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La Jolla has a variety of things to offer, from multiple beaches, endless activities, scenic dining, oceanfront accommodation, and more. See for everything La Jolla has to offer along the San Diego coast.
Beaches of La Jolla
Windansea Beach: Windansea Beach is a renowned surf spot known for its beautiful scenery and powerful waves. It features a stretch of golden sand bordered by rugged cliffs, creating a picturesque setting for sunbathers and surfers alike. The beach is famous for its unique palm-covered shack, a local landmark and popular photo spot. Windansea Beach has a laid-back atmosphere and is frequented by surfers, sunbathers, and photographers seeking to capture its natural beauty.
La Jolla Shores: La Jolla Shores is a family-friendly beach with gentle waves and expansive sandy shores, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and beginner surfing. The beach is backed by grassy picnic areas, playgrounds, and volleyball courts, providing ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation. La Jolla Shores is also home to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Pier.
La Jolla Cove: La Jolla Cove is a picturesque beach nestled between towering cliffs and rocky outcroppings, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. The protected cove is a designated underwater park, making it ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving adventures. Visitors can explore colorful reefs teeming with fish, sea lions, and even the occasional leopard shark. La Jolla Cove's natural beauty and tranquil waters make it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking against the backdrop of dramatic cliffs.
Marine Street Beach: Marine Street Beach is a hidden gem known for its dramatic scenery and powerful surf. The beach is characterized by its secluded, sandy shoreline, creating a beautiful atmosphere. Marine Street Beach is popular among experienced surfers seeking challenging waves and breathtaking ocean views. While swimming is not always recommended due to strong currents and rough conditions, the beach offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape immerse themselves in nature's raw beauty.
Black's Beach: Black's Beach is a secluded stretch of shoreline situated beneath the towering cliffs of Torrey Pines, just north of La Jolla. Known for its rugged beauty, clothing-optional atmosphere, and world-class surfing waves, Black's Beach offers a unique coastal experience. Accessible via a steep trail from the cliffs above or by sea, it's a popular destination for sunbathing, surfing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Southern California coast.
Torrey Pines State Beach (Southern Extension): While technically outside the boundaries of La Jolla, Torrey Pines State Beach's southern extension is adjacent to the northern end of La Jolla's coastline. This pristine beach offers expansive sandy shores, rugged cliffs, and stunning ocean views, making it a popular destination for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing.
Oceanfront Vacation Rentals
Staying in vacation rentals from sites like VRBO, Airbnb, Homestay, etc. can be a great choice in La Jolla, and there are typically options available with views of the water.
Oceanfront Hotels
La Jolla Shores Hotel - Located steps away from the soft sands of La Jolla Shores Beach, La Jolla Shores Hotel offers guests a prime oceanfront experience. Amenities include direct beach access, a pool and Jacuzzi, and on-site dining with ocean views.
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club - Situated on a serene stretch of La Jolla Shores Beach, La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club provides exclusive access to a private beach and championship tennis facilities. Guests can enjoy oceanfront dining, a pool and Jacuzzi, and family-friendly activities such as beach bonfires and children's programs.
La Jolla Cove Hotel and Suites - Overlooking the picturesque La Jolla Cove, the La Jolla Cove Hotel and Suites offers guests an intimate coastal retreat with stunning ocean views. Amenities include complimentary continental breakfast, an oceanfront heated pool and spa, beach chair and umbrella rentals, and easy access to the shops and restaurants of La Jolla Village.
La Valencia Hotel - La Valencia Hotel radiates historic charm with its iconic pink exterior and Mediterranean-inspired architecture. Guests can enjoy rooms with ocean views, an oceanfront restaurant and bar, as well as amenities such as an outdoor heated pool, a full-service spa, and live entertainment at the historic La Sala Lounge.
Pantai Inn- Pantai Inn provides a serene oasis overlooking the Pacific Ocean and La Jolla Cove. Amenities include a lush courtyard garden, complimentary gourmet breakfast served in a charming dining room, beach gear rentals, and personalized concierge services to ensure a memorable stay.
Cormorant Boutique Hotel- Nestled in the heart of La Jolla Village, the Cormorant Boutique Hotel offers boutique accommodations with each room having ocean or village views. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, relax on the rooftop terrace with panoramic ocean vistas, and explore the nearby boutiques, galleries, and restaurants of downtown La Jolla.
Grand Colonial- Located steps away from La Jolla Cove, the Grand Colonial Hotel offers guests a luxurious retreat with breathtaking ocean views and upscale amenities. Amenities include a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, a fitness center, complimentary continental breakfast, and personalized concierge services to enhance your stay.
Oceanfront Dining
The Shores Restaurant - Situated at the La Jolla Shores Hotel, The Shores Restaurant offers ocean-view dining throughout the day. Guests can enjoy a delightful breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or a romantic dinner while taking in panoramic views of the Pacific coastline.
The Marine Room - Located just south of La Jolla Shores Beach, the Marine Room offers an unparalleled dining experience with its renowned cuisine and stunning oceanfront setting. Guests can indulge in an unforgettable dinner, complete with the mesmerizing sight of waves crashing against the restaurant's windows.
