I came to La Jolla as an undergraduate at UC San Diego and have spent much of my adult life in this seaside community, raising my daughter and owning a home here. Today I work as a travel advisor, helping visitors make the most of their time in San Diego, including where I live.
These are the best things to do in La Jolla based on what I recommend to visitors and what people who live here actually enjoy. I update my guide regularly as restaurants, attractions, and seasonal experiences change.
If you’re figuring out what to do in La Jolla, most of the places below are along the coast or in The Village (downtown La Jolla), so it’s easy to combine several in one outing. For a broader overview of where to stay and eat, see my La Jolla travel guide.
30 Best Things to Do in La Jolla
Ranked by a longtime resident
1. Spend the Day at La Jolla Shores Beach
La Jolla Shores · 8300 Camino del Oro
This is the beach I send everyone to. For general beach going, La Jolla Shores is the biggest stretch of sand we have. There’s space for everyone to spread out, even on the most crowded days. The ocean is typically calm and excellent for swimming, and surfing is allowed on the north side where the waves break gently enough for beginners. Book lessons through a licensed company like Surf Diva.
A playground and Kellogg Park (a huge grassy area) sit right next to the beach, making it easy for families to split time between sand and shade. You can walk a few blocks to the La Jolla Shores business district for restaurants. Grab a sandwich at The Cheese Shop and bring it back to the beach.
Katie’s Tip
The lot fills by mid-morning on peak days, so either arrive early or take an Uber. Street parking on the residential streets works too, but expect a walk.
→ Read my complete La Jolla beaches guide
→ Read my full La Jolla Shores Beach guide
2. Explore the La Jolla Underwater Park by Kayak, Snorkeling, or SUP
La Jolla Shores / La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Shores Beach is also the entry point to the San Diego–La Jolla Underwater Park, a protected marine area full of kelp forests, bright orange garibaldi (California’s state fish), leopard sharks, rays, and more. You can explore by swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, or scuba diving. The kayak tours to the seven sea caves are the signature La Jolla adventure.
Visit during mid to late summer when leopard sharks incubate in the shallow water at La Jolla Shores. You can walk out and see them in knee-deep water near the Marine Room restaurant. They’re harmless.
Katie’s Tip
Mornings are best for kayaking. The water is calmer and visibility is better. If you’re visiting in summer, the leopard sharks are worth the trip alone. Read my full guide to seeing the La Jolla leopard sharks.
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3. Visit La Jolla Cove and the Sea Lions
The Village · 1100 Coast Blvd
La Jolla Cove is one of La Jolla’s most popular attractions, and it’s completely free. A small beach sits at the base of the cliffs, surrounded by rocky points where the sea lions lounge, bark, dive in, and haul themselves back out. Point La Jolla itself, the rocky area where they haul out, is closed to the public year-round, so you watch from the walkway above. The cove has tide pools at low tide, clear water for snorkeling and scuba diving, and a steep staircase down to the sand. But you don’t have to go down to the beach to enjoy it.
The coastal sidewalk wraps around the Cove with views from above, and continues south past Shell Beach toward Children’s Pool. It’s one of the best short walks in San Diego. The Cove sits at the southern end of Ellen Browning Scripps Park, a gorgeous strip of grass overlooking the ocean. From here, you’re a few minutes’ walk to shops, galleries, and restaurants along Prospect Street and Girard Avenue in The Village.
Katie’s Tip
The sea lions are always there unless it’s actively raining. You will see them. But please give them 50 feet of space. Report any harassment to the lifeguards.
Good to Know
In peak summer, parking near the Cove is a real challenge. My advice: take an Uber, or reserve a spot in advance with SpotHero or on ACE Parking’s website so you’re not circling. If you do drive, street parking in The Village is timed (mostly two-hour signs) and enforcement is aggressive, so the paid lots and garages are your best bet for a longer visit. Just budget extra time. It’s a short walk to the Cove from there, and you’ll pass shops and restaurants on the way.
→ Read my full La Jolla Cove guide
4. See the Harbor Seals at Children’s Pool
The Village · 850 Coast Blvd
This is the home of the famous La Jolla seals. Children’s Pool was originally built in the 1930s as a sheltered swimming area for children, funded by philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps. A concrete seawall creates a protected cove, and over the decades, sand filled in behind it and harbor seals moved in. Today, the seals are the main attraction.
