21 Things to do in La Jolla California

When you visit La Jolla, you start to understand why the Spanish settlers called it a jewel. We discovered the countless things to do in La Jolla, California, that will allow you to see the beauty in the jewel city that sits on the cliffs of the West Coast.

Plan your weekend around the best things to do in La Jolla, California, and discover what makes the jewel city shine as bright as it does. La Jolla is located in San Diego, California, and is a very affluent community.

However, the cost of living in one of the homes in La Jolla is far out of reach for many people. While living in La Jolla may not be affordable, visiting is very easy. We enjoyed exploring La Jolla in the Buick Envision last month and cannot wait to return. 

Not only is visiting La Jolla easy to do, but there are also many reasons to do just that. Many of the things to do in La Jolla, California, center around businesses, lodging, dining, shopping, and more.

But above all of the amenities of La Jolla, California, is the ocean. The city sits on the Pacific Ocean, and the hills provide stunning views of the amazing beaches below.

If this doesn’t sound like a paradise, then there is no such thing.

21 Things to do in La Jolla California | Stay at Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa

While buying a home in La Jolla isn’t exactly in the budget for many, the Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa is a great alternative. Get pampered and relax in your garden view room, enjoy the spas, dine at amazing on-site restaurants and just enjoy La Jolla.

Take a Bike or Kayak in La Jolla

Some of the most active things to do in La Jolla California will take you to some of the most beautiful sites. The 7 Caves tour is an awesome kayak tour, and if water isn’t your thing, take a bike tour nearby.

Through the Bike and Kayak Tours, you can also have pictures taken during your adventures and then purchase copies to keep.

La Jolla Underwater Park

One of the most popular things to do in La Jolla, California, is the Underwater Park. This Park covers 6,000 acres of shoreline and shallow tidelands. Here, you can spend your day exploring artificial reefs, canyons, kelp forests, and marine life that has been preserved and given an opportunity to thrive.

Birch Aquarium in La Jolla

If seeing marine life in the wild isn’t your thing, you could always see them safely from behind the glass. The Birch Aquarium has over 60 fish species habitats that come from the waters of Mexico all the way up to the waters of the northwest in the Pacific Ocean.

Go Surfing in La Jolla

Windansea Beach is one of the most popular beaches for surfers in Southern California. In fact, the scenery alone is a reason to visit and to help get a feeling like you’re away from it all.

La Jolla Playhouse

If you’ve ever wanted to see a Tony-award-winning theater company but haven’t had the chance to make it to New York, you’re in luck. The La Jolla Playhouse is a Tony-award-winning theater company located on the UC San Diego campus.

Hang Glide in La Jolla

Torrey Pines Gliderport can be found on the cliffs in La Jolla and is one of the most historic aviation sites in the nation. If you don’t want to take the plunge yourself, you can always sit and watch those who do.

Golf Torrey Pines

Hang gliding isn’t the only thing you can do at Torrey Pines. Take in one of the finest golf courses in the country, Torrey Pines Golf Course. In the 2008 U.S., you can try your hand at the same place where the Open Championship was played.

Shopping in La Jolla

People always want to find the unique items in places they travel to that they can bring home. Usually, people end up with a sweatshirt with a city’s name on it or a hat.

But one of the easiest things to do in La Jolla California is to find one-of-a-kind item at one of the many boutique shops that are only located in La Jolla.

Open Air Market in La Jolla

Another great time and place to shop is every Sunday from 9 am until 1 pm at the La Jolla Elementary School, the La Jolla Open Air Market. Here, you’ll find locally grown flowers, fruits, veggies, fresh food, bread, and so much more.

La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is the most picturesque beach in Southern California. The sands are smooth, the shoreline is beautiful, and you will be in awe of its beauty from the moment you step out onto it.

Segway Tours in La Jolla

Kayak tours and bike tours are amazing in La Jolla, and you could always go for a beautiful drive, but so are the Segway tours. These tours go from La Jolla Cove to Sonny Jim’s Cave and other local spots popular among tourists and locals.

La Jolla’s Children’s Pool

In 1931, a seawall was built to section off an area of shoreline from rough waters, this was known as the Children’s Pool. Over time, the area filled with sand and has been overrun by seals and sea lions.

Now, it is an awesome place to see these animals enjoying their time on shore.

Salk Institute in La Jolla

Salk Institute is a museum of art and architecture, and the outside tour is amazing. The buildings have an ocean view you can’t find anywhere else, and the exhibits are stunning.

La Jolla Shores Park

Another way to take in the views of the ocean or even the perfect sunset can be found at La Jolla Shores Park. Bring a picnic basket with you and enjoy it at the picnic area, walk on the beach, swim, and walk the sidewalks.

Just rest assured that there is a lifeguard on duty, so you can dive right into any activity.

Shell Beach Tide Pools in La Jolla

People use a small stairway that leads down to Shell Beach, which is best visited during low tide. After you’ve explored the tide pools filled with starfish and other sea life, head back upstairs to Ellen Browning Scripps Park for a picnic.

Stuart Collection in La Jolla

The campus of UC San Diego has plenty to offer its students and the public. The Stuart Collection consists of sculptures on campus. The sculptures are beautiful, and children will love some of them just as much as, if not more, you.

Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial in La Jolla

It is always worth it to take time out of our day to remember those who fought for our country. You can do that at Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial. As you honor our veterans, you can also take in one of the best views of La Jolla.

Murals in La Jolla

One of the things to do is to take in the artistic side of the area. The best place to view local artists’ work is everywhere. You can make a day out of finding all 16 murals in the area. Fill your Instagram with beautiful colors and memories that will last forever.

Snorkeling in La Jolla

Head back to the waters to go snorkeling and see the amazing sea life up close and personal. During the summer, you can snorkel alongside leopard sharks who migrate to the area for the warm waters.

Dining in La Jolla

There are many different restaurants you can choose from, all of which make for a good meal. The best part is that most of the restaurants are within walking distance of each other, so you will have an easy time finding a spot to eat.

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