arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up play-button plus tab-indicator dots close menu search facebook google-plus instagram pinterest rss twitter tiktok youtube rss-two heart Check FeaturedBadge linkedin minus apps placeholder linkedin

University Town Center (UTC)

A little bit of everything San Diego

Foodies, art lovers, shoppers, hikers and adventure-seekers will be delighted at all this neighborhood has to offer.

San Diego's ideal weather, outdoor lifestyle and laid-back vibes have shaped the culture of the region, inspiring activities and enclaves suited to fit the needs of its vibrant communities. An example can be found in the neighborhood of UTC – an area just east of La Jolla. Rich with options to get outside, a thriving art culture, popular eateries and ample shopping opportunities, UTC is a burgeoning neighborhood and San Diego hotspot.

An Elevated Entertainment Experience

Westfield UTC is more than your traditional mall – this posh, open-air destination has become a gathering place for locals to mix, mingle and relax set against a backdrop of cool outdoor spaces, luxury shopping, fun dining and cocktail options, entertainment, art installations and more.

A Hidden Cocktail

Looking to imbibe? One of San Diego’s most exciting and renowned cocktail spots is in the heart of the Westfield UTC mall. Head behind the revolving door at Raised by Wolves to experience the opulent and unexpected bar, boasting creations like the Iron Ranger – an homage to San Diego’s craft culture composed of bourbon, lemon, pineapple, falernum and angostura bitters.

A Hike with a View

A visit to San Diego isn’t complete without scoping the world-class views of the Pacific Ocean, and the Torrey Pines State Reserve, located nearby, is home to some of the top views in the region. Take a hike through the area rife with natural beauty to experience the unique coastal wilderness, filled with family-friendly and advanced trails. Thrill-seekers can head to the Torrey Pines Gliderport to experience the breathtaking views from up-high via hangliders, paragliders and tandem flight options

A Haven for Sea Life

Nestled into the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean sits the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, a sanctuary for more than 5,000 fish and sea creatures. Engage with La Jolla Shores “locals” at the hands-on tide pool touch tank, or learn how the Aquarium is revitalizing seadragon breeding programs. Attendees can also interact with the animals through educational experiences ranging from behind-the-scenes tours, expert-led tidepooling expeditions and, if you’re feeling bold, snorkeling with leopard sharks. 

A Cottage Perched on the Corner of a Building

UC San Diego is more than an innovative hub for science and technology – it’s also home to the Stuart Collection, a truly noteworthy collection of 20 sculptures built into the campus environment. The curated collection hosts creations from some of the world's top contemporary artists, each begging for its own photo op. But perhaps the most head-turning of all is “Fallen Star, 2012 Do Ho Suh.” This arresting piece features a little blue cottage, perched precariously on the seventh floor-roof of a university building.

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert

Related Articles and Features

Deals just for you

Accommodation

Hotel Indigo Military Appreciation Rate

Hotel Indigo - San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Valid: Apr 22, 2024 - ongoing

Whether you’re actively serving, or you’ve hung up the uniform, IHG wants to say, “thank you” with the IHG Military Appreciation Rate. We invite you and your family to enjoy a...

Accommodation

Linger Longer Offer

Pacific Terrace Hotel
Valid: Jan 21 - ongoing

A San Diego beachfront vacation is calling your name! Relax and stay for a while in our endless summer sunshine and fresh air with our Linger Longer offer at the Pacific Terrace Hotel. Packages...

Accommodation

Book Q1 Early &

Andaz San Diego
Valid: Nov 1, 2024 - ongoing

Promotional concessions available for all groups with peak night(s) occurring between November 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025

Events to check out

Event

San Diego Crew Classic

Mar 28 - Mar 30, 2025

Regarded as the first major regatta of the year, the San Diego Crew Classic brings together thousands of athletes from more than 100 universities, clubs and high school programs across the United...

Event

Port of San Diego's Day at the Docks

Apr 13, 2025

A San Diego sport fishing tradition, The Port Of San Diego’s Day At The Docks is the West Coast’s largest public celebration of sport fishing. Signaling the official start of Southern...

Event

La Jolla Half Marathon & Shores 5K

May 17, 2025

The La Jolla Half Marathon is one of America's most picturesque and beautiful point-to-point races. Starting at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, the course follows a scenic coastal route before reaching the...

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

Sign Up

Partners

Explore

Plan

Stay

Follow Us

Language:

English | Change Language

Select your country or region

China
Germany
Great Britain
Japan
Mexico
Korea
Switzerland
Brazil
France
Australia
Canada
USA

Or use Google Translate

Afrikaans
Albanian
Arabic
Belarusian
Bulgarian
Croatian
Danish
Deutsch
Español
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
Francais
Georgian
Greek
Haitian-Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Maltese
Nederlands
Norwegian
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Swahili
Swedish
Telugu
Thai
Turkish
Ukranian
Vietnamese
Yiddish