What To Do In La Jolla Ca
La Jolla isn't a city. It's a neighborhood of San Diego that acts like it has its own passport. Also, it's pronounced La Hoya, not La Jolly. Say it wrong and you'll get a pity...
La Jolla isn't a city. It's a neighborhood of San Diego that acts like it has its own passport. Also, it's pronounced La Hoya, not La Jolly. Say it wrong and you'll get a pitying smile from a local who is about to beat you to the last parking spot.
Start With The Seals (And Their Legal Team)
La Jolla Cove is basically a luxury spa for seals. They took over the Children's Pool years ago and never looked back. You can watch them from a respectful distance, because touching them is illegal and also a terrible idea.
Surprising fact: the seals are protected by law, so they have better job security than most of us. They smell like fish and victory. Bring a camera, not a drone, since drones are banned in some areas.
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The seals will not sign autographs. They are busy napping, barking, and being adorable tyrants. Respect the rope line, and everyone goes home happy.
Kayak Into A Cave Or Just Pretend You're A Pirate
Rent a kayak from La Jolla Shores and paddle toward the sea caves. You might see sea lions, leopard sharks, and tourists pretending to be athletes. The caves are dark, echoey, and cooler than your ex's attitude.
Sunny Jim Cave is the only land-accessible sea cave in California. You enter through a gift shop. That's right: a gift shop. It's like Narnia, but with more seashells and a small entry fee.
Snorkel With Leopard Sharks (They're Friendly, Mostly)
From June to October, leopard sharks gather in the shallow water off La Jolla Shores. They are harmless. They look like spotted torpedoes with trust issues.
Snorkelers love them. If you're brave, join a snorkel tour. If you're not, go eat a taco and call it a cultural experience.
Hike Torrey Pines Like A Slightly Sweaty Nature Influencer
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve sits just north of La Jolla. It is home to the rare Torrey pine tree. Those trees grow here and on one island, which makes them more exclusive than a Hollywood club.
The hikes range from easy to moderate. The views are ridiculous. You'll see ocean, cliffs, and paragliders who look like colorful laundry.
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Bring water. The sun is not messing around. Neither are the stairs.
Stroll Prospect Street And Act Like You Have A Yacht
Prospect Street is La Jolla's main drag for shopping, galleries, and food. You can buy a $200 candle. You can also window-shop and pretend you're rich, which is free and almost as fun.
Stop by the La Jolla Playhouse. It's a Tony Award-winning theater. Several Broadway hits started here, including Jersey Boys and The Who's Tommy.
For lunch, grab a fish taco. Or a burger. Or a kale salad that costs more than your first car.
If you're into art, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego has a La Jolla location. It's small but mighty. You can pretend to understand modern art and then buy a postcard.
Watch The Sunset At Windansea Beach
Windansea Beach is a local favorite. It has a quirky surf shack that's a historic landmark. The waves are strong, so swimming is for experts, but the sunset is for everyone.
Bring a blanket and a hoodie. The marine layer can turn sunny into chilly in ten minutes. It's like the weather has multiple personalities.
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Bonus: Glider Port For Cheap Thrills
The Torrey Pines Gliderport is nearby. You can watch hang gliders and paragliders launch off the cliffs. You can also book a tandem flight if you enjoy screaming with a stranger.
If you'd rather keep your feet on the ground, just enjoy the show. Bring binoculars. Or squint like a pirate.
Mount Soledad Has A View And A Lot Of Feelings
Drive or hike up to Mount Soledad. You'll find a war memorial with panoramic views of San Diego. On a clear day, you can see the ocean, the city, and your problems looking very small.
It's a peaceful spot, but also a windy one. Hold onto your hat. And your sandwich.
Final Pro Tips
Parking in La Jolla is a competitive sport. Arrive early or embrace the garage. The Coast Boulevard lot fills up faster than free samples at a bakery.
Don't touch the seals. Don't feed the seagulls. Don't argue with the ocean, because it wins every time.
La Jolla means "the jewel" in Spanish, though the origin is debated. Whatever you call it, it's a shiny corner of San Diego. Just remember to say La Hoya, and the seals might stop judging you. Might.
