La Jolla

Travel Guide
La Jolla
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 Cove, 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

La Jolla Cove Suites
La Jolla Cove Suites
3 out of 5
1155 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA
The price is CA $213 per night from Oct. 23 to Oct. 24
CA $213
per night
Oct. 23 - Oct. 24
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in La Jolla. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Mission Beach and Mission Bay are located ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Comfortable and across the street from a beach. The rooms were small, but comfortable. Easy to access. Updated interior, though the exterior is dated."

Reviewed on Sep. 25, 2023

La Jolla Cove Suites
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
4 out of 5
10950 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA
The price is CA $229 per night from Oct. 22 to Oct. 23
CA $229
per night
Oct. 22 - Oct. 23
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in La Jolla. Enjoy room service, a fitness center, and valet parking. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"location is perfect. very scenic. picture perfect."

Reviewed on Sep. 23, 2023

Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
Sheraton La Jolla Hotel
Sheraton La Jolla Hotel
3.5 out of 5
3299 Holiday Ct, La Jolla, CA
The price is CA $256 per night from Oct. 1 to Oct. 2
CA $256
per night
Oct. 1 - Oct. 2
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in La Jolla. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Popular attractions La Jolla Cove and San Diego Mormon ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"This is the third time I have stayed at this property. I am pleased to report it still just as clean and well-kept as it was the first time I stayed here, which was 10 years ago. The staff are friendly and professional, and the convenience of the location just can’t be matched. It is easily walkable ..."

Reviewed on Sep. 22, 2023

Sheraton La Jolla Hotel
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.
Redwood Hollow Cottages
Redwood Hollow Cottages
3.5 out of 5
256 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach cottage in La Jolla. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions Mission Beach and Mission Bay are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (158 reviews)
"Beautiful property! I loved my cottage! Easy walk to the beach, dining, shopping. Very kind and helpful staff. I'm definitely going back!"

Reviewed on Sep. 9, 2023

Redwood Hollow Cottages
Iconic Landmark House Unit next to the beach - Panoramic Ocean/Coastal Views!
Iconic Landmark House Unit next to the beach - Panoramic Ocean/Coastal Views!
San Diego
Stay at this golf vacation home in La Jolla. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (62 reviews)
Great location
"Wonderful location and a very clean unit."

Reviewed on Sep. 19, 2023

Iconic Landmark House Unit next to the beach - Panoramic Ocean/Coastal Views!
Oceanfront Dog-Friendly Home w/Waterfront Porch, Gas Grill, Hot Tub & Firetable
Oceanfront Dog-Friendly Home w/Waterfront Porch, Gas Grill, Hot Tub & Firetable
La Jolla
Stay at this vacation home in La Jolla. Enjoy a beach locale, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Mission Beach and Mission Bay are located nearby. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (35 reviews)
Awesome location!
"This house is perfectly located for ocean views or walking to eating/shopping establishments. Also, perfect for sitting on the front porch and throwing the ball for your pooch. House was very clean and the house manager was very responsive with a few questions we had. Will definitely return."

Reviewed on Sep. 16, 2023

Oceanfront Dog-Friendly Home w/Waterfront Porch, Gas Grill, Hot Tub & Firetable
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

Reviews of La Jolla

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
25
" "5 - Excellent 59.523809523809526%
4 - Good
14
" "4 - Good 33.333333333333336%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 7.142857142857143%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

K+D
Mar. 3, 2020

Sleepy beach town, lots of cute and gorgeous beach homes. Would be interested to see what summer is like here!

4/5 - Good

Maggie
Jan. 17, 2020

Love the small downtown area of La Jolla. Great restaurants and walks

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Nov. 24, 2019

The Ocean walk is spectacular, with broad grass lawns, rugged beaches and seals and sea lions galore. The seals do sometimes smell up certain areas but just keep walking and it disappears.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Sep. 25, 2019

Scenic and relaxing.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jul. 18, 2019

Very nice, lots of things to do for everyone.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Jun. 13, 2019

Is a place worth going again

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