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 NT$5,239 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$5,239
NT$6,027 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 ...
San Diego Marriott La Jolla
La Jolla Shores Hotel

La Jolla Shores Hotel

3 out of 5
8110 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, CA
The price is NT$7,952 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
NT$7,952
NT$10,550 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in La Jolla. Enjoy a beach locale, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
La Jolla Shores Hotel
La Jolla Cove Suites

La Jolla Cove Suites

3 out of 5
1155 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA
The price is NT$5,329 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$5,329
NT$6,125 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (984 reviews)
"I enjoyed the quietness of the terrace room and how close the shopping area and park are. Great location, simple check in, would love to visit again"

Reviewed on 2025/8/26

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.
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II

3.5 out of 5
1091 Pinehurst Ln, Palm Desert, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 7 outdoor pools, and a health club. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel

Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel

2.5 out of 5
1736 State St, San Diego, CA
Stay at this aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum ...
Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert

The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert

4 out of 5
75 Willow Ridge, Palm Desert, CA
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert
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

Cities near La Jolla