December 15 to May 15 is pupping season, when the beach itself is closed to public access to protect the seals and their pups. This is my favorite time to visit. You can stand at the railing just yards from mothers nursing their pups, and the photos are extraordinary. Even outside pupping season, the seals are usually here. You can walk the seawall when conditions are calm, though I wouldn’t recommend it for young children. It’s narrow and slippery.
Katie’s Tip
This is about a 10-minute walk south from the Cove. Combine them: see the sea lions at La Jolla Cove, then walk south on the coastal boardwalk to see the harbor seals at Children’s Pool. Two La Jolla icons, one walk.
→ Read my full guide to the La Jolla seals
5. Hike Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Torrey Pines · 12600 N Torrey Pines Road
Torrey Pines is one of only two places in the world where Torrey Pine trees grow naturally (the other is Santa Rosa Island, off the coast of Santa Barbara). It’s one of the few remaining wild stretches of coastline in Southern California, with reserve status that protects it from development. The trails range from easy to moderate, and several end with ocean views from the bluffs. On clear days, you can see dolphins, and during winter, migrating gray whales.
Good to Know
Get here early, especially on weekends. The parking lot fills up and once it’s full, you’re out of luck. There’s no overflow. No food or drinks except water in the reserve above the beach; eating down on the sand is fine. Dogs are not allowed on the trails or the beach below.
Katie’s Tip
The Razor Point Trail has the best views for the least effort. If you’re with kids, they can earn Junior Ranger badges. Ask at the visitor center.
→ Read my full Torrey Pines Reserve guide
6. Learn About Marine Life at Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Torrey Pines / UCSD · 2300 Expedition Way
Birch Aquarium sits on a hillside above La Jolla Shores with panoramic views of the coast and Scripps Pier below. It’s the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, one of the world’s oldest and most respected ocean research institutions. The exhibits focus on local marine life, ocean science, and climate research. The outdoor tide pool plaza is a highlight for kids, and the kelp forest tank is mesmerizing for any age.
Their guided Tidepooling Adventures are some of the best family experiences in La Jolla. Offered on select weekend dates, a Birch Aquarium naturalist takes small groups to local tide pools and helps you spot and identify what’s living in them. Advance reservations are required.
Katie’s Tip
Buy tickets online. It’s about $5 cheaper per ticket, and walk-up entry isn’t guaranteed.
→ Read my full Birch Aquarium guide
7. Step Into Sunny Jim Sea Cave
The Village · 1325 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
This is the only sea cave in California you can reach from land. Inside the Cave Store on Coast Blvd, a weathered wooden staircase descends through a hand-dug tunnel to a platform inside the cave. You’ll hear barking sea lions echoing off the rock walls and feel the ocean surging below. It’s a quick side adventure, not a full stop. The tunnel work began in 1902, and the cave was named by L. Frank Baum (yes, the Wizard of Oz author) because the cave opening reminded him of a British cereal mascot called Sunny Jim.
Good to Know
The stairway is old and can be slippery. It’s not great for anyone with mobility issues. Lines get long on summer weekends. Go early or on a weekday.
→ Read my full Sunny Jim Sea Cave guide
8. Picnic or Play at Ellen Browning Scripps Park
The Village · 1100 Coast Blvd
The park’s windblown trees are said to have inspired the Truffula trees in The Lorax. Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) lived in La Jolla for decades. Locals come here for picnics, frisbee, yoga, and dog walks. The green huts along the shore are called belvederes, and they frame some of the best photos in town.
Scripps Park sits right next to La Jolla Cove, Boomer Beach (where the sea lions hang out), and Shell Beach. Walk south, and you’ll reach Children’s Pool in about five minutes. It’s the perfect place to spread a blanket and just be in La Jolla for a while.
→ Read my Ellen Browning Scripps Park guide
9. Experience the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD)
The Village · 700 Prospect Street
Housed in the beautifully renovated former home of Ellen Browning Scripps, MCASD has some of the most spectacular ocean views of any museum in the country. The contemporary art collection rotates regularly, and the building itself, with its clean lines and walls of glass facing the Pacific, is worth the visit. Check the schedule for free guided tours. Don’t skip the gift shop, and if you’re hungry, The Kitchen has dining with a view.
Katie’s Tip
Ages 25 and under get free admission thanks to the Qualcomm Foundation. That’s a great deal if you’re traveling with college-age kids.
→ Read my La Jolla museums guide
10. Take Photos at Scripps Pier
La Jolla Shores · 8650 Kennel Way (walk to beach)
Scripps Pier is one of the largest working research piers in the world. Scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography use it to continuously monitor the Pacific Ocean, pumping up to roughly a million gallons of seawater a day into research tanks. But for most visitors, it’s one of La Jolla’s most photographed spots: family portraits, engagement shoots, Instagram content, you name it. Shoot underneath the pylons at sunrise or sunset for those dramatic leading lines. You can’t walk on the pier itself (access is restricted to researchers), but the beach at the base is wide open.
