LA JOLLA (hikes and beach) This place is BEAUTIFUL and absolutely doable for a first time hike. It was super rewarding with great reviews, gets a little busy but overall decent parking and would totally go again! read more

La Jolla - Hike - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

I have a love and hate relationship with La Jolla!! La Jolla is that gorgeous friend who has perfect weather, eats clean, and somehow stays humble. Gosh, how annoying! LOL As a vegan, this area is paradise yet also pretentious! That can be overbearing with overpriced boutiques, jewelry stores, art galleries, and lots of plastic (IYKYK)! I do have my favorite spots. Trilogy Sanctuary is my absolute favorite spot! The rooftop cafe, the ocean views, the plant-based menu that makes you feel so nourished and amazing after. Food for your mind, body, and soul. A yogi's paradise! Try out their aerial yoga classes! There are also other vegan-friendly cafes around town. The beaches are breathtaking! La Jolla Cove has crystal clear water, dramatic cliffs, and sea lions who steal the show (especially for tourists). Windansea is quieter and scenic! Weather is perfect nine times out of ten since it's heyyy San Diego. Downtown La Jolla does have cute boutiques so it's fun to window shop because my wallet could never. Cafes all around as well. Outside downtown, there's chill neighborhoods, hidden beaches, and views that make you want to stay. The La Jolla Open Aire Farmers Market is a must for fresh produce and local treats before hitting the beach. Who doesn't love supporting local businesses?! Cons? Parking will test your patience. This area will draw tourist crowds so be prepared. Oh, and the sea lion smell is a nice surprise. hehe Overall, 4 stars! Amazing food if you know where to go, perfect weather, gorgeous beaches, fun wildlife, and a great farmers market! read more

See all

Beaches were fun! I hade a great time watch the seals and birds! They were adorable! I love this place! read more

La Jolla - Bird (looked at the camera lol) - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

For the city of Lajolla there are twovsides to take a look at to see a place you have to look at the many places they have yet the city of Lajoa seems to be trying to bring Rodao Drive. This is a two part review for the many places you can go to in Lajolla yet there is a loss of mom and pops places for many of the places and stores you find are the ones of high end and very expensive . The city has been the host to the art shows with the many artists that come to the show loom for the bigg spenders for the artists don't allow people to take pictures. For the places of Lajolla can be one of the many that is split off from the many areas of UCSD and the students that come to the many areas of the compus. For the city and the Downtown area of Lajolla is the center of the city for Lajolla wants to change the center of the city more towards the city courts and to the high rise buildings the way Lajolla is located the issue of flooding and the issues of Earthquakes . The city of Lajolla was more to the historical and the artistic of the arts yet the many beaches of Lajolla have been misused yet to the ones that are used by the Sea Lions and seals that come to birth .The beaches have been ones for the many that have did yet the cliffsides are very dangerous . For the city it needs to have more welcoming not cut there ties if a fire broke out there would be no help if you want to be your own you take on your own hazards. As a Yelp Elite Reviewer 2nd part of the city review there is much more that there is much more of the city that people need to know . Customer service is not of the best finding some places that give the cold shoulder to cut relations with San Diego you lose much more . read more

See all

There was little attention paid to ethics by this crew. They wanted to take a cut, then dump us as customer. read more

See all

We really enjoy visiting La Jolla, every time is enjoyable. We recently began coming back with the La Jolla Concours D'Elegance 2023, which was a lot of fun. We started that day with breakfast at Harry's Coffee Shop. It was our first visit to that restaurant, and we have now been back four times. We go there every time that we go to La Jolla, as we live in La Mesa. We have become members of the Birch Aquarium, and have been there three times. We usually go for a couple of hours only. We have visited the Children's Pool to see the Sea Lions, and that was fun too. read more

See all

Stunning coastal scenery, picturesque coves, and some of the best snorkeling spots in San Diego. The village is charming, with boutique shopping and delicious eats. Torrey Pines Gliderport and La Jolla Cove are must-visits. Friendly locals and breathtaking views make this neighborhood a gem. Can't wait to come back! read more

