Beautiful and alluring, San Diego’s sparkling stretch of coastline between La Jolla and Del Mar is a sun-kissed California Riviera, shining with sophisticated pleasures and unique treasures that make for an unparalleled leisure holiday.
The Mediterranean-style, seaside enclave of La Jolla—the Jewel of San Diego—glistens with coastal elegance. La Jolla’s postcard-perfect beaches beckon with turquoise waters and sandy coves, home to a rich menagerie of marine life including golden orange Garibaldi fish, sun-basking seals and sea lions. La Jolla Cove’s famous seven sea caves are a kayaker’s dream. Equally picturesque is La Jolla Shores and Windansea Beach for stunning sunsets.
La Jolla’s Torrey Pines mesa is both a natural wonder and a duffer’s dream. Located atop magnificent bluffs overlooking the Pacific, Torrey Pines Golf Course—site of the prestigious 2008 and 2021 U.S. Open—is world-renowned and recognized as one of the nation’s foremost municipal golf courses. Each year top players from around the globe play the famed, picture-perfect course during the highly regarded Farmers Insurance Open. Adjacent Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a tranquil retreat to take in the surrounding seashore splendor.
World-class arts and culture abound in La Jolla, including the distinguished La Jolla Music Society with its sensational summer chamber music festival; the Tony Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse, a springboard for Broadway shows; and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla, exhibiting a captivating collection of installation art, minimalism, pop art of the 1960s and ‘70s, conceptual art and more. The pop-art Murals of La Jolla showcase grand colorful works by renowned artists in outdoor settings throughout La Jolla Village.
La Jolla is one of San Diego’s most desirable shopping districts. Sometimes called the “Rodeo Drive” of San Diego, Prospect Street overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is lined with small specialty shops, boutiques, antique emporiums and galleries. In addition to elegant designer apparel stores, La Jolla is known for its jewelry shops featuring exquisite and original fine jewelry of brilliant gems, as well as shops offering luxury rugs, furnishings and artwork from around the world.
For those seeking luxe mementos to take home, browse the art galleries and home furnishing boutiques of La Jolla’s design and art district along Girard Avenue. A few standout galleries include the new Monarch | Arredon Contemporary and Joseph Bellows Gallery of photographic art.
With its romantic oceanfront setting, La Jolla is heralded as one of San Diego’s most scenic dining backdrops to enjoy refined flavors of the farm and sea in raved-about restaurants including the scenic George's at the Cove, award-winning A.R. Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, NINE-TEN at the Grande Colonial Hotel, the landmark Marine Room at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club and La Valencia Hotel’s signature “The MED" restaurant.
La Jolla’s luxurious and historic hotels and resorts invite you to unwind and enjoy some pampering, surrounded by La Jolla’s splendid natural beauty. In La Jolla Village, the elegant La Valencia Hotel, the “Pink Lady” of La Jolla, has long been a chic hideaway for Hollywood stars. Nearby Grande Colonial Hotel melds historic charm with modern luxury. A boutique hotel gem, the Pantai Inn dazzles with an exotic Balinese theme. Perched over pristine beaches and coves, all three properties luxuriate in ocean breezes and breathtaking views.
Along La Jolla Shores, guests at the exclusive La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club can wiggle their toes in the sand of one of Southern California’s few private beaches. Nestled on La Jolla’s coastal bluffs with panoramic views of the Torrey Pines Golf Course, the grand Craftsman-style The Lodge at Torrey Pines is the pinnacle of panache. And in the heart of Torrey Pines mesa is the enchanting Spanish ranch-style Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa.
Just north of La Jolla, the swanky seaside town of Del Mar is famous for the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, founded by Bing Crosby, and its charming downtown village along historic Highway 101. Nestled between natural saltwater lagoons and a beautiful beach, Del Mar is posh and popular for shopping and fine dining.
The European-style Del Mar Plaza, an elegant outdoor shopping complex in the middle of Del Mar Village, is known for its collection of fine shops, art galleries, jewelry stores and savory restaurants like Pacifica Del Mar where coastal seafood cuisine pairs perfectly with gorgeous views of the Pacific.
Each summer from July through September, the “turf meets the surf” at the Del Mar Racetrack where fans flock to “see and be seen” at one of the largest spectator sports in the region, wagering on their favorite horses during the popular annual Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racing season. Del Mar ups the ante with superior racing and a lineup of engaging events during the four-week Fall Racing Festival, taking place in November and early December.
Visit our La Jolla page for more information on deluxe offerings.
Enjoy up to 50% off select wines by the bottle every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday at The Desmond.
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San Diego horse racing takes place where the "turf meets the surf" at the Del Mar Racetrack. Fans flock to the track each summer to wager on their favorite horses during the popular, annual Del...
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