Location: La Jolla
Top Things to do in La Jolla
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in La Jolla That You Shouldn't Miss
Topnotch golf courses, art galleries and seals share the dramatic oceanside landscape of La Jolla, an affluent community 15 minutes from downtown San Diego. Swimmers, snorkelers and kayakers dip into La Jolla Cove, where the protected waters shield an abundance of bright orange Garibaldi fish and sea caves indent the cliffs. The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the family-friendly Birch Aquarium and the acclaimed La Jolla Playhouse deliver breaks from the sun.
Restaurants in La Jolla
1. San Diego Fly Rides
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,531 reviews
Experience San Diego in style and comfort on our Hybrid Electric Bikes. Travel at speeds of up to 20mph and a range of 20 miles plus. We offer professionally guided tours covering La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Torrey Pines, San Diego, Balboa Park, and much more! Want to explore on your own? Our Electric Bikes give you the power and freedom to make heading out on your own a breeze. San Diego Fly Rides Tour Office is located in La Jolla Village on upper Girard, across from La Jolla Elementary School. Whether you are joining us for an E-Bike Tour or a Rental we look forward to providing you with an experience second to none in San Diego!
2. Map and Atlas Museum of La Jolla
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
A private collection sampling 500 years of cartography. Over 200 items on display, many one of a kind. Free admission, no donations expected and we do not sell anything except the enjoyment of some of the rarest maps in the work and that is at a price of Zero dollars. In addition to our Wednesday and Thursday open days, we are also OPEN the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month 11-4
3. Windansea Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 578 reviews
A famous beach for surfing.
Reviewed By 453karinl - Doha, Qatar
A must when you visit La Jolla or the San Diego area ... a beautiful and serene beach filled with surfers and sunbathers .. you'll spend a most relaxing and enjoyable day!!!
4. Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,899 reviews
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fishes and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and the Caribbean. An interactive museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps scientists on climate, Earth and ocean science.
Reviewed By brodger - Philadelphia, United States
This is not an aquarium with dancing dolphins and masses of fish--it's an educational and research facility with excellent exhibits for public consumption. One side has a first rate series of well-labeled tanks for the PNW and tropical environments and wonderful seahorses (the aquarium has a successful breeding program with daily tours) and the other side has educational exhibits, primarily for children (my opinion, anyway). In between, outside of the exhibits, there are open tanks and volunteers so kids can feel sea cucumbers and the like. Great views. There's a very good gift shop and a snack truck outside the ticketed area. I got there by public bus -- and it's a steep walk of about 1/3 mile to the aquarium. There is parking if you have a car.
5. Stuart Collection
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Outdoor contemporary sculpture collection at the University of California, San Diego.
Reviewed By DavidMarino - La Jolla, United States
We live in La Jolla, and this is an absolute must do couple of hours whether you are a visitor or a resident. Perfect to do with the family, friends or as a date afternoon. Bring a picnic with you as well! This is one of the most fabulous outdoor sculpture projects in Southern California and is greatly underappreciated. World renowned artists with fantastic and diverse sculptural work.
6. La Jolla Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 726 reviews
Seven elongated fissures in the cliff walls that can be entered during low tide.
Reviewed By J8972UPcarriec
Such a cool spot with so much to do. Sea caves, beautiful shore line and ocean views and of course the seals and sea lions. Parking is a bit tricky but we found parking up the hill near the shops easier and it was just a short walk (a a few..well alot..of steps) Must see in the area!
7. Tourmaline Surfing Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Each serving as a center of water-sports and recreation in La Jolla, this beach and Windansea Beach were immortalized in Tom Wolfe's famous novel, "The Pumphouse Gang."
Reviewed By alexandracT3255KF - San Diego, United States
This is a magnificent example of California this beach is so very peaceful and beautiful.A wonderful place to find peace an tranquility.
8. University of California San Diego
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
You don't have to be enrolled to appreciate the vast green lawns of this major university, which is home to the Mingei International Museum of World Art.
Reviewed By MohQut - Amman, Jordan
It is a big university, I went there for a tour and I enjoyed my experience, nice buildings, nice staff, overall it was a nice tour except for parking which was paid and difficult to find.
9. La Jolla Cove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,465 reviews
San Diego's most desirable spot for swimming, diving and snorkeling. The water is calm and the cove is ecologically protected. There is also a world famous dive site that is located in the La Jolla ecological preserve.
Reviewed By westcoastcat - Vancouver, