Location: La Jolla
Top Things to do in La Jolla
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10 Things to do in La Jolla That You Shouldn't Miss
Topnotch golf courses, art galleries and seals share the dramatic oceanside landscape of La Jolla, an affluent community 15 minutes from downtown San Diego. Swimmers, snorkelers and kayakers dip into La Jolla Cove, where the protected waters shield an abundance of bright orange Garibaldi fish and sea caves indent the cliffs. The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the family-friendly Birch Aquarium and the acclaimed La Jolla Playhouse deliver breaks from the sun.
Restaurants in La Jolla
1. Windansea Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 578 reviews
A famous beach for surfing.
Reviewed By 453karinl - Doha, Qatar
A must when you visit La Jolla or the San Diego area ... a beautiful and serene beach filled with surfers and sunbathers .. you'll spend a most relaxing and enjoyable day!!!
2. Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,899 reviews
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fishes and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and the Caribbean. An interactive museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps scientists on climate, Earth and ocean science.
Reviewed By brodger - Philadelphia, United States
This is not an aquarium with dancing dolphins and masses of fish--it's an educational and research facility with excellent exhibits for public consumption. One side has a first rate series of well-labeled tanks for the PNW and tropical environments and wonderful seahorses (the aquarium has a successful breeding program with daily tours) and the other side has educational exhibits, primarily for children (my opinion, anyway). In between, outside of the exhibits, there are open tanks and volunteers so kids can feel sea cucumbers and the like. Great views. There's a very good gift shop and a snack truck outside the ticketed area. I got there by public bus -- and it's a steep walk of about 1/3 mile to the aquarium. There is parking if you have a car.
3. La Jolla Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 726 reviews
Seven elongated fissures in the cliff walls that can be entered during low tide.
Reviewed By J8972UPcarriec
Such a cool spot with so much to do. Sea caves, beautiful shore line and ocean views and of course the seals and sea lions. Parking is a bit tricky but we found parking up the hill near the shops easier and it was just a short walk (a a few..well alot..of steps) Must see in the area!
4. La Jolla Cove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,465 reviews
San Diego's most desirable spot for swimming, diving and snorkeling. The water is calm and the cove is ecologically protected. There is also a world famous dive site that is located in the La Jolla ecological preserve.
Reviewed By westcoastcat - Vancouver, Canada
San Diego has 70 miles of beautiful coastline and there are endless ways to enjoy the beaches, but this little cove in La Jolla "the Jewel" is perhaps the most unique. You can explore the tide pools on Shell beach, a soft Sandy beach with caves tucked into the cliffs, or you can admire the antics of the playful seals and California sealions on the rocks and on the Children's Beach. I loved strolling along the shoreline watching the waves come crashing in and spraying water high up into the sky, while the surfers hung out in the water waiting for the perfect wave to ride in.
5. Salk Institute
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 231 reviews
6. La Jolla Shores Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,697 reviews
Mile-long beach features gentle waves during the summer months, making this spot a prime spot for novice scuba divers.
Reviewed By lisavG7902AD - San Diego, United States
Traveling to San Diego and want the perfect, iconic beach experience? This is it. Originally named the Strand, this is a very long, white sand beach. That said, there is mica in it which clings to your skin. A great beach for children of all ages with designated swim and surf area overseen by a great group of life guards in a tall lifeguard tower. Parking is usually difficult and hard won. Know how to parallel park. There's a large but woefully inadequate parking lot for this very popular beach. If you are able, take the bus. The beach is bounded by low wall and wide sidewalk bordered by a large grassy area with famous Torrey Pines providing some shade and a great picnic area. Thanks to La Jollan Mary Coakley, there's a wonderful children's playground and glass art installation, a mural of the National Undersea Park just off of the Shores, at the south ends well as bathrooms adjacent to the playground and just north of the tower. Continue to walk south long the beach and to you'll come to the private La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. A strip of beach close to the hotel is private but long the beach is public. The little cluster of public buildings in this area comprises the community of The Shores. Here you'll find convenience store for drinks and snacks. La Jolla Kayak if you'd like to rent a kayak and go out on the ocean (do this!!!) and several great restaurants for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The north end of the beach is noted for Scripp's Pier and there you'll find beach volleyball, and a bigger break again with designated areas for surfing and one for swimming and bodysurfing overseen by a second lifeguard tower, There are no facilities or stores at this end but SIO (Scripp's Institution of Oceanography) has a cafeteria style restaurant just off the beach (walk up the stairs by the tower).
7. Ellen Browning Scripps Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 208 reviews
Reviewed By DreamTraveler365 - Georgia, United States
This is a beautiful must see park. Lots of incredible views. Peaceful and serene, green walking spaces and areas to relax and enjoy the area. EBS Park is a must see. Parking can be a challenge. A great place for sunsets.
8. Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,449 reviews
Reviewed By vchristen - Roy, United States
The views are worth the drive, the memorial is a great tribute to our nations veterans. Watch the traffic on the drive up .. the locals are rude and drive like they are at Indy
9. Torrey Pines Gliderport
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,437 reviews
Reviewed By ddeckerdds - San Diego, United States
Awesome to see the hangliders and parasailers flying above 200-300 foot cliffs with Blacks Beach below. Cute little snack bar/cafe to eat at.
10. Children's Pool
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,342 reviews
It was supposed to be a children's pool, but the harbor seals took over and it's a main tourist and local attraction. Great picture spot.
Reviewed By gregm75460 - Niagara Falls, Canada
This was such a cool spot to visit. Seeing the seals in their natural habitat was amazing. There were several times in which the seals were within a few feet of us. There is a really cool cave store nearby. My family enjoyed walking through the tunnel to a sea cave opening. Only downside was a slightly foul odour in the area.
