9 Best Things to Do in La Jolla, California

This post contains affiliate links, which help support my blog at no extra cost to you!

Searching for the best things to do in La Jolla? After spending time exploring this beautiful coastal neighborhood, I can confidently say it was one of my favorite parts of San Diego! I definitely recommend staying here, or at least carving out some time to explore. It has that dreamy coastal California feel.

Often referred to as the “Jewel of San Diego,” La Jolla is known for its gorgeous coastline, sea lions, sea caves, beaches, walkable village streets, and some of the prettiest ocean views in San Diego. It feels a little more relaxed and polished than some other San Diego neighborhoods, but still has plenty to do if you like a mix of adventure, good food, and slow scenic wandering.

Whether you are staying in La Jolla or visiting as part of a San Diego itinerary, these are some of the best things to do in La Jolla you shouldn’t skip!

Ocean Waves Below A La Jolla Coastal Bluff With Wildflowers And Distant Cliffs Along The Shoreline

Woman Standing On A Palm Lined Sidewalk Outside A Restaurant With Patio Seating In La Jolla

Table of Contents

Best Things to Do in La Jolla

1. Kayak the La Jolla Sea Caves

Kayaking the La Jolla sea caves is one of the most iconic things to do in La Jolla, and even though our tour did not go exactly as planned, I still think it is such a cool experience. We booked this 1.5-hour La Jolla sea cave kayak tour, which takes you out on the water to see the cliffs, caves, and marine life from a totally different perspective.

Unfortunately, when we went, our group could not go inside the caves because our guide did not feel comfortable with the conditions. So keep in mind that cave entry is not always guaranteed.

Even without going inside the caves, it was still really cool to see them from the water. And we were lucky enough to have dolphins swim right next to our kayaks, which our guide said is something she really does not see often! That alone made the experience feel so special.

A few things to keep in mind: wear your bathing suit or something you are totally fine getting wet in, because you will get wet. Within the first two minutes, just trying to paddle out through one wave, I was soaked. Do not bring anything extra, and if you are bringing your phone, make sure it is in a waterproof case.

We ended up having to spend an additional $35 for a locker and a waterproof phone case for one of our phones because we did not realize how wet we were going to get. It ended up being a good thing we did, but learn from us and come prepared.

Kayakers Paddle Near Sea Lions On Rocky Cliffs Along The La Jolla Coastline With Hillside Homes In The Background

Kayaks Lined On A La Jolla Beach As Groups Paddle And Launch Into The Ocean Surf

2. Check Out the Cafes in La Jolla

One of my favorite ways to explore a neighborhood is through its cafes, and La Jolla has some really cute ones. I have a full guide to the best coffee shops in San Diego, but several of our favorite stops were right in or near La Jolla.

Visit Hermosa Surf if you want a beachy surf-shop cafe vibe, Better Buzz for one of my favorite coffees from our 3 days in San Diego (their vanilla caramel latte is 10/10), and Blue Whale for more of a cafe/brunch spot. While I thought my cold brew was just okay, their breakfast burrito made it worth the stop!

Better Buzz Coffee Storefront On Prospect Street In La Jolla With Customers At The Open Counter And Palm Trees Outside

Hand Holding The Best Iced Matcha Drink From Hermosa Surf In La Jolla With Surfboards In The Background

3. Visit Sunny Jim Sea Cave

If you want to see one of La Jolla’s sea caves without getting in a kayak, add Sunny Jim Sea Cave to your list. It is accessed through The Cave Store, which has offered tours of its hand-dug tunnel and sea cave since 1905.

This is a quick and quirky La Jolla stop, and it is especially nice if ocean conditions keep you from kayaking into the caves. It gives you a completely different view of the coastline, and the fact that you enter through a little historic shop makes it feel like one of those random travel finds that is just fun to say you did.

Tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and allow approximately 15 to 20 visitors into the cave at a time. Admission is $13 for adults and $7 for children ages 3–17.

Sunny Jim Sea Cave In La Jolla California — **Photo Credit: The Cave Store**

4. Watch the Sea Lions at La Jolla Cove

Seeing the sea lions at La Jolla Cove was one of my favorite parts of visiting La Jolla. When we were there in June, there were so many babies! It was so adorable, I could have watched them all day.

The area around Point La Jolla is a popular place to view sea lions, but this is also where it is really important to be respectful. They are wild animals, so give them space, do not try to touch them, and do not get close for selfies. It is better for you and better for them.

Even from a respectful distance, it is such a special experience. Between the ocean views, the barking sea lions, and the little babies flopping around, it is one of those La Jolla moments that makes the whole place feel magical.

Woman Overlooking Sea Lions On The Rocky La Jolla Coastline From A Railing Above The Beach

Sea Lions Rest At La Jolla Cove While Swimmers And Visitors Gather Near The Shoreline

5. Shop and Wander La Jolla Village

One of my favorite things to do in La Jolla was simply wander through La Jolla Village. This charming downtown area is filled with boutique shops, art galleries, coffee shops, restaurants, and beautiful streets that feel straight out of a coastal California postcard.

While Prospect Street is one of the main streets you’ll want to explore, don’t be afraid to wander beyond it. Part of the fun is strolling through the surrounding side streets, popping into local shops, grabbing a coffee, and discovering hidden gems along the way.

Two Women Posing Together On A Palm Lined Sidewalk Outside A Restaurant With Outdoor Seating And Umbrellas In La Jolla

6. Walk the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail

The La Jolla Coast Walk Trail is such a beautiful walk and one of the easiest ways to soak in the coastline. You get ocean views, cliffs, wildlife, and little scenic stops along the way without needing to commit to a difficult hike.