Katie’s Tip
Birch Aquarium offers Sunset Scripps Pier Walks, a rare chance to actually walk the pier. Keep an eye on their events calendar.
11. Play with the Family at La Jolla Recreation Center
The Village · 615 Prospect Street
My daughter played here after preschool for years. Basketball courts, pickleball, playgrounds, and rec classes like karate. This isn’t a must-visit tourist stop, but if you’re staying at a nearby hotel with kids who need to burn energy, it’s perfect, and MCASD is right across the street.
12. Walk the Stuart Collection of Public Art at UC San Diego
Torrey Pines / UCSD · 9500 Gilman Drive
UCSD is my alma mater, so I’m biased, but the Stuart Collection is genuinely amazing. It’s a series of enormous public art installations scattered across campus, some integrated right into the architecture of the buildings. Walking the collection feels like an outdoor scavenger hunt. Download and print the map from the Stuart Collection website before you go. It lays out a suggested walking route so you hit all 22.
→ Read my full Stuart Collection guide
13. Watch Gliders or Fly Tandem at Torrey Pines Gliderport
Torrey Pines · 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive
This is a hidden gem worth visiting even if you have no intention of flying. The Gliderport has nearly 100 years of flying history, and the panoramic ocean views from the cliffs are stunning. With colorful gliders and paragliders drifting overhead, it’s surprisingly relaxing to just sit and watch. Cliffhanger Cafe makes solid sandwiches and now has a bar with occasional live music. The vibe is casual, parking is usually easy, and it’s right near UCSD. Below the cliffs, a steep, unmaintained trail leads down to Black’s Beach (parts of it are unofficially clothing-optional); the climb back up takes 15 to 20 minutes.
→ Read my full Torrey Pines Gliderport guide
14. See Live Theater at La Jolla Playhouse
Torrey Pines / UCSD · 2910 La Jolla Village Drive
A Tony Award–winning theater on the UCSD campus where productions sometimes make it all the way to Broadway. I saw Rent here decades ago and was a season ticket holder for years. It’s one of the best regional theaters in the country. Check the calendar and book ahead, especially for new productions generating buzz.
15. Tee Off at Torrey Pines Golf Course
Torrey Pines · 11480 N Torrey Pines Road
The famous municipal course where Tiger Woods has won and where the PGA Tour’s The Sentry, formerly the Farmers Insurance Open, is played every January. The City of San Diego owns both the North and South courses, which border the ocean along stunning bluffs. It’s genuinely one of the most beautiful golf settings in the world, and it’s a public course. Tee times are available through the online booking portal.
Katie’s Tip
The Lodge at Torrey Pines helps overnight guests secure tee times. People stay at the hotel specifically for this. I can add on benefits like complimentary breakfast for two.
16. Visit Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial
Mt. Soledad · 6905 La Jolla Scenic S Drive
I live near here, and the view never gets old. On a clear day you can see past Mission Bay all the way to Mexico, east over the mountains, and north to La Jolla Shores and Del Mar. More than 7,000 black granite plaques honor veterans from the Revolutionary War through current conflicts. Honorees include Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Stewart, and General Patton. Docents are usually on-site to share stories. There’s a grassy area for kids to run around, and it’s a peaceful place for a picnic.
→ Read my full Mt. Soledad guide
17. Relax or Surf at WindanSea Beach
WindanSea · 6800 Neptune Place
WindanSea is more of a local spot than a tourist beach, and it’s beautiful. The shore break is intense, not for kids or inexperienced swimmers, but the scenery is striking, with a nice patch of sand when the tides cooperate. The iconic WindanSea shack has stood here since the 1940s (rebuilt several times) and is a registered historical landmark. It generates deep nostalgia for anyone who grew up in La Jolla. The shack area is one of the most popular spots in town for family photos, special occasions, and Instagram shots.
Good to Know
This is a surfing beach with a powerful shore break. Swim at La Jolla Shores instead if you have young kids. WindanSea is best for experienced surfers, sunset walks, and photos.
→ Read my full WindanSea Beach guide
18. See a Concert at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
The Village · 7600 Fay Avenue
The permanent home of the La Jolla Music Society. The 481-seat hall hosts a wide range of musical styles: classical, jazz, world, contemporary. They also offer family concerts, free workshops, and open rehearsals in the summer. Pair it with dinner at a walkable restaurant; The LOT is right across the street.
