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La Jolla

Where a spectacular coastline and upscale village atmosphere define San Diego's Jewel by the Sea

One of the top beach destinations in the world

With a dramatic coastline boasting incredible views, it's no surprise that La Jolla is one of the most popular beach destinations in California. Surrounded on three sides by the sea and backed by the steep slopes of Mt. Soledad, La Jolla's natural beauty, abundance of activities and upscale village lifestyle ensure that it lives up to its nickname as "the jewel" of San Diego.

Consistently voted one of the top beach destinations in the world, La Jolla offers a wide range of accommodations from luxurious hotels to casual coastal retreats, along with museums and art galleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques, great restaurants and a slew of outdoor activities. Home to the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course and The Lodge at Torrey Pines, the scenic cliff area offers well-groomed hiking trails with spectacular views, and world-class golf. At Torrey Pines Gliderport you can soar out over the beach cliffs on a hang glider or just relax and watch the action above.

Along the dramatic coastline lies Scripps Park, where families can picnic throughout the summer, while enjoying Fourth of July fireworks and concerts under the stars. Just south of the park is the Children’s Pool, where a seawall was originally built to protect kids from incoming waves, but has been long taken over by a local seal colony. People are no longer permitted to swim here, but you can walk out along the seawall for a close-up view of the wildlife.

La Jolla is also home to Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography and plenty of cultural attractions including the La Jolla Playhouse and the Museum of Contemporary Art, all situated in close proximity to The Village. The University of California San Diego, which hosts the popular Geisel Library and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, are both located in La Jolla as well.

La Jolla's biggest draw for locals and visitors alike are the beautiful beaches. During the summer and autumn months, the surf is relatively gentle, with warm waters in 70s. Swimmers, snorkelers, scuba divers, kayakers and surfers can enjoy the golden sands of La Jolla Shores, the Cove and Windansea. And be sure to keep an eye out for migrating whales off the coast as they travel to and from Baja California.

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The seaside community of La Jolla occupies 7 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean within the north county of San Diego. It is surrounded on three sides by ocean bluffs and beaches. The main route in and out of La Jolla is the I-5 freeway, from the south exit at La Jolla Village Drive and from the north exit La Jolla Parkway. It is approximately 14 miles from the airport with an average drive time of 20 minutes. La Jolla is serviced by multiple bus routes and Old Town Trolley Tours offers a La Jolla option with on and off privileges.

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Explore La Jolla

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Make a splash in La Jolla

Take a tour with Alana Nichols - Gold Medalist, Motivational Speaker, Water Enthusiast

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Torrey Pines Natural Reserve

Get back to nature and enjoy one of the most beautiful coastal hikes in America.

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Shopping La Jolla

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San Diego Restaurant Week

Sep 23 - Sep 30, 2018

San Diego Restaurant Week returns Sunday, September 23rd through Sunday, September 30th with a FEAST for the senses at over 180 participating restaurants. Dine deliciously at restaurants offering prix-fixe menu options throughout San Diego County. This foodie-favorited week is the perfect time to take a culinary tour throughout the diverse and thriving food culture of San Diego.

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Summer Movies in the Park

May 19 - ongoing

Looking for a Fun, Free and Fabulous Family Activity throughout San Diego?

Summer Movies in the Park is a perfect chance to relax and enjoy a safe and special night under the stars. Come early and get a good seat!

All movies start at dusk (approx. 15 minutes after sunset). Movies are subject to change.

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La Jolla Art & Wine Festival

Oct 6 - Oct 7, 2018

The free La Jolla Art & Wine Festival, Saturday, October 6th and Sunday, October 7th, combines the best parts of the chic coastal town of La Jolla for a weekend of fine art, delectable wines, craft beers, scrumptious food, and live music. Just steps from the beautiful Pacific Ocean on Girard Avenue, bask in beautiful San Diego sun while meandering through over 150 handpicked artist booths. This two-day juried art show boasts a collection of highly esteemed and internationally recognized talent, as well as fresh upcoming talent that is yours to be discovered. Combine that with a white, red, or rosé or craft brew from one of the thirty participating wineries and breweries set to the tone of non-stop live music and you are set for a memorable experience!

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Haunted Aquarium: Sea Monster Mash

Oct 26 - Oct 27, 2018

Enjoy close encounters with Scripps Institution of Oceanography scientists and search the galleries for unusual underwater creatures rarely seen at Birch Aquarium.

Discover a sea of glowing beasts (big and small), get sticky with slime, and enjoy spooky stories, all while boo-gieing down to live music and having a monstrously good time.

Recommended for ages 2+

Activities:

- Scripps Institution of Oceanography Scientists showcasing exciting, and sometimes spooky, research
- Slime: Make your own seaweed slime to take home
- Frankensquid: Get up close and personal with a squid and learn what makes it unique inside and out
- Spooky species including skeleton shrimp and sea spiders
- Family-friendly costumes encouraged
- Glow Critters: Witness creatures that create their own light

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Make a splash in La Jolla

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Torrey Pines Natural Reserve

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Shopping La Jolla

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San Diego Restaurant Week

Sep 23 - Sep 30, 2018

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Summer Movies in the Park

May 19 - ongoing

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La Jolla Art & Wine Festival

Oct 6 - Oct 7, 2018

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Haunted Aquarium: Sea Monster Mash

Oct 26 - Oct 27, 2018

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La Jolla on Instagram

4 Intimate Clubs for Live Music

Dimly lit local dives with exciting live music

While stadium-filling headliners make their way through San Diego, it's in intimate clubs and dives where you'll find some of the most exciting live music.

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Family

San Diego Music Scene for Teenagers

Venues, Stores and Tours

Teens on a San Diego vacation will enjoy all-ages music venues, record stores and a unique tour where teens can get caught up in San Diego’s local music scene.

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Arts & Culture

Ten Sweet Spots for San Diego Street Art

Follow a trail through San Diego's colorful street art

Muralists and street artists are the tricksters of public art. They play with scale, making familiar objects giant. They slip in visual puns and sly references, simultaneously secret and bold as a howl. They create monuments to people and moments they deem heroic. From hidden alleys to busy streets, they highlight San Diego's unique landscape and show off the city's creativity. Follow a trail through San Diego's colorful street art to get a glimpse into the destination's diverse neighborhoods.

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Festivals

Lights, Camera, Action

San Diego Film Festivals Not to Miss

Film lovers can find a festival or a movie screening catering to their tastes almost every weekend of the year in San Diego. Hundreds of movies are shown at festivals, showcasing the best cinema from around the world.

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Visitor planning guide

For the ultimate guide to planning your San Diego vacation, view and download the San Diego Visitor Planning Guide, packed with useful information that will help you plan the perfect San Diego getaway.