Things to Do
Dining
One thing you must do when you visit La Jolla is enjoy the local cuisine.
La Jolla, California is famous for its wide array of fantastic food and beverages. From laid-back, seaside cafes to sophisticated, fine dining restaurants in La Jolla, many of the best La Jolla restaurants have been honored with awards on both a local and national level.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to La Jolla Restaurants and Food for fine out the best spots to get a burger, sushi, tacos, Italian, Mexican or even a cup great cup of coffee. From seafood to French food, family friendly to the best spots to dine with a romantic ocean view this guide will fill you in on the best restaurants for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner (and everything in between).
FEATURED
Sights & Sips Cocktail Evening Cruise
Enjoy the sights of San Diego with a few cocktails on this spectacular cruise! Plus, save an additional 20% off when you choose two or more of 50+ of the most popular attractions in San Diego with a GoCity discount pass.
Beaches
The beaches found along the breathtaking San Diego coastline offer more than just beauty, they also offer a wide array of activities, from soothing relaxation to exciting water sports.
From world-famous the La Jolla Cove where you can watch the seals and sea lions to La Jolla Shores where you can swim with leopard sharks, La Jolla has some of the best beaches (and beach sunsets) in California.
Whether it’s known for great surfing or simply a nice place to relax, each La Jolla beach has its own personality and benefits.
Pro Tip
Snorkeling, surfing, paddleboarding and more, LaJolla.com offers exclusive discounts on the best beach activities. Plus, save an additional 20% off when you choose two or more of 50+ of the most popular attractions in San Diego with a digital GoCity discount pass.
*30-day full refund risk free guarantee
Shopping
La Jolla is a mecca for shopping lovers, attracting locals and visitors from around the world. Featuring everything from laid-back, local boutiques to high-end designers, La Jolla has some of the best shopping in the San Diego area!
Downtown La Jolla Village and the trendy Westfield UTC outdoor mall are some of La Jolla’s most popular shopping spots.
Be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Downtown La Jolla to get the inside scope on the shops on Ivanhoe, the Design District, shopping for art, the local boutiques, high end designers and brands and more!
While your there don’t miss the best places to take the kids, most dog-friendly spots and best restaurants to grab lunch in between all the amazing shopping!
Tours
Whether you want to explore the area’s best wines or snorkel with sharks at La Jolla Shores with an experienced guide, La Jolla has just the tour for you.
We offer a variety of different tours, including adventure tours, boat tours, restaurant tours, and more! Wheather you’re looking to explore the USS Midway Aircraft Museum aircraft carrier docked in the San Diego Bay or take a self-guided tour of the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, we’ve got all the information you’ll need from prices to discounts, availability and more!
Here are the best La Jolla tours and activities that will enhance your San Diego experience and let you interact on a deeper level with the local culture.
Outdoor
With its beaches, vibrant ecosystems and world-class sporting opportunities, La Jolla offers a variety of fun outdoor activities for everyone!
From surfing the Pacific to paragliding at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, here are some of the best things to do in La Jolla and nearby San Diego neighborhoods.
Regional Attractions
Each year, San Diego and La Jolla draw millions of visitors from around the world, many coming for the regional attractions this Southern California region has to offer.
From Balboa Park and Legoland California to Seaport Village and the San Diego Zoo, there are many exciting La Jolla attractions and landmarks treasured by children and adults alike!
Visit one of our world-famous attractions or stay with us and enjoy multiple attractions and activities.
Entertainment
La Jolla is famous, both locally and globally, for its contributions to entertainment.
La Jolla venues have sent many shows to Broadway from the La Jolla Playhouse, featured local and big name headliners at the Comedy Store and inspired awe with performances at the La Jolla Symphony & Chorus.
Learn about shows, live music, theater and more that draw locals and visitors from around the globe each year.
A Night at Torrey Pines
For the ultimate experience, consider staying the night at one of our favorite hotels, The Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines.
Dog Friendly Beaches
The only thing better than visiting one of La Jolla and its surrounding areas beautiful beaches is being able to bring your dog along for the trip.
From North of Del Mar City Beach to La Jolla Shores and Fiesta Island to the Ocean Beach dog beach, there’s a spot for everyone to enjoy. Weather you’re into water sports like stand up paddle boarding or surfing or just want to take it easy with your dog, these beaches are for you.
Each dog beach has slightly different rules for when your four-legged friend is allowed, whether they must be on a lease or are allowed to run free. Check out our dog beach details to make sure you have all the information you need before you arrive.
FEATURED
Paddleboard with your Dog
Have you ever tried paddleboarding with your dog? No seriously, have you? Rent a paddleboard and save 20% off when you choose two or more of 50+ of the most popular attractions in San Diego with a GoCity discount pass.
*30-day full refund risk free guarantee
KIDS
La Jolla is a great place to bring the kids and enjoy a day, a week or more exploring the family-friendly activities, beaches, restaurants and more that this beautiful city has to offer.
We recommend LEGOLAND California or the Birch Aquarium at Scripps as great places to start a trip of spend a fun-filled day. Visit La Jolla Cove and watch the seals and sea lions or rent snorkel gear and swim with the leopard sharks.
Consider planning a trip or visiting La Jolla in October when kids are free at many attractions around the area including Sea World San Diego, Belmont Park and the USS Midway Museum.
Events
Unique local events are always taking place in La Jolla and the surrounding San Diego area.
With amazing weather year-round, unbelievable beaches and attractions, there is always something new and exciting to explore. From craft beer events at one of our local breweries to events for the entire family and everything in between, La Jolla offers entertainment and activities almost every night of the week.
Don’t wait! Learn about the latest events and start planning your perfect trip to La Jolla.
Discount Admission
Interested in multiple events and activities – why choose just one? Save 20% when you choose two or more of 50+ of the most popular attractions in San Diego and an additional 5% with our exclusive LaJolla.com promo code on a digital GoCity discount pass.
*30-day full refund risk free guarantee
Beyond La Jolla
La Jolla’s central location and general proximity to the rest of San Diego makes it all the more special.
Its 20-minutes to downtown San Diego and just 30-minutes to North County. From Del Mar to the North to Ocean Beach to the south, popular local attractions and activities are all just a short drive away.
Whether you’re interested in the San Diego Zoo, Sea World San Diego or the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, La Jolla is a great jumping off location for things to do beyond it’s borders.
| Discounted Activity Tickets Beyond La Jolla | ||
| SeaWorld San Diego | $$ | Check Price |
| San Diego Zoo | $$ | Check Price |
| LEGOLAND California | $$$ | Check Price |
| Belmont Amusement Park | $$ | Check Price |
| USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Tours | $ | Check Price |
| Knott’s Berry Farm Amusement Park | $$ | Check Price |