19. Go Tide Pooling (Winter and Early Spring)
Multiple Locations
When low tides fall during daylight hours, residents and tourists flock to La Jolla’s tide pools. Hermit crabs, octopuses, sea anemones, sea stars. The diversity is remarkable. Check the tide calendar and look for minus tides. The best spots are behind Children’s Pool and north of Scripps Pier at Dike Rock.
Katie’s Tip
Book a Birch Aquarium Tidepooling Adventure ($20–$25, ages 6 and up). We’ve done them personally. Their naturalists have a knack for spotting critters you’d walk right past on your own.
→ Read my full La Jolla tide pools guide
20. Walk the La Jolla Murals
The Village · Various locations
A privately funded community art program by the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. Murals appear on billboards and buildings throughout the Village, each on display for at least two years before rotating. There are about 16 murals at any given time, and you can do a self-guided walk using the map at muralsoflajolla.com. The Athenaeum also leads free guided evening walking tours that run about 90 minutes. Dates and registration are posted on the same site.
21. Play with Rescues at the Cat Lounge
Torrey Pines · 1006 Torrey Pines Road
This nonprofit’s cats come from high-kill shelters across Southern California and partner rescues, and every one is ready for adoption. Pay your admission, then read, relax, or play with the cats as long as you like. Donations go directly to the cats’ care. Kids under 14 need an accompanying adult. Adoptions are available if you fall in love, and you might.
22. Take a Salk Institute Architecture Tour
Torrey Pines · 10010 N Torrey Pines Road
Designed by architect Louis Kahn in collaboration with Jonas Salk, who envisioned a research facility that would inspire creativity. It delivers. The brutalist concrete and that famous courtyard, a narrow channel of water vanishing toward the Pacific horizon, have made it an architectural pilgrimage, and the campus is a designated historic site. The docent-led architecture tour is the best way to see it.
23. Enjoy Local Flavors in Bird Rock
Bird Rock · 5600 La Jolla Blvd (heart of the neighborhood)
I live just up the hill and spend a lot of time in Bird Rock. It’s La Jolla’s most walkable neighborhood for food.
- Bird Rock Coffee Roasters is locally famous.
- Wayfarer Bread & Pastry sells out early. Get there for croissants and sandwiches. Pizza is pre-order only, on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Dodo Bird Donuts does fancy donuts and gourmet breakfast sandwiches.
- Beaumont’s is great for dinner and weekend brunch.
- Wheat & Water has excellent pizza and salads.
- Bird Rock Surf Shop has been around forever.
- Hermosa Surf is newer, with boards, smoothies, a good vibe.
24. Go Shopping in The Village
The Village · Prospect and Girard Streets
Prospect Street has been called the “Rodeo Drive of San Diego County,” and while it’s not quite that, the shopping is excellent. Boutiques, art galleries, and locally owned stores line Prospect and the intersecting streets (Girard, Ivanhoe). My favorite is Warwick’s, the oldest continuously family-owned bookstore in the country and a great gift shop. You’ll also find Lululemon, Aviator Nation, Vuori (a San Diego brand), and other quality casual shops.
25. Browse the La Jolla Open Aire Market
The Village · 7337 Girard Ave (La Jolla Elementary School)
La Jolla’s Sunday farmers market sells fresh produce, flowers, olive oils, baked goods, crafts, and seafood. The prepared food is worth the trip on its own: grab avocado toast or a burrito and eat at the picnic tables, or take it to go. It’s also a great place to pick up epicurean souvenirs.
26. Learn About Our Past at the Museum of History and Culture La Jolla
The Village · 780 Prospect Street
Exhibition galleries fill Wisteria Cottage on Prospect Street, with rotating exhibits honoring the people, events, and architecture that shaped La Jolla. In spring, the museum hosts its annual Secret Garden Tour. I’ve volunteered at it. In April, the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance car show takes over the Cove, with the museum as a key beneficiary. Year-round, they offer themed self-guided walks through different parts of the neighborhood.
27. Walk the Scenic Coast Walk Trail
The Village · 1325 Coast Blvd (near Cave Store)
This dirt path runs north from the Village. The bluff-top stretch is about 0.6 miles, then residential streets carry you the rest of the way to La Jolla Shores. The entrance is near the Cave Store on Coast Blvd, and the trail wraps along the coastline with gorgeous ocean views and sea lions on the rocks below. It’s an easy walk with benches along the way. It’s a lovely, low-effort way to see La Jolla’s dramatic coast up close.
