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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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San Diego Restaurant Week

Sep 26 - Oct 3, 2021

The 18th Annual San Diego Restaurant Week returns Sunday, September 26th through Sunday, October 3, 2021! This foodie-favorited week is the perfect time to take a culinary tour throughout the diverse and thriving food culture of San Diego. With over 90 participating restaurants offering prix-fixe menu options throughout San Diego County, you’re sure to find the perfect place to satisfy any craving.

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Private Coastal Wine Tasting Tour

May 4 - ongoing

Cruise South along the San Diego coast in our private van to visit our three Carruth Cellars Tasting Rooms in Carlsbad, Solana Beach and Little Italy; enjoy an in-depth dive into Carruth Cellar's wine, winemaking practices, history and our communities!

$138 non-members | $110 for members
(Members, check your emails for the discount code)

Available for groups of 4-6. Includes a tasting flight and glass of wine (6 tastings + 1 glass), charcuterie board, wood fired pizza, transportation and private tour guide/wine educator. Receive an additional discount on any wine purchases made the day of your tour!

* Please note that tours start at our CARLSBAD VILLAGE Tasting Room! Coming from downtown? We recommend taking the coaster (our Tasting Room backs up to the Carlsbad Coaster Station) or an Uber to Carlsbad!

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Want to play Torrey Pines Golf Course?

Dec 2, 2020 - ongoing

Torrey Pines Golf Course is one of the hardest courses in the world to get a tee time. With the US Open in June 2021, it is every busier now. We have been making guaranteed tee time reservations at Torrey Pines Golf Course since 1992. SDGR has made more tee times at Torrey Pines than all other companies combined. If they are sold out, don't worry, we will put you on our exclusive waitlist. We are successful over 50% of the time in finding you a cancelation. We are open 7 days a week. Call us at 1-800-TorreyPines (867-7397). For more information go to www.TorreyPines.com.

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La Jolla Art & Wine Festival

Oct 9 - Oct 10, 2021

The FREE La Jolla Art & Wine Festival returns for its 12th year with even more prestigious art, international wine, craft beer, and family fun on Saturday, October 9th and Sunday, October 10th, 2021 from 10 AM to 6 PM. With a spectacular coastline, upscale village atmosphere, and picturesque views, La Jolla is the perfect setting for the beloved and widely recognized La Jolla Art and Wine Festival. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy, including over 150 juried artists from around the globe, 3D chalk art displays, interactive art murals, non-stop live music, family art center, roving entertainment, gourmet food court, and a wine, craft beer, and spirits garden featuring local brews, distilleries and global wineries.

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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 26 - Oct 3, 2021

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Private Coastal Wine Tasting Tour

May 4 - ongoing

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Want to play Torrey Pines Golf Course?

Dec 2, 2020 - ongoing

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La Jolla Art & Wine Festival

Oct 9 - Oct 10, 2021

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La Jolla on Instagram

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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Museums

UC San Diego Stuart Collection

Discover these surprising and engaging artworks in La Jolla

The Stuart Collection at the University of California in San Diego built and maintains a unique collection of site-specific works by leading artists of our time.

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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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Shopping

Shopping La Jolla Style

Upscale Boutiques and Shopping Centers

The majestic location of La Jolla is defined as "the jewel" and certainly lives up to that definition. This upscale seaside community is known for its impressive ocean views and pristine beaches. It is also known for its shopping, dining, art galleries and boutique hotels.

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