La Jolla, California

Updated March 25, 2026

La Jolla is paradise.

It’s the most beautiful coastal city in San Diego County and there’s so much to do while visiting.

Let’s take a look.

Basic Scoop

If I had to suggest one area to visit in all of San Diego County, it would be La Jolla.

We vacationed here several times prior to moving here and it’s where we fell in love with San Diego.

La Jolla encompasses so much of what you should see in San Diego. Check out a picturesque visit here.

There’s sooooo much to do in La Jolla. A day will do to see it all, but you could spend much longer in this area.

Kayaking

Bike and Kayak Tours is a great option for renting both means of transportation.

Great people run this place. Highly recommend.

Tide Pools

I could write for days on the tide pools of San Diego.

This is one of my favorite things for kids to see while on vacation and La Jolla has some of the best around.

It’s so awesome to find a starfish sea star in its natural element, rather than behind aquarium glass.

Blacks Beach is our favorite! Park at La Jolla Shores Beach and walk toward the pier. Pass under the pier and keep walking until you find the rocky area. The pools form between the rocks.

Seals and Sea Lions

I insist you stop to see the seals and sea lions. This is another cool thing to see in real life.

Visit the Children’s Pool first to see the seals and then walk down to La Jolla Cove to see the sea lions. Take a snorkel tour to see lots of sea life.

Also, before you go, know the difference between seals and sea lions and dazzle your crew with extensive sea life knowledge.

Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave

This is a quirky and inexpensive stop. You’ll walk down dozens and dozens of steps to a sea cave.

It will only take you about 20-30 minutes start to finish and is a fun thing to do.

Find it in La Jolla Cove. Here’s a link to the cave store, where you buy a ticket to descend the stairs.

This is a great addition to a day of watching sea lions and strolling the town.

My Favorite Walk in La Jolla

Take this 4 mile walk (map above) to see everything La Jolla has to offer including:

• Seals and sea lions
• Pelicans
• Sea caves
• Bougie real estate
• Beach
• Tide pools

Start at the Children’s Pool and walk north along the coast to La Jolla Shores Beach. Most of this adventure is on a clear path, but you will walk on Torrey Pines Blvd for just a bit before taking a left on Princess Street. Follow it until you see the first sign for beach access.

To see major tide pools, continue on past Scripps Pier and onto Blacks Beach. Just beyond the tide pool is the mushroom house!

Shopping

Prospect Street anchors the shopping district in La Jolla. If you choose to participate, be sure to bring your highest limit credit cards. La Jolla likes luxury and it shows in every part of life.

Westfield UTC is a nearby mall, but we much prefer Fashion Valley, which is also in La Jolla. But both of these are high end malls that you can find at home. Stick to Prospect Street for local shops and vibes.

Dining

I don’t live close enough to be helpful with dinner suggestions so I recommend checking out this list if you want to stay late to dine.

I do know breakfast however! I recommend Harry’s Coffee Shop in La Jolla Village for a classic breakfast option. They’re the oldest in town. For something more upscale with ocean views, consider Brockton Villa.

Hotels

I haven’t stayed at a lot of La Jolla hotels because I live nearby, but this one is on one of my walks and it seems so dreamy.

Dine at the Marine Room (listed above in the link) while you’re there!