As you explore the coast, you can pass or connect to spots like La Jolla Cove, Shell Beach, Children’s Pool, and the La Jolla Tide Pools. It’s so stunning, you will constantly want to stop for photos or just stare at the water for a minute.

I would do this earlier in the day if you want easier parking and fewer crowds, or around golden hour if you want those dreamy coastal views.

Coastal Sidewalk Along La Jolla Cliffs Overlooking The Ocean With Parked Cars Palm Trees Buildings And Beach Below

Waves Break Along The Rocky La Jolla Shoreline Below The Childrens Pool Observation Walkway With Coastal Homes And Palms Nearby

7. Spend Time at Windansea Beach

Windansea Beach is another La Jolla spot that deserves a place on your itinerary. We stopped here briefly in the evening, hoping to catch a decent sunset, but June gloom was definitely a thing. There were lots of people sunbathing and enjoying beach time here, though, so if you’re looking for a solid beach in La Jolla to lay out, this seemed to be a favorite.

This is not necessarily the easiest beach for a casual swim, depending on conditions, but it is beautiful for photos, watching surfers, or just enjoying a slower coastal moment.

La Jolla Shores Beach is a great option if you want a more classic beach day or if you are doing a kayak or snorkel tour nearby.

8. Enjoy the Restaurant Scene

La Jolla’s restaurant scene was one of the highlights of our time here. For a nicer dinner, I do not have enough good things to say about Catania. It is coastal Italian, and the food was extraordinary. We loved their pizza and pasta, and the atmosphere was such a vibe. Definitely make reservations.

For something more chill, Puesto has an amazing happy hour with great margaritas and Mexican food. It is fun, lively, and perfect when you want something casual but still really good.

The Taco Stand is also a San Diego staple. It is one of those easy, no-fuss spots that just makes sense when you are in the area and craving tacos or a solid burrito.

Smiling Woman Wearing Sunglasses Holds A Glass Of Wine At Catania In San Diego — **Catania**

Pizza Topped With Cheese Cherries Prosciutto And Herbs Beside An Aperol Spritz At Catania In San Diego — **Catania**

Two Hands Toast Margaritas At Puesto In La Jolla — **Puesto**

Guacamole Topped With Cilantro And Radish Served With Tortilla Chips Salsa And A Margarita At Puesto In La Jolla California — **Puesto**

Customers Dining Inside The Taco Stand In San Diego With Counter Seating Wall Murals And The Service Area Visible In The Background — **The Taco Stand**

Hand Holding A Burrito Filled With Steak Shrimp Melted Cheese Avocado And Sauce In A Basket At The Taco Stand In San Diego — **The Taco Stand**

9. Get a Sweet Treat at Bobboi Natural Gelato

And while we are on the topic of delicious things to do in La Jolla, you have to go to Bobboi Natural Gelato. This gelato was so good that I got it every night!

It is made fresh every day, and my go-to was the Mediterraneo, with Italian hazelnut, California almond, and organic pistachio in their organic whole milk base. Unreal.

Woman Holding A Gelato Cone From Bobboi Natural Gelato On A La Jolla Sidewalk Near Palm Trees Parked Cars And The Ocean

Two Hands Hold Gelato In A Waffle Cone And Cup Outside Bobboi Natural Gelato In La Jolla

Where to Stay in La Jolla, CA

If you want to be within walking distance of many of the attractions on this list, I recommend staying in La Jolla itself. It’s one of the most walkable areas we visited in San Diego, with beaches, coffee shops, restaurants, and scenic viewpoints all close together.

Some great options to consider include:

Pantai Inn – A cute boutique hotel just steps from the coast and La Jolla Village.
Inn by the Sea La Jolla – A centrally located hotel that’s within walking distance of many of La Jolla’s top attractions.
The Shoal Hotel La Jolla Beach – A stylish, recently renovated hotel with easy access to both the beach and the village.

These properties are generally in a similar price range, though rates vary depending on the season and when you visit. One thing to keep in mind is that most La Jolla hotels charge around $20–$30 per day for parking.

For my trip, I stayed at the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites San Diego Pacific Beach. While it wasn’t as walkable, it was more affordable, included free parking, and worked well since I was spending 3 days in San Diego and planned to explore several different neighborhoods beyond La Jolla.

If your itinerary is heavily focused on La Jolla, staying nearby can definitely be worth the convenience. Otherwise, Pacific Beach can be a great budget-friendly alternative.

🏨 Looking for a Place to Stay?

Whether you want to stay in the heart of La Jolla or save a little money by staying in Pacific Beach, I recommend comparing hotel options before your trip.

Browse available hotels, compare prices, and check availability for your travel dates below.

View La Jolla Hotels & Prices View Pacific Beach Hotels & Prices

Rates vary throughout the year, so it’s always worth checking your travel dates to compare current pricing and availability.

Are you ready to experience some of the best things to do in La Jolla?

Whether you’re hoping to spot sea lions, explore sea caves, relax on the beach, or simply soak up some of the best coastal views in Southern California, there are plenty of amazing things to do in La Jolla!

This was easily one of my favorite areas in San Diego, and it’s a place I could see myself returning to again and again. I hope this guide helps you plan your visit and discover a few new favorite spots along the way!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other California blog posts:

Must-Visit Coffee Shops in San Diego, California

3-Day Itinerary For Los Angeles, California

Perfect Day Trip To Palm Springs, California