La Jolla Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A beach with a curved seawall, people swimming and walking along the shore, and greenery in the foreground.
Seals resting on rocks by the ocean with waves crashing nearby.
A coastal landscape with rocky cliffs, a sandy beach, and palm trees.
A beach with waves, people, and a cliff with palm trees and buildings.
A cityscape with a prominent skyline, a body of water, and a bridge in the distance.

La Jolla is an affluent but relaxed and picturesque northern suburb of San Diego, best known for its beaches and dramatic coastline.

La Jolla, pronounced “La Hoya”, means “The Jewel” in Spanish and certainly lives up to its name. With upmarket boutiques, galleries and restaurants, pretty La Jolla offers an indulgent, romantic escape. The great weather and clear waters draw the summer crowds to La Jolla’s beaches all year long. Go swimming, surfing, scuba diving and kayaking, or simply laze on the water’s edge. Sea lions and seals will show you how it’s done they sunbathe in La Jolla Cove.

Our guide on where to stay in La Jolla

Find the best La Jolla areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about La Jolla
Learn more about La Jolla

La Jolla Village

Pristine beaches and ample dining options are just a few notable features La Jolla Village is known for, and you can get around the area by hopping on the metro at Nobel Drive Station.

La Jolla Shores

While visiting La Jolla Shores, you might make a stop by sights like La Jolla Beach and Birch Aquarium.

Bird Rock

If you're spending some time in Bird Rock, Pacific Beach and Mission and Pacific Beaches are top sights worth seeing.

La Jolla Heights

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in La Jolla Heights and surrounding area, you can visit Birch Aquarium and La Jolla Beach.

Torrey Pines

Pristine beaches, ample dining options, and top golf courses are just a few top things to explore in Torrey Pines. A visit to Geisel Library or Torrey Pines Golf Course might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at UC San Diego Central Campus Station or VA Medical Center Station to get around town.

Inn By The Sea La Jolla

Inn By The Sea La Jolla

3.5 out of 5
7830 Fay Ave La Jolla CA
The price is AU$313 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
AU$313
15 Nov - 16 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in La Jolla. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
Inn By The Sea La Jolla
La Jolla Cove Suites

La Jolla Cove Suites

3 out of 5
1155 Coast Blvd La Jolla CA
The price is AU$389 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
AU$389
21 Oct - 22 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in La Jolla. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), valet parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
La Jolla Cove Suites
La Jolla Shores Hotel

La Jolla Shores Hotel

3 out of 5
8110 Camino Del Oro La Jolla CA
The price is AU$519 per night from 8 Nov to 9 Nov
AU$519
8 Nov - 9 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in La Jolla. Enjoy a beach locale, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,332 reviews)
"Terribly dirty in the room. Carpet was gross bathrooms were from the 70’s. I would not recommend the property better off staying north or south and visiting the shores during the day."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2026

La Jolla Shores Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Perfect for Families. Unobstructed Park and Ocean Views. Steps to Sand.

Perfect for Families. Unobstructed Park and Ocean Views. Steps to Sand.

San Diego CA
Stay at this beach holiday home in La Jolla. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a garden. Popular attractions Mission Bay and Mission Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (206 reviews)
"Our extended family enjoyed the location of this house, having ample parking, beach gear, and a well stocked kitchen. The management team was great at communication. Our only negative is the large detached bedroom which has no bathroom which makes it difficult for most to have to walk to the main ..."

Reviewed on 20 Sept 2026

Perfect for Families. Unobstructed Park and Ocean Views. Steps to Sand.
Oceanfront/Steps to Beach & Wedding Bowl/Views!

Oceanfront/Steps to Beach & Wedding Bowl/Views!

La Jolla CA
Stay at this holiday home in La Jolla. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a water park and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mission Beach and Mission Bay are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
"I’ll start with the positives: close to the beach and fairly quiet other than construction next door. It’s close to shopping and great restaurants. The negatives: property is very dated, needs a remodel. Especially the bathrooms. The beds were uncomfortable and need new mattresses. The paint is peeling ..."

Reviewed on 28 Aug 2026

Oceanfront/Steps to Beach & Wedding Bowl/Views!
Ocean View Spanish Beauty  Half Block to Beach, New Hot Tub

Ocean View Spanish Beauty Half Block to Beach, New Hot Tub

San Diego CA
Stay at this holiday home in La Jolla. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and balconies. Popular attractions Mission Bay and Mission Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews)
"The location of the home is great and really close to the beach. The house is fun and spacious. There were some nice chairs, towels, and wagon for the beach. There is only AC upstairs so the downstairs in the kitchen area was quite warm. The kitchen situation was very frustrating for our visit. We ..."

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2026

Ocean View Spanish Beauty Half Block to Beach, New Hot Tub
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular La Jolla attractions

Activities

Cities near La Jolla

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