See all

5-13-22 Friday the 13th day is a good as any day to write about La Jolla. I had never heard of it til about a year ago. I learned how to pronounce it from my former rheumatologist who graduated from Stanford. If you're old enough to recognize the name Jose Jimenez you know that the J's are pronounced as H's. It's a very nice place to settle in San Diego. So many eateries and close enough to the border to enjoy authentic Mexican food. On our trip there a month ago we had fabulous Birria tacos with additional cheese and really good horchata. By this summer we'd have visited a handful of times. The airport is a convenient drive away. We've eaten various ethnic types of food. It's a good place to make a day trip to Downtown Disney. Also a great opportunity to see more Sea Lions than at San Francisco or Newport/Lincoln City. The campus at UCSD is humongous! Maybe one day we'll feel comfortable and safe enough to go to a movie theater in the community if the pandemic ever winds down. From La Jolla we've visited Old Town, Del Mar a fantastic dog beach with out of this world gorgeous sun rises and Mira Mesa. There's so much more to explore especially a huge white temple that has intrigued me for over 23 years. I'm curious to see first hand how beautiful it is inside if admittance is allowed. read more

See all

What a BEAUTIFUL beach!!! We found a nice spot to park to enjoy the view. The water looked amazing even though I know it's COLD! There were a lot of surfers out there catching the waves.... The water looked clean and blue. It was nice to watch and listen to the water. There were a lot of people walking and sitting around the sand area and trails. It was slightly foggy that day, but it's still beautiful. The next time I'm here, it'll be nice to have coffee and a picnic basket..... read more

La Jolla - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

La Jolla is a seaside village whose beauty has inspired artists and surrounded locals and travelers in sunshine and style for decades. From the crashing waves to the award-winning restaurants and cafes, La Jolla sparkles with sights and attractions in a picturesque village where everything is immersed in a casual, relaxed luxury. Strolling through the village on "date night" or vacationing in one of the village's signature hotels guarantees luxury and leisure with seaside serenity. It's located only about 15 minutes from downtown San Diego and 45 miles south of the Orange County line. La Jolla is an upscale neighborhood where people relax amidst the nice village and coastal setting. La Jolla is surrounded on three sides by ocean bluffs and beaches. The climate is mild, with an average daily temperature of 70.5 °F (21.4 °C). La Jolla is home to many educational institutions and a variety of businesses in the areas of lodging, dining, shopping, software, finance, real estate, bioengineering, medical practice and scientific research. The University of California, San Diego (UCSD), is located in La Jolla, as are the Salk Institute, Scripps Institution of Oceanography (part of UCSD), Scripps Research Institute, and the headquarters of National University. La Jolla is also the location of Torrey Pines Golf Course, the site each January or February of a PGA Tour event formerly known as the Buick Invitational and since 2010, called the Farmers Insurance Open. Torrey Pines also hosted the U.S. Open several times. Near the Torrey Pines area you can find a nude beach, Black's Beach, and the Torrey Pines Gliderport. Downtown La Jolla is noted for jewelry stores, boutiques, upmarket restaurants and hotels. Prospect Street and Girard Avenue are also shopping and dining districts. The Museum of Contemporary Art, founded in 1941, is located just above the waterfront in what was originally the 1915 residence of philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps. The museum has a permanent collection with more than 3,500 post-1950 American and European works, including paintings, works on paper, sculptures, photographic art, design objects and video works. The museum was renamed Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in 1990 to recognize its regional significance. Beaches and ocean access include Windansea Beach, La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Cove and Children's Pool Beach. For many years, La Jolla has been the host of a rough water swim at La Jolla Cove. The origin of the name is that it is an alternative spelling of the Spanish phrase la joya, which means "the jewel". This supposed origin gave rise to the nickname "The Jewel". The name may also come from the Spanish La Hoya, meaning a geographic hollow. Regardless, it is truly a jewel of the Pacific Ocean, with a climate that is usually rated as one of the world's best. read more

