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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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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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Macy's Museum Month

Feb 1 - Feb 28, 2019

Macy’s Museum Month ended February 28, 2018, but don’t fret, the program will return next February.

During the promotion, San Diegans and tourists are invited to enjoy half-off admission at more than 40 San Diego Museum Council (SDMC) member museums the entire month.

Whether you are an art aficionado, history buff, or nature lover, the SDMC has a variety of member organizations that are bound to capture your interest. And with these special savings that are only offered once a year, it’s a great time to visit both old favorites and new attractions you have never even heard of. See below for the full roster of participating organizations.

Check back soon for details.

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San Diego Restaurant Week

Jan 20 - Jan 27, 2019

San Diego Restaurant Week returns Sunday, January 20th through Sunday, January 27th 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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Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar®

Dec 13, 2018

What sounds like the beginning of a rather bad joke is actually a fun community program by the Fleet Science Center. During Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar®, local scientists will enjoy something everyone does: good conversation in a local bar. Join them, and ask them anything you want! They'll be easy to spot; just look for the sign that reads, "We are scientists. Ask us anything!"

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Full Day Coastal Experience

Aug 14, 2018 - ongoing

Ride with us on our unique B.Y.O.B full day coastal adventure. Start the day off at our pick up location, Liberty Public Market. We recommend guests to show up early so they can roam around the market before we venture up north to Encinitas and begin our tour down the famous highway 1. Our stops include some of San Diego's best beaches, beach bars, and local eats. We want you to see and feel the amazing laid back lifestyle we live for here in San Diego. Here's whats included... Local tour guide. Bottled water and small snacks. Beach games on board to encourage some active fun at our beach stops. Cooler with ice to keep your beverages nice a cold. Music and TV on board for entertainment. USB charging ports in every seat so no need to worry about your phones dying from all the pictures you'll want to take!

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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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Macy's Museum Month

Feb 1 - Feb 28, 2019

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San Diego Restaurant Week

Jan 20 - Jan 27, 2019

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Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar®

Dec 13, 2018

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Full Day Coastal Experience

Aug 14, 2018 - ongoing

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La Jolla on Instagram

Summer in Balboa Park

The Cultural Heart of San Diego

Summer is a time to relax, explore and enjoy – and there’s no better place to experience all summer has to offer than Balboa Park. From evening concerts to extended museum hours to food truck feasts to gardens and picnics and more, Balboa Park is the destination for summer fun – all day and into the night.

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La Jolla

La Jolla Reefs

Postcard Perfection

Along La Jolla's rocky points and reefs in the space of a few short miles, you'll encounter peaceful bays and pounding surf, offshore kelp and near shore tide pools, sea caves and seal rookeries, sparkling azure water and gleaming white beaches.

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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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Galleries & Museums

Experience San Diego Art with a Self-Guided Tour

Eight walkable itineraries rich in colors, flavors and sounds

San Diego has an energetic art scene with a diverse range of influences — from our Spanish and Mexican roots, to our long tradition of seafaring, through current strengths in science and technology. You can fill an afternoon or an entire day touring the creativity in these artistic zones.

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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.