Caitlin & Todd
Things To Do
La Jolla Shores Beach
La Jolla Shores is a sandy beach approximately 1 mile long located in the community of La Jolla. Activities include novice scuba classes, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, etc. with lifeguards on duty. Adjacent to the beach is a playground and a grassy area called Kellogg Park. There are a number of convenience stores and excellent restaurants in the La Jolla Shores business district within walking distance. You could easily spend a whole day in this casual La Jolla beach area! The parking lot fills up quickly during peak days so be sure to arrive early. You may also park on the residential streets. Pups are allowed before 9 a.m. and again after 5 or 6 p.m. depending on the season.
Ellen Browning Scripps Park
This wide expanse of grass is home to windblown trees thought to have influenced the Truffula trees in The Lorax, written by La Jolla’s most famous resident, Dr. Seuss. Never too crowded (unless there’s a major event happening), it’s a great place for kids to run, picnics, frisbee, dog walks, yoga, and more. The little green huts lining the shoreline path here are called belvederes and awesome to hang out in, too. This park borders La Jolla Cove and its nearby little beaches (Boomer Beach and Shell Beach). The coastal walkway here will then lead you south to the Children’s Pool.
Torrey Pines State Reserve
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a great place for a leisurely hike. The park is perched on bluffs above gorgeous beaches which means that you may be able to see dolphins or even whales during their annual migrations. At the very least, the view is spectacular. Only water is allowed to be brought in (no food). Dogs are not permitted. The park is open from 7:15 a.m. to sunset every day.
Torrey Pines Golf Course
If your search for what to do in La Jolla revolves around golf, this is the most exclusive and popular place to snag a tee time. Visitors come to La Jolla to follow in Tiger’s footsteps and play the famous Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course which is home San Diego’s prestigious annual PGA golf tournament, the Farmer’s Insurance Open. The courses are owned by the City of San Diego and border the ocean for spectacular views. Non-residents can call for reservations 4 to 90 days in advance. San Diego residents with a valid City Resident Card and PIN can call 8 to 90 days in advance.
Torrey Pines Gliderport
A somewhat hidden gem, the Torrey Pines Gliderport makes a worthwhile visit even if you do not intend to paraglide or hang glide off the cliffs. But, there are tandem rides for those who want a little more excitement and instructors to teach those who want to learn to fly solo. This is one of the most historic aviation sites in the country with over 100 years of flying history. Most people come for the panoramic views made even more spectacular by colorful gliders in the sky. You can bring a picnic, but the Cliffhanger Café sandwiches are a pretty good lunch option. It’s a casual experience with usually plenty of parking in the dirt lot. It’s also a nice place to seek relaxation after hiking Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve or visiting Birch Aquarium as these attractions are also up near UC San Diego.
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
One of the best views in all of San Diego can be enjoyed from the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial. Perched on the top of Mount Soledad, it’s a popular stop for the Old Town Trolley, several bike tours, and many other visitors and residents. Unless there is heavy cloud cover, it’s possible to see over Mission Bay and down to Mexico, east over the mountains, north to La Jolla Shores and even Del Mar beaches, the pretty Mormon Temple, and beyond. A grassy area provides a small space for kids to play on and for laid-back picnics. However, it is a veteran’s memorial. Over 3,300 black granite plaques honor living and deceased veterans from the Revolutionary War through current day conflicts.
Windansea Beach
WindanSea Beach is more of a local’s spot but it’s worth mentioning if you happen to be staying in this part of La Jolla or like to surf. It’s quite scenic and there’s a nice patch of sand for beachgoing (tides permitting). The iconic WindanSea shack has been there since 1946 (destroyed a few times in between) and is a historical landmark that generates a ton of nostalgia for people who grew up in La Jolla.
Prospect Street (Shopping!)
In La Jolla, Prospect Street, with its boutiques and art galleries, is known as the Rodeo Drive of the San Diego area, but its intersecting streets like Girard Avenue and Ivanhoe Avenue also hold some shopping gems worth checking out. Be sure to stop in one of our outstanding restaurants on these streets in between stores for a meal or coffee.