La Jolla, CA

Travel Guide

La Jolla showing general coastal views, swimming and a sandy beach
Ellen Browning Scripps Park which includes rugged coastline, general coastal views and waves
Ellen Browning Scripps Park featuring rocky coastline and general coastal views
Torrey Pines State Beach showing a sunset, rugged coastline and general coastal views
Mount Soledad showing a sunset, a city and landscape 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 CoveOpens in a new window, 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 Beach and Birch Aquarium 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)

Seaside community offering scuba diving, surfing, and picturesque beaches like La Jolla Cove. Explore Mount Soledad, Museum of Contemporary Art, and indulge in upmarket dining and shopping along Prospect Street and Girard Avenue.

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)

Boasting the highly-ranked Torrey Pines Golf Course, this coastal neighborhood offers 42% parks and open spaces, with easy access to I-5. Explore nearby Torrey Pines State Park and beach for stunning ocean views.

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, Pacific Beach and Mission and Pacific Beaches are top sights worth seeing.

Bird Rock
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 ¥27,639 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥27,639
¥31,790 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in La Jolla. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,985 reviews)
"Nice place"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

San Diego Marriott La Jolla
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 ¥27,421 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
¥27,421
¥31,519 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star 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. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,621 reviews)
"Nos gustó mucho la ubicación, puedes irte caminando a muchos restaurantes y a la playa de la jolla, es segura el área"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Inn By The Sea La Jolla
La Jolla Cove Suites

La Jolla Cove Suites

3 out of 5
1155 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA
The price is ¥25,655 per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
¥25,655
¥29,489 total
Aug 20 - Aug 21
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
7/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)
"It was absolutely beautiful — the ocean view was breathtaking, and the staff were incredibly friendly. You just can’t beat waking up to that view. The hotel’s location, right across from the beach, made it even more perfect."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

La Jolla Cove Suites
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.
Stunning Private Spanish Casita “La Jolla’s Secret Jewel” blocks to Beach/ Cove

Stunning Private Spanish Casita “La Jolla’s Secret Jewel” blocks to Beach/ Cove

San Diego
Stay at this vacation home in La Jolla. Enjoy a garden, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Mission Beach and Mission Bay are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
"Beautiful, cozy place & wonderful host! The location is perfect and within walking distance of all the attractions of La Jolla."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Stunning Private Spanish Casita “La Jolla’s Secret Jewel” blocks to Beach/ Cove
2 Day Mid-Week Specials/August/Sept/Pool/Views/Corporate Retreats

2 Day Mid-Week Specials/August/Sept/Pool/Views/Corporate Retreats

La Jolla
Stay at this vacation home in La Jolla. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Mission Beach and Mission Bay are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (23 reviews)
Great property, view, & communication
"A beautiful spacious property and very responsive property manager"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

2 Day Mid-Week Specials/August/Sept/Pool/Views/Corporate Retreats
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! (122 reviews)
Nice place
"Nice neighborhood, close to everything"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

La Jolla Cottage by the Sea
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

Cities near La Jolla