Meghan & Richard
Things To Do
La Jolla Shores Beach
It’s the largest stretch of flat sand we have which means there is plenty of space to spread out even on busy days. The ocean here is typically excellent for swimming but surfing is allowed on the north side. It’s actually one of the best places to take surf lessons in San Diego as the reefs cause the waves to break gently most of the time. Adjacent to the beach is a playground and huge grassy area called Kellogg Park. A number of convenience stores and restaurants in the La Jolla Shores business district are within walking distance. You could easily spend a whole day in this casual beach area.
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is small but packs a punch. There’s a little beach here for sunbathing and swimming that is flanked by rocky points on both sides where sea lions and birds hang out. The combination of wildlife and beach as well as easy entry into the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park near the sea caves makes this a must-visit on a La Jolla vacation. If tides are low, small tide pools reveal themselves here, too. You don’t have to be on the beach to appreciate La Jolla Cove, however. A walkway along the coast wraps around La Jolla Cove and south to the Children’s Pool (where lots of seals hang out) for a leisurely stroll with optimal ocean and wildlife viewing.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
If on visiting La Jolla with kids, definitely visit the kid-friendly public exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Birch Aquarium is a fun visit for a few hours to see the over 60 habitats of fishes and invertebrates from the Pacific Northwest to Mexico and beyond.
Torrey Pines State Reserve
Home to the rare Torrey Pine tree, our state reserve lies on the border of La Jolla and Del Mar. It’s an excellent place for a leisurely hike with the kids or without. The park is perched on bluffs above the beach 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.
Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course Driving Range
Yes, people come to La Jolla to follow in Tiger’s footsteps and play the famous Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course which is home to 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.
Windansea Beach
This is where we took our engagement pictures! 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.
Prospect Street
Prospect Street in La Jolla is known as the Rodeo Drive of San Diego but its intersecting streets like Girard and Ivanhoe also hold some gems worth checking out. The list of best La Jolla shopping is long, but some favorites include Sweet Paper, Hi Sweetheart, and Warwick’s.