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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$197 nightly
The price is $227 total per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
$227 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,884 reviews)
"Check in was easy and room was nice, but could not check in earlier as there were no rooms available."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 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
$405 nightly
The price is $465 total per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
$465 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
Total includes taxes and 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,340 reviews)
"Parking is a challenge. Love beach access and daily beach set up for the family."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

La Jolla Shores Hotel
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
4 out of 5
10950 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$251 nightly
The price is $288 total per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
$288 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star golf resort in La Jolla. Enjoy room service, a fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"One of the best hotels I stayed in"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
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 Shores Beach Bungalow. Steps to the Beach, Shopping, Restaurants & more
La Jolla Shores Beach Bungalow. Steps to the Beach, Shopping, Restaurants & more
San Diego
Book a stay at this beach apartment in La Jolla. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Mission Bay and Mission ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
La Jolla Wedding
"Came for a wedding. Choose this location so I could bring my dog. Didn't bring the dog but enjoyed the 3 nights we were there. Everything was easy to understand and very clean. The other reviews were accurate about it being above some local businesses. This was fine with us, but could be more noise ..."

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2025

La Jolla Shores Beach Bungalow. Steps to the Beach, Shopping, Restaurants & more
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! (116 reviews)
Great Beach Experience w/o The Noise
"Excellent neighborhood and property."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

La Jolla Cottage by the Sea
La Jolla-WindanSea-Beach Barber Track Studio
La Jolla-WindanSea-Beach Barber Track Studio
San Diego
Stay at this apartment in La Jolla. Enjoy laundry facilities, tennis courts, and patios. Popular attractions Mission Beach and Mission Bay are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (77 reviews)
Amazing Location
"The place was great for a solo guest. The location had everything close by and is really close to the beach."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

La Jolla-WindanSea-Beach Barber Track Studio
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

Victor

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.

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