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
The price is ¥15,824 per night from May 28 to May 29
¥15,824
per night
May 28 - May 29
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Great place to stay."

Reviewed on May 11, 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
The price is ¥28,173 per night from May 29 to May 30
¥28,173
per night
May 29 - May 30
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! (1,286 reviews)
"Very helpful people at front desk"

Reviewed on May 13, 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 ¥27,406 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
¥27,406
per night
Jun 2 - Jun 3
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! (1,070 reviews)
"Nice property. Rooms could definitely use an update, similar to the lobby and main areas."

Reviewed on May 12, 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! (182 reviews)
"This property is a little gem among the bigger condos. Lovely landscaping for each unit. Small kitchen but has everything you need. Walkable to dining options and to the beach area. Would definitely come back again in the area."

Reviewed on May 11, 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.

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