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Welcome to

La Jolla

Where a spectacular coastline and upscale village atmosphere define San Diego's Jewel by the Sea

One of the top beach destinations in the world

With a dramatic coastline boasting incredible views, it's no surprise that La Jolla is one of the most popular beach destinations in California. Surrounded on three sides by the sea and backed by the steep slopes of Mt. Soledad, La Jolla's natural beauty, abundance of activities and upscale village lifestyle ensure that it lives up to its nickname as "the jewel" of San Diego.

Consistently voted one of the top beach destinations in the world, La Jolla offers a wide range of accommodations from luxurious hotels to casual coastal retreats, along with museums and art galleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques, great restaurants and a slew of outdoor activities. Home to the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course and The Lodge at Torrey Pines, the scenic cliff area offers well-groomed hiking trails with spectacular views, and world-class golf. At Torrey Pines Gliderport you can soar out over the beach cliffs on a hang glider or just relax and watch the action above.

Along the dramatic coastline lies Scripps Park, where families can picnic throughout the summer, while enjoying Fourth of July fireworks and concerts under the stars. Just south of the park is the Children's Pool, where a seawall was originally built to protect kids from incoming waves, but has been long taken over by a local seal colony. People are no longer permitted to swim here, but you can walk out along the seawall for a close-up view of the wildlife.

La Jolla is also home to Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography and plenty of cultural attractions including the La Jolla Playhouse and the Museum of Contemporary Art, all situated in close proximity to The Village. The University of California San Diego, which hosts the popular Geisel Library and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, are both located in La Jolla as well.

La Jolla's biggest draw for locals and visitors alike are the beautiful beaches. During the summer and autumn months, the surf is relatively gentle, with warm waters in 70s. Swimmers, snorkelers, scuba divers, kayakers and surfers can enjoy the golden sands of La Jolla Shores, the Cove and Windansea. And be sure to keep an eye out for migrating whales off the coast as they travel to and from Baja California.

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Getting to La Jolla

The seaside community of La Jolla occupies 7 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean within the north county of San Diego. It is surrounded on three sides by ocean bluffs and beaches. The main route in and out of La Jolla is the I-5 freeway, from the south exit at La Jolla Village Drive and from the north exit La Jolla Parkway.  It is approximately 14 miles from the airport with an average drive time of 20 minutes. La Jolla is serviced by multiple bus routes and Old Town Trolley Tours offers a La Jolla option with on and off privileges.  

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Make a splash in La Jolla

Take a tour with Alana Nichols - Gold Medalist, Motivational Speaker, Water Enthusiast

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Torrey Pines Natural Reserve

Get back to nature and enjoy one of the most beautiful coastal hikes in America. 

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Shopping La Jolla

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What's Hot

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Make a splash in La Jolla

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Torrey Pines Natural Reserve

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Shopping La Jolla

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What's On

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La Jolla Half Marathon & Shores 5K

May 17, 2025
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American Patchwork Quartet

Apr 25, 2025
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Chauffeured Vineyards Adventures - All year round

Nov 12, 2024 - ongoing
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Lucas Debargue

Apr 17, 2025
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La Jolla on Instagram

 

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Hotels & Resorts

1. Embassy Suites Hotel San Diego - La Jolla

Your Suite Escape

Embassy Suites Hotel San Diego - La Jolla
4550 La Jolla Village Dr
San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 453-0400
Neighborhood: La Jolla
Hotels & Resorts

2. La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club

It's time to start your own tradition.

La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club
2000 Spindrift Drive
La Jolla, CA 92037
(844) 257-3132
Neighborhood: La Jolla
Hotels & Resorts

3. Inn By The Sea, La Jolla, CA

Boutique Hotel In Beautiful La Jolla Village

Inn By The Sea, La Jolla, CA
7830 Fay Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-4461
Neighborhood: La Jolla
Golf

4. Torrey Pines Golf Course

One of the best municipal golf courses there is!

Torrey Pines Golf Course
11480 N Torrey Pines Rd
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 552-1662
Neighborhood: La Jolla
Surfing & Stand Up Paddleboard

5. Surf Diva Surf School & Surf Diva Boutique

The GOLD standard of surf schools

Surf Diva Surf School & Surf Diva Boutique
2160 Avenida de la Playa
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-8273
Neighborhood: La Jolla
Beach

6. Encinitas

Surf vibes, good times and a laid-back point of view

Neighborhood: North Coastal
Running parallel to historic Highway 101, the beaches in Encinitas are some of the best hidden gems in San Diego's North County Coastal region...
Hotels & Resorts

7. La Jolla Cove Suites

Casual Beach Vibes - Sparkling Ocean Views

La Jolla Cove Suites
1155 Coast Blvd
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-2621
Neighborhood: La Jolla
Limousines and Towncars

8. La Jolla Star Transportation

Let us take you there!

La Jolla Star Transportation
7514 Girard Avenue, Suite 1-422
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-8000
Neighborhood: La Jolla
Restaurants

9. Mediterranean Room - La Valencia Hotel

Ocean View California Mediterranean Cuisine

Mediterranean Room - La Valencia Hotel
1132 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
(855) 818-6887
Neighborhood: La Jolla
LGBT

10. Black’s Beach

Some of the best waves in San Diego, but not for the faint of heart

Neighborhood: La Jolla
With arguably some of San Diego’s best waves, Black’s Beach can be found in the vicinity of the University of California San Diego...
Restaurants

11. SHOR - Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine

Delicious breakfast to start your day!

SHOR - Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine
3777 La Jolla Village Dr
San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 552-1234
Neighborhood: La Jolla
Beach

12. La Jolla

A Stretch of Coast Known as "The Jewel" of San Diego

Neighborhood: La Jolla
The La Jolla coastline varies dramatically, from 300-foot sea cliffs, to rocky reefs, to secluded coves and wide golden sandy shores. Although La...
Hotels & Resorts

13. Grande Colonial Hotel

European-style boutique hotel

Grande Colonial Hotel
910 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
(866) 229-1147
Neighborhood: La Jolla
Kayaking

14. Bike & Kayak Tours Inc La Jolla

La Jolla kayak tours, rentals and snorkeling

Bike & Kayak Tours Inc La Jolla
2158 Avenida de la Playa
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-1010
Neighborhood: La Jolla
History & Heritage

15. Mt Soledad National Veterans Memorial

Honoring Veterans by Preserving Their Legacy

Mt Soledad National Veterans Memorial
(858) 384-2405
Nov 11, 2024
Neighborhood: La Jolla

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