See all

Absolutely beautiful city, but very expensive. This is a great place for tourists, people who love the ocean, art galleries, and restaurants. read more

Really nice downtown with expensive restaurants and stores. Easy to find parking and very pleasant walk. Definitely recommend visiting and walking down to the water as well. read more

La Jolla - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

What isn't there to love about La Jolla!? If I can afford it, I'd live here. Fortunately, I only live about a 15/20 minute drive depending on traffic. Sure there's tons of traffic and very limited places to park but its still beautiful. If you enjoy the outdoors, you can hike, kayak or simply lay out. If you love to shop you can go shopping at the mall or boutique stores. If you love to dine, there got all sorts of offerings. My wife and I actually got married here over a decade ago. It's as beautiful today as it yes when we said I do. Now that we have our son, we try to make it out to the beaches at least twice a month if time and weather permit. With so much to see and do, you're certain to find what you need. I'll be back for sure. Sorts up! read more

La Jolla - Palm trees for days - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

Views are simply wonderful and lots of access to various spots on the beach. We got to see the seals too just lounging on the beach taking in some sun. The seagulls here are irritating. Snatch food off your hand and pooped on me heh. They have scouts circling constantly ready to devour any food. Some of the steps down to the beach area can be a bit steep especially if you have elderly and toddlers in tow. Could be nice to have some more stable steps but I suppose it adds to the appeal of this place for locals to the keep the visitors as less intrusive as possible. read more

Just beautiful. Peaceful and friendly. Views are gorgeous! People are nice. All around beauty. Clear water. read more

See all

United StatesLa Jolla, California|||La Jolla, California Known as the best small village in America This coastal town has a rich history with an Old Hollywood vibe La Jolla, California is one of the most unique towns in San Diego County Brunch by the sea on weekends Dinner has fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean Enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean You can also spend half a day playing at Torrey Pines Golf Course The famous Torrey Pines is the venue for many competitions Most famously, the 2008 U.S. Open Woods won the championship Two 18-hole courses stand on the cliffs beside the Pacific Ocean Breathtaking coastline and deep valleys read more

See all

My little family and I found La Jolla when looking for a centrally-located apartment close to good beaches. Actually, it was my son who found a beautiful apartment home for us. And so, we lived there for a few years. Then, something tragic happened. Perhaps your parents are still alive now, but one day you'll lose them, like me and my kids lost their grandparents. My sister and her family from Illinois and my daughter and I from California were summoned by our older brother to help with my parents care, so we both moved there. My older brother built them a home on his property for all of us to properly take care of them. We all knew it was only temporary and did as much as we could. They were married 69 years, my Dad had just published his 4th book, then only 2 weeks later came his sudden death. Mom's death followed her beloved husband's only 4 months later. I was the only sibling with her when she passed, as I held her frail hand. It was the most devastating event that has happened to us siblings. And so, we have returned to our chosen home of La Jolla, California. Beaches here are world known. And we love the beach so much, it's a requirement to live here. La Jolla is a beautiful town. It is mostly devoid of homeless (yet they lurk in the shadows). It is home to UCSD, Westfield UTC mall, several Scripps' Hospitals, including The Green Hospital (the finest), a plethora of both fine dining and casual restaurants, high-end shopping, and beautiful parks and endless recreation. La Jolla has everything you could ask for and then some. Oh, and the weather is perfect year round. Even though we have to fight for the use of our own gorgeous amenities, the fact still remains that ... **We live where people come from all over the world, just to vacation here** How can you beat that? read more

See all

Beautiful seaside town part of San Diego. Nice views of the Pacific Ocean from all around La Jolla. High end homes and amazing landscaping on most properties. Good choices of restaurants, stores and shops. Great for biking and walking. People do take their exercise seriously here. Not a perfect town but what town is? read more

