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

While there might not be top attractions in Bird Rock, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Bird Rock and Tourmaline Surfing Park.

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 $227 total per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
$227 total
per night
Oct 19 - Oct 20
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! (2,074 reviews)
"We appreciate the check-in procedure with one of your great staff named Aronze. She made the check-in procedure convenient. We did not avail ourselves of having our rooms cleaned for the three days we stayed. However, we did ask for additional towels and paper cups which a maintenance person cleaning ..."

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2025

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 $328 total per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
$328 total
per night
Oct 19 - Oct 20
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,361 reviews)
"I have been in love with this location since 1996. It is my vacation destination every year."

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2025

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 $163 total per night from Oct 6 to Oct 7
$163 total
per night
Oct 6 - Oct 7
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! (1,058 reviews)
"Ocean view was spectacular."

Reviewed on Sep 28, 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.
Oceanfront Beach, Pool, Hot Tub, Pickleball, Movie Theater, Elevator & Golf Cart

Oceanfront Beach, Pool, Hot Tub, Pickleball, Movie Theater, Elevator & Golf Cart

La Jolla
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in La Jolla. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (107 reviews)
"We had a wonderful family gathering at this awesome home. We loved the gorgeous views, fun pool, theatre room, al fresco dining, and sunset pickball games on the rooftop. So many places to gather in this well equipped, lovely home! Grandpa especially enjoyed shuttling family members into La Jolla ..."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Oceanfront Beach, Pool, Hot Tub, Pickleball, Movie Theater, Elevator & Golf Cart
Ocean Breeze Heaven Pool House in La Jolla

Ocean Breeze Heaven Pool House in La Jolla

San Diego
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in La Jolla. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Mission Bay and Mission Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
"Host was great, hot tub was broken but not their fault and apparently it will be fixed soon so don’t let that discourage you. House has an insane view and is a perfect spot for little events. Hosted by girlfriends birthday dinner and it was a beautiful time."

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2025

Ocean Breeze Heaven Pool House in La Jolla
2 Day Mid-Week Specials/Sept/Pool/Views/Corporate Retreats

2 Day Mid-Week Specials/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! (24 reviews)
"Lovely house, with amazing views! House is a little outdated, but wasn’t a problem for us! Would definitely go back!"

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2025

2 Day Mid-Week Specials/Sept/Pool/Views/Corporate Retreats
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%
4 - Good
216
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
37
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The most beautiful place in San Diego!!!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

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

The hiking trails are amazing!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful area

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Cities near La Jolla

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia