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* Always confirm venues listed in your plan to avoid errors or closures.
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Tours, Activities, Passes
Kayak sea caves, snorkel the cove, harbor cruises, zoo & more.
Beach Gear (Packing List)
Quick vacation needs for the Cove, Shores, and Windansea.
Homes Etc. in/near La Jolla
Browse listings & rentals.
⚡ Pro-Tips
Quick Guides – The Locals Know Best!
Short, no-fluff pages, answering what most visitors ask locals about La Jolla. Useful before or after you book!
La Jolla Beaches
Cove vs. Shores, Windansea, Black’s — which is which?
Sea Caves & Wildlife
Kayak routes, leopard-shark season, where to see sea lions.
Top Attractions
Birch Aquarium, Torrey Pines, galleries, Coast Walk.
Dining & Coffee
Ocean views, casual bites, sweet treats, quick coffee map.
Day Trips from La Jolla
Old Town, Balboa Park, Del Mar, Coronado - how far & why.
La Jolla FAQs
What is the easiest way to plan a La Jolla trip?
Use our Itinerary-Builder above: pick dates and interests (beaches, sea caves, wildlife, hikes) and you'll get a quick plan with handy links.
Do I need a car in La Jolla?
A car helps for Torrey Pines, UCSD, and greater San Diego. Inside the Village, Bird Rock, or La Jolla Shores, bikes and walking generally work fine, or rideshare from one to the other.
Top things to do?
Kayak the sea caves, snorkel the Cove (leopard sharks in season), watch sea lions at Children’s Pool, stroll the Coast Walk Trail, and catch sunset at Scripps Park or Windansea, plus food and treats and coffee!
What makes La Jolla different from San Diego?
La Jolla feels like a self-contained village — walkable, with boutique shops, coastal parks, and seals & sea lions right in the Cove — compared with the larger, urban feel of downtown San Diego.
Where’s the best spot to see seals and sea lions?
You’ll find them lounging at Children’s Pool and La Jolla Cove. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to watch them up close.
Is La Jolla good for kids?
Yes! Families love Kellogg Park with its big grassy playground, the Birch Aquarium, easy beaches for tidepooling, and plenty of ice cream stops in the Village or La Jolla Shores.
Where do locals eat?
Some favorites include Puesto and The Taco Stand for tacos, El Pescador for seafood, the Cottage and Sugar & Scribe for breakfast and baked treats. For finer dining, there's Eddie V's, George's, Nine-Ten, and Duke's on Prospect in the Village, and Paradisaea in Bird Rock.