She is beauty here! With many hidden jewels in her coves, she is a loving caretaker of natural resources and also has vengeance to her worst enemies. She takes care of the shore with plenty of fish, and divers will go deep in her darkness to discover various creatures that are protected by the federal reserve. Do not take from certain locations of her heart, or you will get punished. So many stories of horror that do not follow the rules which becomes true stories like the "The Dead Man's Jump!" No diving off the cliffs as it has taken the life of the SD Mayor's kids. She provides treasure if you are willing to dive for it like Shopping Cart Cave. Dive if you dare. We bring so much unnecessary things with us and if we drop it, her cave may have it. Retrieve human artifacts but do not touch her live wild life. She is romantic place to get married, but beware of her majestic strong waves as a legend has it about a wedding dress that was found with no bride. La Jolla are you the bride. So beautiful to look! Your mysterious and glorious haunts is also romanticized. La Jolla, you are a jewel to be treasured and shared and taken care of! read more

La Jolla - Amazing day to ocean kayak see the caves today! The water was so clear! Clear skies, blue clear water, & winds were good! - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

One of the prettiest beaches! The water is cold and beautiful! Plenty of sea lions and seals around the rocks and cove. It was so cool to see because we don't have that in Va! read more

See all

I'm not sure which city department is in charge of road maintenance and/or repair, but they've failed in maintaining the roads in La Jolla. It's disgraceful to say the least. Moreover, you can spend a day in La Jolla and you're lucky if you see even one police vehicle. Do they have a police department? Where are they hiding? I'm thinking that since Covid the city has deteriorated quite a bit. Hopefully they'll make a comeback soon. It's time to get it together. read more

A 15 min drive north up the coast from San Diego is La Jolla s small upscale community with a village filled with shops and restaurants. But the real thrill is La Jolla Cove where you park and walk along the path at the cliffs of the pacific. The beautiful water hitting the rocks below and hundreds of seals soaking up the sun. Play in the water, get a suntan, have a picnic, go snookering. You will not be disappointed. read more

See all

Spent a wonderful weekend at La Jolla beach. It was our first vacation there, so we were excited. We arrived on the first weekend in August and the beach was really busy. We never felt crowded but if you're into sitting on the beach, reading a book and zoning out, forget it. There was a swimming section and surfing section. The lifeguards frequently reprimanded those who were swimming in the surfing side. There was room, however, for umbrellas, footballs, frisbees, paddle ball and general kid-play, like sand castles. There was also a large grassy area where people brought grills. They offered restrooms and showers but with long lines. You could bring coolers (no alcohol, no glass containers) and lawn chairs too. Parking can take time, so show patience. Someone was always leaving. We saw many families drop off the gear and family in the loading area and then Dad would spend a half-hour to park. Overall: good but busy sand, small waves, restrooms and lifeguards. read more

La Jolla - La Jolla beach. - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

PROS: This place was my favorite beach in San Diego so far. This has great size beaches, kayak rentals/tours, caves to explore, warm and semi clear water! I highly recommend coming here CONS: No bathroom is nearby that I was able to see OVERALL: Amazing beach to visit. Highly recommend it! read more

Beautiful location for any occasion. One down side is parking but that's pretty any beach in SD. read more

La Jolla - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

I really like it here. The beach, the cove, the shops, everything is so cute and I love the view. The coast is so refreshing. You really get to be a part of it all, the smell, the view, and the nature. I enjoy listening to the waves hit against the rocks because it sounds so therapeutic. It's also a great place to catch a glimpse of sea lions. This place is such a great way to enjoy the outdoors and have a chill day. My friend and I were very happy after our visit here. read more

La Jolla - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

There isn't a negative thing to say about La Jolla. It's a dreamland by the coast. So beautiful. I can why it got it's name. It is a jewel by the sea. Not to mention you can see wild see lions from very close. There are nice hotels and restaurants by the coast. The sunsets here will touch your soul. I can go here a million times and never get tired. read more

La Jolla - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

The best beach by far and it's a must visit! So pure and clear blue water, LA or Ventura don't have this anymore. Swim, get the sun, snorkel, appreciate pelicans, surf or stroll here. Free parking. read more