→ Read my full Coast Walk Trail guide
28. Watch a Movie at The LOT Luxury Cinema
The Village · 7611 Fay Avenue
A luxury movie theater where you order food and cocktails from plush reclining seats. It’s also a lifestyle space with a patio, restaurant, and bar. My friends and I go all the time. It’s our go-to when we want a low-key night out. It’s also a great rainy-day option when La Jolla’s outdoor attractions aren’t cooperating.
Good to Know
There’s underground parking, but you MUST get your ticket validated or you’ll pay full price. Don’t forget.
29. Dine at Our La Jolla Restaurants
The Village · Throughout The Village and La Jolla Shores
→ See all my favorite La Jolla restaurants
La Jolla’s dining scene is one of San Diego’s best. Here are my go-to spots:
- Ocean Terrace at George’s at the Cove: Casual alfresco dining with seasonal menus and the best lunch view in La Jolla, straight over the Cove. California Modern, the fine-dining room downstairs, is now an event space, so today George’s means the Ocean Terrace and the Level2 bar.
- Brockton Villa: A historic cottage where the famous Coast Toast alone is worth the visit.
- Puesto: Elevated street tacos.
- Taco Stand on Pearl: The line forms for a reason; order the adobada.
- NINE-TEN: Award-winning farm-to-table dining; our date-night spot.
- Eddie V’s: Martinis, oysters, and a happy hour with a view.
- Trilogy Sanctuary: Yoga studio with a rooftop vegan restaurant that non-vegans love.
- Bobboi Natural Gelato: Artisanal gelato near the Cove.
- Sugar and Scribe: Cupcakes, cookies, and breakfast; where I meet friends.
30. Take a Guided Sightseeing or Food Tour
Multiple Locations
If you want someone else to handle the planning, La Jolla has excellent guided tours.
- The SoCal Riviera Electric Bike Tour by San Diego Tours & Rentals covers hills, coastline, the Cove, and the seals.
- Segway tours hit the beaches, seals, boutiques, and public art in about two hours.
- The Museum of History and Culture La Jolla offers free self-guided walks.
- For food, So Diego runs a La Jolla food walking tour.
- Guided kayak tours of the sea caves launch from La Jolla Shores.
Best Time to Visit La Jolla
Peak season. Longest days, warmest water, leopard sharks in the shallows at La Jolla Shores. But also the most crowded. Parking is difficult everywhere, and June can be gray until noon (locals call it June Gloom, and morning clouds often linger into July). Book everything in advance.
September and October are the best months to visit La Jolla. Warm, sunny days (often warmer than summer), significantly fewer crowds, and the ocean is still near its summer warmest. You can do most of this list without fighting for parking. The only downside: the leopard sharks are starting to head out for the season.
Whale watching season: gray whales migrate along the coast, and you can sometimes spot them from the Torrey Pines bluffs. Harbor seal pupping season begins December 15. Minus tides bring excellent tide pooling. Cool but pleasant weather (60s). La Jolla is quiet and beautiful.
Seal pups are still at Children’s Pool through mid-May. Wildflowers at Torrey Pines. La Jolla Concours d’Elegance at the Cove in April. The Secret Garden Tour in spring. Weather is mild. Crowds begin building again toward Memorial Day.
Getting Around La Jolla
My advice? Take an Uber or Lyft, especially if you’re visiting for a half day or shorter. Parking is the single most frustrating part of visiting La Jolla, particularly around The Village and the Cove in summer. If you’re driving, budget time for it and know that the demand-based parking at Torrey Pines can hit $25 on peak days.
From the San Diego airport, La Jolla is about 20 minutes north without traffic (longer during rush hour on I-5). If you’re staying in a La Jolla hotel, many activities in The Village and along the coast are walkable from your hotel. That’s one of the best things about staying here versus visiting on a day trip.
Good to Know
SpotHero and ACE Parking’s website let you reserve and pay for parking in advance, especially in summer when the spots near the Cove and Village fill up fast. It’s the difference between a smooth visit and 30 minutes of circling.
Where to Stay
For All of This
I help people book hotels in La Jolla. I know what my clients do here, what my friends do, and what my daughter and her friends do.
- The Lodge at Torrey Pines: my top pick overall, if the trip deserves a splurge
- La Valencia Hotel: walk to most of this list from the heart of the Village
- La Jolla Shores Hotel: directly on the sand at the family beach
Book the Lodge through me and VIP benefits are included. I currently have a discount at La Jolla Shores Hotel, and all 17 places to stay are ranked in my full guide to La Jolla hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answered by a longtime resident
Is La Jolla worth visiting?
