La Jolla

Travel Guide
La Jolla
This Californian beach town attracts luxury travelers, newlyweds and surfers with gorgeous palm tree parklands, secluded nudist beaches and spectacular waves.

Experience the upscale beach life of La Jolla, where San Diegans go to relax. This seaside community lives up to its affectionate nickname, the “Jewel City,” with excellent restaurants and pristine swimming coves.

La Jolla first became popular in the 1880s when developers realized the value of the region’s protected beaches. Bring the family to La Jolla Cove, which has serene waters for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Let the kids play safely at La Jolla Children’s Pool. This cove is occasionally occupied by an adventurous pack of seals. Find the best waves at Windansea Beach, which is famous for its reef breaks and exquisite sunset views.

Enjoy the luscious lawn and tall palms of Ellen Browning Scripps Park, which commemorates one of the town’s most beloved philanthropists. Visit Scripps’ former residence to find the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, where a 20th-century collection consists of more than 4,600 pieces.

Experience the coastal vistas with a long walk along Broken Hill Trail, which has intermittent access to the sands of Black’s Beach. This secluded shoreline is popular with nudists, who enjoy the gorgeous natural landscape punctuated by sandstone cliffs and springtime flowers.

Alternatively, try the easier trails of Razor Point and Parry Grove, which follow the coastal cliffs of Torrey Pines Natural Reserve. Nearby, play a round of golf at the Torrey Pines Golf Course, a championship course with sweeping views overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Relax after a walk at one of many spa facilities in La Jolla or get your nails done with a full manicure-pedicure. Browse perfumes, jewelry and antique maps alongside brand-names clothes and curios in La Jolla’s bustling shopping district. This area also has a wide selection of restaurants serving gourmet Italian, Thai fusion and French cuisine.

La Jolla is located 15 miles (23 kilometers) north of downtown San Diego. Access the area by car or public buses that run frequently.

Where to stay in La Jolla

Birch Aquarium showing interior views and marine life

La Jolla Shores

While visiting La Jolla Shores, you might make a stop by sights like La Jolla Shores Park and La Jolla Beach.

La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Cove showing rugged coastline and general coastal views as well as a small group of people

Village of La Jolla

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

While visiting Village of La Jolla, you might make a stop by sights like La Jolla Cove and Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.

Village of La Jolla
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Torrey Pines

5/5(1 area review)

Pristine beaches, ample dining options, and top golf courses are just a few top things to explore in Torrey Pines. A visit to Black's Beach or Torrey Pines Golf Course might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at UC San Diego Central Campus Station or VA Medical Center Station to get around town.

Torrey Pines
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Country Club

Country Club might not have many top sights, but La Jolla Cove and Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Country Club
La Jolla

Beach Barber Tract

5/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Beach Barber Tract, Windansea Beach and Marine Street Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Beach Barber Tract
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Bird Rock

If you're spending some time in Bird Rock, Mission and Pacific Beaches and Pacific Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Bird Rock
La Jolla Cove Suites
La Jolla Cove Suites
3 out of 5
1155 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA
The price is €154 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
€154
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this beach hotel in La Jolla. Enjoy breakfast, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,016 reviews)
"Great location but rooms need a bit of updating. Room heater did not work and had to get a portable heater which did not work well enough for the space. We were ocean front and the view from the balcony was spectacular. That made up for heating problem."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

La Jolla Cove Suites
Inn By The Sea La Jolla
Inn By The Sea La Jolla
3.5 out of 5
7830 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €201 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
€201
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this hotel in La Jolla. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,337 reviews)
My Unique Excursion
"Loved the location! Room was great. Service was excellent."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Inn By The Sea La Jolla
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
4 out of 5
10950 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA
The price is €190 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€190
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this golf hotel in La Jolla. Enjoy room service, a fitness center, and valet parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"The staff was amazing!!"

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2024

Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Redwood Hollow Cottages
Redwood Hollow Cottages
3.5 out of 5
256 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach cottage in La Jolla. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (179 reviews)
Will book again - quiet and convenient!
"Lovely, quiet and highly central location to La Jolla city center. Ocean shore and abundant wildlife sitings one block away, easy walks to food, museums, and shops. Supermarket and drugstore on the main route in and out of town from this location."

Reviewed on 15 Feb 2024

Redwood Hollow Cottages
La Jolla Cottage by the Sea
La Jolla Cottage by the Sea
La Jolla
Stay at this apartment in La Jolla. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Mission Beach and Mission Bay are located nearby. Discover ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (80 reviews)
Vacation 5 days
"It was a cute little room, it had everything I needed. Enjoyed the two block walk down to the ocean. Mardy and Mark were both gracious and friendly. I enjoyed the breakfast my last day."

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2024

La Jolla Cottage by the Sea
Oceanfront Condo w/ Amazing Views & Huge Outdoor Spaces
Oceanfront Condo w/ Amazing Views & Huge Outdoor Spaces
La Jolla
Stay at this beach condo in La Jolla. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Mission Beach and Mission Bay are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (18 reviews)
Lovely place near beach
"We enjoyed our stay in the bright and sunny 3bdr townhome. Plenty of space for our family of five, in town for a wedding. Thanks for sharing your place with us!"

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2024

Oceanfront Condo w/ Amazing Views & Huge Outdoor Spaces
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of La Jolla

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
" "5 - Excellent 58.333333333333336%
4 - Good
5
" "4 - Good 41.666666666666664%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
10 Aug 2019

Great choice of restaurants, and High end shops. Lovely beaches, and electric scooters that you can hire by app to further explore.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
25 Jul 2019

Beautiful, stunning place. We only stayed for 3 days out of our month trip and we could of stayed longer

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
11 Jun 2019

Very pleasant, up-market area with some shops and galleries. There are a number of restaurants and bars to choose from. A walk along the coast road to see the wildlife is a must!