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La Jolla

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Highlights : Dining : Art & Theatre | Logistics | Getting There

Highlights

Arrive before 10 a.m., grab some coffee, head to Scripp’s Park, and pinch yourself—you’re in La Jolla, San Diego, not the Cote d’Azur! La Jolla is not only a destination in itself; it also makes an ideal base camp for exploring other San Diego attractions. This lovely community boasts a spectacular coastline, exceptional shopping, great restaurants, and many art galleries—all within a compact, highly walkable area.

For the ultimate California experience, stroll along Coast Boulevard and watch the pelicans patrol the waves and roost on the sandstone cliffs. You’ll likely see a family of seals lounging on the shore at Children’s Pool Beach. The green expanse of Scripp’s Park draws adults and children, who delight in the beauty of La Jolla Cove against the backdrop of the shimmering blue Pacific. La Jolla Shores, off Torrey Pines Road, offers a great beach, boardwalk, and a play area for the kids.

Be sure to stop by the La Jolla Visitor Center on Herschel and Prospect to learn more about the local attractions.

Dining
La Jolla is known for its varied restaurants; within a few blocks you can savor Mexican, German, Thai, and Indian cuisine, or enjoy a wide choice of casual dining options—hamburgers, waffles, seafood, and pizza. Lunch at George’s Ocean Terrace on Prospect feels a lot like the Riviera. This favorite outdoor dining experience comes complete with a seagull’s view of La Jolla Cove.

Art & Theatre
La Jolla is an art lover’s paradise. Nearby attractions include the Museum of Contemporary Art on Prospect Street, a few blocks south of La Jolla Village on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Or visit the famous La Jolla Playhouse for an evening of top theater.

Logistics (La Jolla Map)

Parking can be a challenge during the summer and on weekends. There are several paid parking garages in the Village, or you can try the side streets a few blocks from the center of town.

Getting There (La Jolla Map)

La Jolla is about a 15-minute drive from the Mission Valley/downtown area. Take I-5 north to Ardath Road, which becomes Torrey Pines Road. Turn right onto Prospect, which leads into La Jolla Village. Or from Prospect you can bear right onto Coast Boulevard, which takes you along the ocean.

La Jolla Beaches
La Jolla Cove (swimming, scuba, kayaking, snorkeling)
La Jolla Children's Pool (View the Harbor Seals)
La Jolla Shores (swimming, seaside park, boardwalk)
Windansea Beach (sunbath, swim, surf)
Marine St. Beach (sunbath, swim)
Torrey Pines St. Beach (hiking, swimming, sunbath)

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