As a longtime resident: absolutely. La Jolla means “The Jewel” in Spanish, and it fits. We have some of San Diego’s best restaurants, stunning coastline, boutique shopping, wildlife you can see for free, and a laid-back vibe for an upscale community. Many San Diego locals make day trips here regularly. That tells you something.
What can you do in La Jolla for a day?
A lot. The short version: morning at Torrey Pines or kayaking at the Shores, afternoon at the Cove and Children’s Pool, evening dining and shopping in The Village. For a full plan, see how I’d spend one perfect day in La Jolla.
What is La Jolla famous for?
La Jolla is best known for its coastline: La Jolla Cove, the sea lions and seals, and the sea caves. Also Torrey Pines (both the golf course and the state reserve), the Salk Institute, and the dining scene. It’s often called the jewel of San Diego.
What are the best free things to do in La Jolla?
Most of La Jolla’s best experiences are free: La Jolla Cove, Children’s Pool seals, Torrey Pines hiking, tide pooling, Scripps Pier, the Coast Walk Trail, WindanSea Beach, Mt. Soledad, and the La Jolla Murals. I have a dedicated post: free things to do in La Jolla.
What is there to do in La Jolla for couples?
The best La Jolla date ideas revolve around dinner and sunset. That’s the scene here. The Marine Room is the classic splurge (waves literally crash against the windows at high tide). The Ocean Terrace at George’s at the Cove has sunset views. Eddie V’s does excellent happy hour oysters and martinis. NINE-TEN is our go-to for a quieter farm-to-table evening. La Jolla doesn’t have much nightlife, but a sunset walk on the Coast Walk Trail or photos at the WindanSea shack at golden hour is more romantic than any bar. Kayaking the sea caves together is a great daytime date.
Where’s the best place to walk around in La Jolla?
The Village, La Jolla’s downtown. Once you park (or Uber in), everything is walkable: the Cove, Children’s Pool, restaurants, shopping on Prospect and Girard, MCASD, and the murals. The coastal sidewalk from the Cove south to Children’s Pool is the most scenic short walk. For a longer walk, take the Coast Walk Trail north toward La Jolla Shores (the last stretch is on residential streets).
Is La Jolla Beach swimmable?
Yes, at most beaches. La Jolla Shores has the calmest water and is best for families and beginning surfers. La Jolla Cove is swimmable but there’s no surf. It’s better for snorkeling. WindanSea has a dangerous shore break and is for experienced surfers only. Children’s Pool beach is closed to all public access during pupping season (Dec 15 – May 15); you view the seals from the seawall.
How do I get to La Jolla from downtown San Diego?
It’s about 20 minutes by car via I-5 North (longer in rush hour). Uber or Lyft is the easiest option. By bus, take the Trolley to Old Town and connect to MTS Route 30, which serves La Jolla, though a car or rideshare is more convenient for getting between La Jolla’s different neighborhoods.
What is the best time of year to visit La Jolla?
September and October. Warm weather (often warmer than summer), significantly fewer crowds, and ocean temperatures still near their summer peak. See my seasonal guide above.
Is La Jolla Beach free?
Yes. La Jolla’s beaches are free to visit, and the only possible cost is parking. The one exception is Children’s Pool, whose beach closes December 15 to May 15 for pupping season (seawall viewing stays free). Street parking is free but timed (two-hour signs are typical), so you may need a paid lot or garage for a longer visit.
What are the best things to do near La Jolla?
La Jolla’s central San Diego location puts you close to several major attractions: the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park (20 minutes), downtown San Diego and Little Italy (20 minutes), Mission Bay and SeaWorld (15–20 minutes), and Del Mar and Solana Beach (15–20 minutes north). LEGOLAND in Carlsbad is about 30 minutes. You can also take the Amtrak train from Old Town toward Anaheim (transfer for Disneyland) or downtown Los Angeles.
In the Torrey pines state park photo, there is a whale above and to the left of the boat.
This was the MOST helpful article of all I read while planning our trip (kids 9 and 6). Now to talk them out of Legoland!! Thank you thank you!
Love your recommendations!!
Would love a couple of restaurant suggestions in La Jolla and San Diego!
Your website was extremely helpful for last minute vacation in La Jolla with kids, from finding the best place to stay to attractions and beach activities. Thank you so much!!!