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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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San Diego Beer Weekend

Jun 9 - Jun 11, 2023

Small and independent craft breweries across San Diego County are inviting you to shop–and sip–local!

Your purchase of the limited edition glassware supports that small business and the San Diego Brewers Guild, the non-profit association advancing the San Diego craft beer industry through education and collaboration.

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Film Insider Series

May 17 - ongoing

The Film Insider Series, presented by the San Diego Intl Film Festival, brings the magic of the Film Festival in four unforgettable evenings filled with film, conversation and celebration. Participants will enjoy a cocktail reception with drinks & appetizers, film premiere, filmmaker Q&A and a post-reception get-together.

These limited screenings are not just about the films, but also about making lasting connections with people who share a collective passion for cinema.

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Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra La Jolla Week

Jun 20, 2023

The country’s largest gathering of concertmasters and principal players from the nation’s top orchestras will once again come together in San Diego June 15-24 as the Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival celebrates its 35th season. Under the baton of Maestro Michael Francis the festival will return to the open-air Del Mar Surf Sports Park and will expand to two new festival venues: the Conrad in La Jolla and UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater. Featuring musicians from more than a dozen top U.S. orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Dallas Symphony, National Symphony, Atlanta Symphony and Philadelphia Orchestra.

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Boozy Garden Tea Time

Jun 11, 2023

Join us in Estancia's lush secret garden where the gin and tea flow. Come dressed in your best high tea outfits and indulge in table-side bottle service including craft cocktails, Harney & Sons Fine Tea selections, petite pastries and dainty finger sandwiches. Our boozy menu will feature craft cocktails from local distillery You & Yours and bubbles brought to you by Moet.

Tickets include 1 cocktail of your choice featuring Y&Y Gin & Tonic, Aviation, French 75 and Etoile, one glass of Moet, plus savory bites and sweet treats.

Space is very limited. Reserve your ticket before you miss out!

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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 Beer Weekend

Jun 9 - Jun 11, 2023

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Film Insider Series

May 17 - ongoing

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Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra La Jolla Week

Jun 20, 2023

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Boozy Garden Tea Time

Jun 11, 2023

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La Jolla on Instagram

San Diego History Adventures

Discovering the past in the present

San Diego history comes alive at Old Town State Historic Park, the "birthplace of California," as well as Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside and other historic landmarks in San Diego County.

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Casinos

Living it Up at San Diego's Casinos

Live shows and unique experiences

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Parks & Gardens

Chicano Park

National Landmark, Local Treasure

Chicano Park is the geographic and emotional heart of Barrio Logan, located in Logan Heights, San Diego's oldest Mexican-American neighborhood. The park is home to the largest concentration of Chicano murals in the world, with more than 100 paintings on seven acres dotted with sculpture, gardens, picnic tables and playgrounds. Throughout the year, it hosts festivals of music and Aztec dance, the biggest being Chicano Park Day — held each April on the Saturday closest to April 22, the date of the park's beginnings. Additionally, Chicano Park is the hub of an emerging arts district, with galleries, boutiques, brew pubs and craft coffee shops nearby.

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Surfing & Stand Up Paddleboard

San Diego Surf Events

Buzz-Worthy Boarding

There’s always a wave to ride in San Diego, but there’s also bound to be a surf event worth catching, too. With a surf scene this happening, there’s always something going on. From amateur contests to pro competitions, concerts to surfing dogs, you can find the surf event that fits your vibe. Then just ride the good times.

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