See all

AN ABSOLUTELY MUST DO! SEA LIONS, PANORAMIC JAW DROPPING VIEWS, HIDDEN COVES, & BEAUTIFUL WATER. There are shops here to pick up a souvenir or T Shirt etc. & restaurants to catch a bite to eat. But just walking along the shore is so beautiful & relaxing. Then meandering the paths up into the cliffs and that SPECTACULAR VIEW; you feel like you are on top of the world. In the summertime the water is so warm & great for taking a dip. Remember to get up close but not too close to see the beautiful sea lions in their natural habitat. What more could you possibly want. A truly natural beauty. It used to be, you had to have mega bucks & be really rich to have the Good Life, not anymore. The Game has changed. You've been Upgraded. Now You Can Live Like a King on a Limited Budget! read more

I don't get it. La Jolla is part of San Diego County which means it's managed by the wonderfully overrated city of San Diego. America's Finest City? According to who? It was given that title by a former mayor. Thanks to some amazing marketing and local news bureaus the title has stuck around and then some. Anyway, I've been coming to La Jolla(downtown La Jolla) since 1996. The only thing that has changed is the seals smell worse, new shops and restaurants and worse roads. It's as touristy as ever. People flock to LJ from all over the world. The amount of out of state license plates is incredible. Access is horrible. Getting in and out of LJ is no fun. Parking? Ha! Good luck. read more

You got to love La Jolla with its beautiful beaches and parks. Also the community has an abundant variety of terrific places to dine with that special someone or just a friendly get together. I say so, because I have been to many of the great eateries in the area. In addition to all the place to dine, La Jolla provided a melee of specialty boutiques and artisan shops throughout the city. Some of the activities that La Jolla offers are Kayaking classes and sight seeing done up and down the curvy beautiful coastline and, dolphin sighting, and visiting the Birch Aquarium with is wonder educational program. Torrey Plains Gliderport offers hangliding and parasailing, La Jolla Shores offers scuba diving and snorkeling, and there are even electric bike tours at Fly Rides. There is definitely a lot of fun things to do here. It's always a great place to visit or vacation. The only draw back for me and others, is the time of the year when the seals are participating in extra curricular activities on the rocks below the cliffs and leave quite a mess, if you know what I mean. The scent waffling up the cliffs is not so pleasant. Other than that, It's understandable why La Jolla is the "the jewel." read more

If you want to see sea lions and seals up close and personal this is place to be! There are certain areas and time of the day that you will see a bunch of them sunbathing. I wouldn't touch them as they can get aggressive but they are super cute! Other than that, the beach has a nice scenery. The area also has lots of restaurants and shops but more towards high end. read more

La Jolla is probably one of the most gorgeous areas in San Diego and has a very different vibe as a beach city than lots of other beach cities in California. Like Sarah T mentioned, La Jolla has lots of offer. There is the Bird Rock area where you are walking through almost a quaint downtown of its own with lots of specialty shops, bakeries, coffee shops and get to experience the wonders of a roundabout (not ...) but also areas like Prospect St which holds La Jolla's downtown gems of wonderful food, culture and more shopping of course. I've been to La Jolla quite a few times but mostly in this area as well as on Coast Blvd (again this is such a must visit, this area is breathtakingly beautiful and will not let you down ... even on an overcast cloudy day). However, the Bird Rock area on La Jolla Blvd was my newest discovery. If I had more time I would want to browse all the shops in the area. La Jolla is such an interesting mixture of the type of beach goers you would find in Santa Cruz for example along side the kind of beach goer that browses art galleries and makes arrangements for shipping art costing thousands of dollars to their homes without ever having set foot on the beach. I quite enjoy this type of mix as I love people watching. La Jolla is a great place to visit and the coast line is definitely a must see. read more

Stunning and relaxing...2 words to describe La Jolla. It's a short drive from SD but worth the trip. Spend the day...take a stroll...check out the seals...hang out on the beach. It's a bit hilly so it's definitely a good walk. The restaurants and bars are very nice and abundant. If I had the $ I would look into living here...perfect weather too! read more

