.
This collection differs from your average sculpture garden because some pieces are incorporated into on-site buildings. The famous Sun God sculpture is part of the collection. The 18th sculpture installation, Fallen Star, is a crooked little house that kids will love on top of the engineering building called Jacobs Hall.
Note that if you are driving to campus, you’ll need to seek out metered parking or purchase a short-term parking permit.
Stuart Collection
UC San Diego campus
15. The La Jolla Sea Caves
It’s best to see them all by kayak, but La Jolla is home to seven sea caves between La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove. The cave you can see from land is Clam’s Cave, located at Goldfish Point on Coast Blvd.
The caves are perched in 75-million-year-old sea cliffs. As you might imagine, everything from people to contraband whiskey has been smuggled into the area via the ocean and hidden inside them.
If you don’t have a kayak, renting one or booking a cave tour is easy. (It’s also possible to walk inside Sunny Jim’s Cave through The Cave Store, though adults pay a small entrance fee.)
16. Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial
Not only does it boast one of the best views of San Diego, but the Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial also honors veterans who have served our country with beautiful black granite plaques.
Over 3000 of these granite plaques are spread across multiple Memorial Walls and serve as mementos of the brave people who fought way back when in the Revolutionary War to the current Middle East conflict.
Military supporters, including celebrities and several U.S. Presidents, are also honored on the walls.
Pick up a pamphlet from one of the onsite boxes or speak to a docent for additional insight. It’s a great teaching moment for kids. There is also an online plaque locator.
Two major Veterans events are held at the site on Memorial Day and on the Saturday before Veterans Day (November 11th).
Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial
6905 La Jolla Scenic South
(between Soledad Park Rd & Via Capri)
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-2314
17. La Jolla Historical Society: Wisteria Cottage Galleries & Free Walking Tours
The La Jolla Historical Society operates out of Wisteria Cottage, an important historic building in The Village. It originally served as a guest house for the Scripps family and was remodeled in 1907 by architect Irving Gill, who removed the ornate Victorian details and transformed it into an early example of modern design.
Wisteria Cottage is open typically Wednesday through Sunday afternoons, and its galleries host rotating exhibits that often connect art, science, architecture, and local culture.
Another under-the-radar neat (in my opinion) offering is that the La Jolla Historical Society offers free self-guided walking tour itineraries for those interested in architecture and our community’s history.
La Jolla Historical Society
780 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 653-6277
18. Walk the La Jolla Murals
La Jolla’s murals started appearing in 2010 and have added significant character and color to our seaside community. They change periodically, so there may be a new one each time you visit.
Take a very Instagram-worthy self-guided tour using the map, or sign up for a walking tour of the murals hosted by the Athenaeum. Get the details.
19. Scripps Pier for Photos
Scripps Pier is one of La Jolla’s most recognizable landmarks and a very popular place for local families to take special occasion photos. The beach here is usually wide, and the pier with the ocean is a stunning backdrop.
It’s a working UC San Diego research pier used for ocean, climate, and marine science studies and is not open to the public. If you’re interested in oceanography, you may want to check it out regardless.
Scripps Pier
Tip: Put Caroline’s Seaside Cafe in your GPS (address is below). The stairway down to the beach from here will get you close. Otherwise, park at La Jolla Shores Beach and walk.
8610 Charles F, Kennel Way
La Jolla, CA 92037
20. Snorkel With the Leopard Sharks
Leopard sharks flock to La Jolla’s warm and shallow waters during the summer, and it is possible to snorkel alongside them respectfully.
One of the best places to do so is La Jolla Shores beach near The Marine Room restaurant, where they tend to congregate in the largest numbers.
Be calm, don’t make noise, and they’ll stick around to swim with you. They do not typically like bubbles from scuba gear, so snorkeling in shallow water is your best bet. This is one of the more unique free things to do in La Jolla, so don’t miss it!
La Jolla Shores Beach
8200 Camino Del Oro
La Jolla, CA 92037
(619) 221-8899
Honorable Mention: MCASD La Jolla
Thanks to the Qualcomm Foundation, MCASD La Jolla is free for anyone under age 25. It’s also free for those aged 55+, SNAP/EBT cardholders, visitors with disabilities, and military personnel.
Our modern art museum is free for everyone on the second Sunday and third Thursday of every month. I highly recommend you take advantage of these opportunities. The views are spectacular, the art is interesting, and it’s a lovely way to spend a morning or afternoon.
MCASD La Jolla
700 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-3541
Are there other favorite free things to do in La Jolla that are not on this list? Leave us a comment.
Katie Dillon
Leave a Reply