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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.

Play San Diego: La Jolla

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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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2021 U.S. Open Championship

Jun 14 - Jun 20, 2021

The 2021 U.S. Open marks the third USGA championship for the South Course and the second time it will play host to the national championship.

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Wine, Beer, or Spirits Dinner Tasting Party

Jan 4 - ongoing

This fabulous interactive party includes AMPLE TASTES of fine craft beverages paired with tantalizing gourmet appetizers and seasonal menu favorites!

You can also add a GUIDED WALK through the beautiful SD town of La Jolla before or after the party!

PERFECT for a romantic date night, wedding parties, corporate events, birthdays, and everyday!

Wine/Beer/Spirits Tasting Party Includes:*

• Approx. 2 hour** VIP interactive party.
• Wine, Beer, or Spirits pairings for each course.
• A guided historic walk of scenic La Jolla by-the-sea (by request and subject to availability).
• 4-Course Luncheon or Dinner (including dessert!).
• Tasting tips, trivia, and prizes!
• Complete coordination by San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours.

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All-Inclusive Bachelorette & Bachelor Parties

Jan 4 - ongoing

Forget Vegas, San Diego is THE destination for your bachelorette/bachelor party!

Choose from our most popular Chauffeured Brewery, Winery, or Distillery Tours!

NO NEED TO DRIVE! Our Bachelorette/Bachelor packages include pickup from your hotel/residence*!

Bachelorette/Bachelor Party Adventures Include**:

· Door-to-door private chauffeured transportation*.

· Visit custom-appointed local wineries, breweries, and/or distilleries.

· Ample tastings at EVERY stop – up to 18 pours!

· A tasting appreciation presentation and behind the scene tour

· VIP service to make this day fun and memorable for your entire party.

· Delicious Winery/Brewery/Distillery meal.

· A Bachelor & Bachelorette Party gift for each guest on the tour. Our gift to you

· Complete coordination by San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours.

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Live Music at La Valencia

Mar 1 - Apr 30, 2021

Enjoy live music from local favorites on Patio Sol at the iconic La Valencia Hotel.

Friday & Saturday | In the evenings from 5:30-8:30pm
Saturday & Sunday | During brunch from 11:00am-2:00pm

*Rest assured that all patio furniture has been rearranged to maintain proper social distancing and tables and chairs and other high-touch surfaces are cleaned and sanitized before a guest arrives and after each guest leaves. Face masks are required on property.

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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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2021 U.S. Open Championship

Jun 14 - Jun 20, 2021

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Wine, Beer, or Spirits Dinner Tasting Party

Jan 4 - ongoing

Discover

All-Inclusive Bachelorette & Bachelor Parties

Jan 4 - ongoing

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Live Music at La Valencia

Mar 1 - Apr 30, 2021

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La Jolla on Instagram

Jeff Terich’s Live Music Faves

Where to Go for Your Next Show

Ready to see what all the buzz is about? Let San Diego Music Expert Jeff Terich show you the way. The San Diego live music scene is packed with awesomeness and Jeff is sharing his favorite places to catch a show.

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Arts & Culture

Favorite Spots to Take Pictures in San Diego

Landmarks, City Scapes and Animals Make Great Subjects

As a professional photographer, my travel plans always include finding the best places to shoot pictures. And San Diego has a bounty of great spots. Beautiful beaches, lush gardens, interesting architecture, public art and Southern California’s outdoor lifestyle all provide the perfect background for travel pictures. Here's a list of my favorite places to shoot in San Diego.

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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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Accessible

Accessible Performing Arts

World-class theatre and music performances

Enjoy opera, ballet, Tony Award-winning theatre and the latest in rock, blues or jazz at one of the many disability accessible theatres or performing arts venues in San Diego County.

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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.