There has to be a reason why every time I visit San Diego, I always end up in La Jolla sooner or later. What the heck. Even unintentionally I end up here! There must be a reason.. it could be the cute little sea lions? The snorkeling? Maybe the kayaking or the beautiful beaches to ride your rented bike through. And, after a day at the beach, I like bringing people to the Mt Soledad Veteran's Memorial for a great 360 degree view of beautiful San Diego. I'll be back La Jolla! read more

Stunning, breathtaking and THE town I would chose to live in if I moved to the San Diego area. The beaches are some of the nicest I have ever seen and range from tide pools where you can swim with real wildlife, who needs SeaWorld when you have Children's Pool in La Jolla? All the way to cliffs and coves, so much to explore...views all the way downtown, as well as vast, endless ocean ahead, gorgeous. Everything here is so peaceful, organic, scenic...rich. That is what you have to be to live here, but I would say it is well worth it. read more

I've seen pictures of the cliffs, but being on the cliffs with the wind rushing past you and looking over the beach ... amazing. The weather is almost always perfect and the view is great. maybe next time i'll get to go down to the beach parking isn't hard to find. public street parking (might be a little walk away) read more

I was told the origins of La Jolla was meant to be jewel... and it definitely is a jewel in the San Diego crown. You have everything here to experience one of the best California coastlines & all the luxe things it has to offer. It is definitely touristy with its many many cars vying for the free street parking and causing minor traffic jams. That being said, La Jolla experience isn't touristy overall... with it's chill and upscale vibe balanced with the eternal beauty of the pacific, you really get to relax without the mayhem or lower quality you'd may see at Daytona Beach. I would say bring your wallet... the area is not cheap but it delivers on every front... whether it be upscale boutique hotels, high end restaurants overlooking the ocean, high end shopping, or sipping on some very good or craft bear. You also would probably want to rent one of the many equipment to experience the best of the beaches and ocean. I rented a kayak but you can also do surfing lessons, paddle boarding, or boogie boards. Must do or see in the area... Children's Pool for the seals The beach on the upper side of La Jolla (calm and clean) Any of the parks... my fav is the one at Rocky Point La Jolla Tidal Pools Gelato at Bobboi read more

Well First I say La Jolla is Pretty darn cool because of all the places you can go such as Number 1 is The Beaches of course !! The Beautiful Beaches here are amazing and it is fun for everyone !! Second of course the shopping !! Close by is UTC Shopping Town where you can pick up that special gift or if your just in the mood to go to the mall and look around !!! It's got lots of new shops here also !!! Third it's the food of course !! Plenty of options for you !! But the one thing is during peak traffic hours it can get jammed up in La Jolla !! As for me I always enjoy coming to La Jolla it's an beautiful part of San Diego !! And of course San Diego is known for it's beautiful Beaches !! So if your in the mood to just layout and get a tan or searching for a place to go then why not La Jolla !! I come to La Jolla just to enjoy the wonderful beaches and Shopping here !! I have to say it's an pretty cool part of town in San Diego !! Not far from anywhere in San Diego !! So I say enjoy the beautiful La Jolla !! read more

On a recent trip to California, my family was thrilled to finally visit La Jolla and it did not disappoint! My biggest recommendation is to arrive early in the morning (before 10 am) so that you can secure a close parking spot and take in the serenity and beautiful views before thousands of tourists start to show up around noon. On the day we visited, it was too cold to hit the beach, so we enjoyed the beautiful cliff and ocean views from electric bikes we rented from Pedego (which I've also reviewed on Yelp). We biked all along the La Jolla Coast and it was truly breathtaking. Make sure to take the time to stop by La Jolla Cove (I've also reviewed this attraction on Yelp). La Jolla Cove is family friendly and home to hundreds of adorable seals and sea lions. It is a rope tourist attraction in La Jolla. When you park on the water there are tons or restaurants, cafes, and shops within walking distance. So even if it's not warm enough to take a swim, there are many other ways to fill your time. La Jolla beach is family friendly, gorgeous, and free! It is certainly worth a visit. read more