La Jolla, CA

Travel Guide
Torrey Pines State Beach showing a sunset, rugged coastline and general coastal views
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 marine life and interior views

La Jolla Shores

4.5/5(129 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Shores Park and La Jolla Beach are top sights worth seeing.

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

Village of La Jolla

4.5/5(322 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
Driving South on the old coast hwy 101 I stopped and parked my car to capture this awesome sight for the first day of Spring in San Diego. #roadtrip

Torrey Pines

4.5/5(119 area reviews)

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
Beautiful sunsets of San  Diego.

Country Club

While Country Club might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like La Jolla Cove and Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial.

Country Club
La Jolla

Beach Barber Tract

4.5/5(52 area reviews)

While visiting Beach Barber Tract, you might make a stop by sights like Windansea Beach and Marine Street Beach.

Beach Barber Tract
Low tide love.

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥16,240 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥16,240
per night
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this beach hotel in La Jolla. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
Great stay
"La Jolla Cove Suites was great stay, great service, great ocean view we can hear the seals from our room. Ocean is across the street from hotel and lots of things to do."

Reviewed on Apr 29, 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 ¥28,054 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥28,054
per night
May 27 - May 28
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! (1,293 reviews)
"Every review I read was 10/10, so my expectations were high. This is a nice hotel in a very convenient location with on-site parking. I did however find the walls rather thin -- I could hear the man in the next room snoring! (and I checked, it wasn't the ice machine), and could hear people talking ..."

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Inn By The Sea La Jolla
San Diego Marriott La Jolla
San Diego Marriott La Jolla
4 out of 5
4240 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla, CA
The price is ¥24,959 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥24,959
per night
May 12 - May 13
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in La Jolla. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,063 reviews)
"An amazing location: 5min walk to UTC shopping mall and MTS train which can tale us to San Diego downtown. This hotel is better than Embassy or Hyatt."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

San Diego Marriott La Jolla
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.
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 (surcharge), and balconies. Popular attractions Mission Beach and Mission Bay are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (84 reviews)
Great Space
"Everything was perfect for our short stay. Close to dining/eateries. Close to La Jolla Village,Torrey Pines and downtown San Diego. The upstairs space is perfect for a couple."

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

La Jolla Cottage by the Sea
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 daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (183 reviews)
"Great cozy quiet spot!"

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Redwood Hollow Cottages
Beach Home Steps to Sand w/ Private Pool & Hot Tub
Beach Home Steps to Sand w/ Private Pool & Hot Tub
La Jolla
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in La Jolla. Enjoy private pools, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Mission Beach and Mission ...
7.6/10 Good! (26 reviews)
Location Location
"We all grew up on La Jolla beaches and this property bought us back to old days."

Reviewed on Nov 13, 2023

Beach Home Steps to Sand w/ Private Pool & Hot Tub
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
618
" "5 - Excellent 70.30716723549489%
4 - Good
216
" "4 - Good 24.573378839590443%
3 - Okay
37
" "3 - Okay 4.2093287827076225%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 0.3412969283276451%
1 - Terrible
5
" "1 - Terrible 0.5688282138794084%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 2, 2020

The most beautiful place in San Diego!!!

3/5 - Okay

Victor
May 31, 2020

La Jolla is a cool get away but it’s like every one can tell you are from out of town and doesn’t have manners almost got hit crossing the street twice, the beach is clean and it’s what you expect from a uppity beach area don’t expect friendly hello

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 30, 2020

The hiking trails are amazing!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 30, 2020

Beautiful area

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 28, 2020

La Jolla is very beautiful with amazing views, delicious restaurants and interesting shops. Will definitely visit again soon! :)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 26, 2020

We’ve been coming to La Jolla for the past 22 years. It’s our home away from home.

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