La Jolla Cove Tours and Activities

La Jolla Cove as well as a small group of people
La Jolla Cove showing rugged coastline and landscape views
La Jolla Cove which includes a beach, landscape views and rocky coastline
La Jolla Cove featuring rugged coastline, tropical scenes and a coastal town
La Jolla Cove


Enjoy world-class shopping, restaurants and beaches in the sparkling “Jewel City” along the ocean.

This hillside community just north of San Diego does indeed seem to sparkle, with exclusive homes along the ocean cliffs, upscale shops and beautiful people. Some of California’s most prized beaches are here. Watch the spectacular surfing and admire the dramatic waves on display at Windansea Beach. 

The small and sandy La Jolla Cove, conveniently located downtown, is a picturesque cove sandwiched between two sandstone cliffs. It’s a great place for families to splash in the water and explore the pools at low tide, as is the nearby Children’s Pool Beach. Scripps Park offers a dramatic view from the walkway along the bluffs above the ocean, where you can watch the sea lions sunbathe and play. 

The shopping in La Jolla is great for browsing, even if you can’t afford the prices. Stroll along Prospect Street, Girard Avenue and La Jolla Boulevard, where you’ll find little boutiques, art galleries and cafés to sit and sip a latte or enjoy gelato. If you’re looking for world-class food with a view to match, make a reservation well in advance at one of the popular restaurants with a terrace overlooking the ocean.

Active travelers will love the range of sports to try at La Jolla. As well as surfing, there’s scuba diving and snorkeling, kayaking and fishing. If you fancy trying your golf swing on a PGA course, then head to the exquisite fairways of Torrey Pines, just a 10-minute drive from La Jolla. Tiger Woods and many other professionals have graced these greens.

La Jolla is 15 miles (24 kilometers) north of downtown San Diego. Rent a car to make the drive, but leave it parked once you get to La Jolla as the sights are best explored on foot. Public transportation options include San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) bus service. Route 30 departs from downtown and terminates at La Jolla Village Square.

Plan a trip to see La Jolla Cove

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hyatt Vacation Club at The Welk, San Diego Area
The Sofia Hotel
La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club

Tours & day trips

See all 90 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 23 activities

Water activities

See all 22 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 15 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 7 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove Suites

La Jolla Cove Suites

3 out of 5
1155 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA
La Jolla Cove Suites
Inn By The Sea La Jolla

Inn By The Sea La Jolla

3.5 out of 5
7830 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA
Inn By The Sea La Jolla
La Valencia Hotel

La Valencia Hotel

4 out of 5
1132 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA
La Valencia Hotel
Grande Colonial Hotel

Grande Colonial Hotel

4 out of 5
910 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA
Grande Colonial Hotel
Cormorant Boutique Hotel

Cormorant Boutique Hotel

4 out of 5
1110 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA
Cormorant Boutique Hotel
Empress Hotel of La Jolla

Empress Hotel of La Jolla

3 out of 5
7766 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA
Empress Hotel of La Jolla
Panoramic Ocean Vistas With Hot Tub and Firepit

Panoramic Ocean Vistas With Hot Tub and Firepit

San Diego
Panoramic Ocean Vistas With Hot Tub and Firepit
Pantai Inn

Pantai Inn

3.5 out of 5
1003 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA
Pantai Inn
Stunning Private Spanish Casita “La Jolla’s Secret Jewel” blocks to Beach/ Cove

Stunning Private Spanish Casita “La Jolla’s Secret Jewel” blocks to Beach/ Cove

San Diego
Stunning Private Spanish Casita “La Jolla’s Secret Jewel” blocks to Beach/ Cove
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.

Things to do near La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove offers a range of exciting activities including snorkeling, wildlife observation, and birdwatching. For those seeking leisure, nearby attractions include golf courses with tee times, art galleries, and the La Jolla Sports Club. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the stunning coastal scenery and charming local shops, making your visit truly memorable.

Shopping

For shopping near La Jolla Cove, visit The Cave Store, only 322m away for unique gifts. Westfield UTC is 6.4km away, offering a variety of shops and family-friendly entertainment. If you're up for a drive, check out the Ocean Beach Farmers Market, 11.3km away for local goods.

Recreation

At La Jolla Recreation Center, enjoy wellness classes and relaxation activities just 966m from the cove. For golf enthusiasts, Torrey Pines Golf Course offers stunning views and outdoor vibes, located 6.4km away. Snapdragon Stadium, 16.1km away, provides an energetic sports atmosphere perfect for active visitors.

Adventure

At Eli Howard Surf School, located 19.3km from La Jolla Cove, you'll embrace the thrill of catching waves in a vibrant, adventurous atmosphere. For a scenic ride, explore the Bayshore Bikeway, also 19.3km away, where outdoor vibes enhance your biking experience amidst beautiful coastal views.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at La Jolla Playhouse, just 3.2km away, offering captivating performances. For family fun, head to Boomers San Diego, 9.7km away, featuring exciting arcade games. Don't miss Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, 16.1km away, for a romantic evening filled with live music.

Find the best attractions near La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is a stunning destination for tourists seeking outdoor activities, family experiences, and beautiful beach views. Popular attractions include the picturesque cove itself, urban parks, and the nearby modern college university. Visitors can enjoy various activities, from exploring the cove to reading reviews about its breathtaking scenery, making it a must-visit location for anyone travelling to La Jolla, California.

  • Mission Bay: Located 9.7km from La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay offers a stunning outdoor experience with scenic views and a relaxed beach atmosphere. Enjoy water sports, picnics, and walking paths along the picturesque shoreline.
  • Mission Beach: Also 9.7km away, Mission Beach boasts a vibrant beach vibe. This lively destination is perfect for sunbathing, surfing, and beach volleyball, making it a great spot for relaxation and fun in the sun.
  • University of California, San Diego: Just 4.8km from La Jolla Cove, UC San Diego presents a modern campus with a bustling city vibe. Explore beautiful architecture, art installations, and the scenic surroundings of this prestigious institution.

Best time to go to La Jolla Cove

Visitor numbers around La Jolla Cove is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit La Jolla Cove can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around La Jolla Cove falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around La Jolla Cove falls in February, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
March58.1°F (14.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April60.8°F (16.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May62.8°F (17.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
June67.1°F (19.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July71.6°F (22.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August73.4°F (23.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September72.9°F (22.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October68.4°F (20.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for La Jolla Cove

To save money on your trip to La Jolla Cove, consider visiting between November and January when accommodation prices are lower. Avoid Saturdays for bookings, as Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay. Take advantage of free activities nearby, such as Mission Bay and Mission Beach. Use Expedia to compare prices and find hotel deals, and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Always look for free cancellations to ensure flexibility in your travel plans.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around La Jolla Cove are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around La Jolla Cove is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around La Jolla Cove is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your La Jolla Cove hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.