Caroline's Seaside Café - Overlooking the Scripps Pier and La Jolla Shores Beach, Caroline's Seaside Café offers casual dining with a view. Open for breakfast and lunch, guests can enjoy a variety of delicious dishes while soaking in the coastal ambiance and watching the waves roll in.
George's at the Cove - Situated atop a cliff overlooking the ocean, George's at the Cove offers stunning views and is open for lunch and dinner. Diners can savor contemporary American cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients while enjoying panoramic vistas of the Pacific.
Brockton Villa - Perched on the cliffs near La Jolla Cove, Brockton Villa provides ocean views and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can indulge in coastal-inspired dishes and signature cocktails while admiring the scenic beauty of the coastline.
Eddie V's Prime Seafood - Located near La Jolla Cove, Eddie V's Prime Seafood boasts ocean views and is open for dinner. Guests can indulge in prime seafood dishes and steaks in a sophisticated atmosphere with panoramic vistas of the water.
Duke's - With its beachfront location near La Jolla Cove, Duke's offers ocean views and is open for lunch and dinner. Diners can experience Hawaiian-inspired cuisine featuring fresh seafood and island flavors while enjoying the sights and sounds of the ocean.
The Mediterranean Room - Overlooking the water near La Jolla Cove, The Mediterranean Room offers ocean views and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can savor Mediterranean-inspired dishes paired with fine wines in an elegant setting with breathtaking views of the coastline.
Cody's - Located near La Jolla Cove, Cody's offers ocean views and is open for breakfast and lunch. Guests can enjoy a casual dining experience with fresh seafood dishes and classic American fare while soaking in the coastal ambiance.
Blue Ocean / Harumama - Situated near La Jolla Cove, Blue Ocean / Harumama offers water views and is open for lunch and dinner. Diners can enjoy a unique fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisine in a vibrant setting with coastal vistas.
Cove House - With its waterfront location near La Jolla Cove, Cove House offers ocean views and is open for lunch and dinner. Guests can savor fresh seafood and California-inspired dishes while taking in the serene beauty of the coastline.
Jose's Courtroom - Nestled near La Jolla Cove, Jose's Courtroom features water views and is open for lunch and dinner. Diners can enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine and handcrafted margaritas in a relaxed setting with glimpses of the ocean.
Olive and Basil Courtroom - Located with water views near La Jolla Cove, Olive and Basil Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Guests can savor Italian-inspired dishes made with fresh ingredients while enjoying scenic views of the waterfront.
Ocean-Related Activities
La Jolla Sea Cave and Kayak Tour - Explore the Seven Sea Caves on kayak, and a giant kelp forest inhabited by wildlife like otters, harbor seals, and sea lions. Use of all kayaking equipment is included; no kayaking experience is necessary. There are tours for two and single tours as well.
La Jolla Kayak and Snorkel Tour - On this two-activity tour—all gear provided—you and your crew will take turns between floating above water and snorkeling in it, hanging out with garibaldi, leopard sharks, rays, sea lions, and tons of other fascinating marine life.
Snorkel Rental - Explore the beautiful waters off the La Jolla coast and rent a snorkel package with a wetsuit included for your convenience.
Beach Yoga Session - Enjoy a relaxing yoga session on the beach where you can take in views of the Pacific and hear the sound of waves crashing throughout.
Surf Lessons - many companies offer private and group surf lessons, so you don't have to brave the water alone if interested in catching some waves!
La Jolla Walking Tour - Embark on a 1.5 hour walking tour of La Jolla where much of the tour is spent by the ocean and you'll also see animals that live year round on the shores of La Jolla. You'll also explore a hidden cave overlooking the ocean, boutiques and hotels, and the best ice cream shop in California. There's also this historic walking tour available.
E-Bike Tour- Visit La Jolla and ride to the summit of Mount Soledad with a 2.5-hour guided tour by electric bike. Take in sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean from Soledad, then steer back to the water’s edge to explore the glamorous community’s most iconic spots. There's also this e-bike tour.
La Jolla Segway Tour - This scenery-packed Segway tour of San Diego's La Jolla neighborhood begins at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, where you'll set out to explore the hilly, oceanfront community of La Jolla — nicknamed 'The Jewel of San Diego.'
La Jolla Food & Drink Walking Tour - The Sip, Savor and Sea Tour offers guests an incredible food and drink tasting tour of one of the most beautiful beachside areas of San Diego.
Private La Jolla Tour by Sidecar - Enjoy a unique perspective as you cruise around La Jolla in style on a motorcycle sidecar tour with a private driver and guide. See why La Jolla is called the “Jewel,” with stops at Torrey Pines, La Jolla Cove, and La Jolla Shores Park, or enjoy a customized itinerary.
A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour - Join a self-guided tour through La Jolla's hidden treasures, where every step reveals a new story in this iconic coastal paradise. From secret sea caves to famous residents, this adventure offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and excitement.
Professional Beachfront Picnics - Want to have a romantic lunch or dinner? How about a group picnic with friends at sunset where everything is taken care of for you? Enjoy a luxurious picnic overlooking the La Jolla coastline.
Bonfires - Nothing better than enjoying a bonfire on the beach after the sun goes down to end the day! There are firepits on the beach at La Jolla Shores, and there are several companies that will set everything up for you and all you'll have to do is show up.
Let us know where your favorite places to stay, eat, and have fun in La Jolla are!
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