La Jolla
Nestled along seven miles of curving coastline about 10 miles north of downtown San Deigo, La Jolla is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in America.
La Jolla translates to “the jewel,” which is a perfect description of this close-knit community of about 50,000 people who enjoy dramatic coastal views on three sides and an abundance of dining, and shopping options, in an area where there are more than 260 sunny days a year and an average daily temperature of 70 degrees.
Visitors are drawn to the laidback upscale village vibes, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and an abundance of affordable natural and cultural activities for people of all ages. It’s easy to spend a day or an entire vacation in La Jolla with a wide range of accommodations from luxurious resorts to historic boutique hotels and casual coastal retreats.
La Jolla's biggest draw is its incredibly beautiful beaches. The surf is relatively gentle in the summer and fall, with water temperatures that hover in the 70s. Beachgoers, swimmers, snorkelers, scuba divers, kayakers, and surfers enjoy all kinds of beach and ocean activities. Popular beach destinations include La Jolla Shores, the Cove, and Windansee.
Torrey Pines Golf Course and The Lodge at Torrey Pines are nestled in a scenic cliff area that offers well-groomed hiking trails with spectacular views in addition to world-class golf.
Scripps Park is a popular family destination for picnickers, where you can enjoy Fourth of July fireworks and concerts under the stars. Just south of Scripps, families also frequent the Children’s Pool, where a seawall was originally built to protect little ones from incoming waves. Swimming isn’t allowed anymore, but you can walk out along the seawall to get a close-up of a seal colony that has claimed the area as its own.
No visit to La Jolla is complete without strolling on Prospect Street in The Village downtown. You can lose yourself for hours among the dozens of art galleries, upscale boutiques, fine dining establishments, spas and salons, and countless one-of-a-kind gems waiting for you to discover.
The Birch Aquarium, the La Jolla Playhouse, and the Museum of Contemporary Art are all situated close to The Village as well. The University of California San Diego is located in La Jolla, home to popular destinations such as the Geisel Library, Salk Institute, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and Scripps Research Institute.
One other great thing about La Jolla is that parking generally isn’t an issue when you use one of the 20 parking garages in town.