La Jolla
Best places to stay
While there are many hotels to choose from in the La Jolla area of San Diego, California, here are some of the best hotels. With amazing views of the Pacific Coast each of our recommendations has unique amenities and views.
The La Valencia Hotel is a gorgeous luxury boutique hotel in La Jolla Cove. With incredible views and nearness to all of the Cove’s restaurants and shops this hotel offers the prime location.
Set on the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course the Lodge at Torrey Pines is a fantastic accommodation.
Perhaps unassuming from the outside The Grand Colonial Hotel is consistently ranked as one of La Jolla’s best places to stay. On the corner of Prospect Street this hotel is a quick walk to The Children’s Pool ocean access point.
The Estancia La Jolla is an incredible resort and spa. Prefect for weddings and big gatherings we recommend this hotel for any large event. The Estancia has beautiful grounds and impeccable service.
Best restaurants
Finding a great place to eat in La Jolla isn’t hard, almost every restaurant serves incredible food, but there are a few that stand above the rest. Whether it’s due to incredible views or stunning atmosphere these restaurants top our list for the Best in La Jolla.
Eddie V’s
Eddie V’s is one of the best Steakhouses in San Diego and also has one of the best ocean views. The classic upscale interior has the benefit of floor to ceiling windows to enjoy every bit of La Jolla Cove.
George’s at the Cove
George’s at the cove is an easy breasy California Modern restaurant. Seafood and steaks top their simply perfect menu. The Ocean View Terrace does not disappoint especially at sunset. Grab a drink at the bar for a more casual setting.
Herringbone
Herringbone has one of the best restaurant interiors and ambiance I have ever seen. The inside of the dining area is full of lit up trees and rustic brick accents. The food is also delicious making it the perfect date night out!
Puesto
Serving up some of the best tacos in all of San Diego, Puesto has a limited menu but amazing flavor. Throw your thoughts of a typical Mexican cantina out the window when dining at Puesto and enjoy incredible ala carte tacos and to die for guacamole.
Activities
There are so many fun activities to do in La Jolla! With a chill vibe to the small beach town many of the best activities involve reaching your inner zen or getting into the great outdoors. Whichever you prefer there’s many great options when exploring La Jolla Cove.
Hike Torrey Pines Nature Reserve
Torrey Pines Nature reserve offers an easy beginner friendly hike. Boasting gorgeous views of the cliffs and Pacific Ocean below this is a can’t miss activity when visiting San Diego.
Walk through the Art Galleries in La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove’s Prospect Street is full of small shops and art galleries. Throughout the year there are many art events so we sure to keep an eye out for them. The best gallery to visit in without a doubt the National Geographic Gallery featuring stunning nature photography.
Yoga at Trilogy Sanctuary
Trilogy Sanctuary is a hidden gem on Girard Avenue. You can spot some of its rooftop architecture from a distance. This vegan cafe not only has great food but also many fun class offerings. Try out speciality yoga classes or even arial silks for a fun evening activity.
Kayak through the caves at La Jolla Cove
Kayaking is a super fun activity for the whole family and La Jolla is a great area to explore.The Cave Store isn’t the only place to experience La Jolla’s rich cave structures. Kayaking is a great way to get out into the ocean for beginners and visitors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is La JOlla in San Diego, CA?
La Jolla, CA is a neighborhood in San Diego. You can find this small beach town 15 miles north of the San Diego International Airport. A quick drive from many of the inland cities La Jolla is the perfect area to spend the day in the sun, walking through shops, or grabbing a bite to eat.
Is la jolla cove walkable?
La Jolla Cove is very walkable, with paved sidewalks on all the streets leading to the ocean access points. There are many shops and restaurants to walk through. A primary attraction are the may art galleries along the main street.
Is parking hard to find in la Jolla cove?
While there is free street parking parking throughout most of La Jolla Cove, it usually fills up very quickly on the weekends. There are also two large paid parking structures adjacent to the restaurants and many small paid parking lots. For connivence many of the restaurants offer valet parking.
Are there seals in la jolla cove?
La Jolla Cove is primarily known for the seal population living throughout the area, but please respect any sea life when visiting. Seals are known to be aggressive especially when provoked or cornered. Stay behind fences and only enter the cove at designated ocean access points.
Is there good surf spots in La JOlla?
Scripps beach and La Jolla Shores can be very beginner friendly surfing spots during small swells. For more experienced surfers Windansea beach is known for being an amazing surf spot, but be sure to be mindful this is a popular spot for locals as well.
is la jolla expensive?
Many restaurants and hotels in La Jolla are higher end but there are many that are budget friendly as well.
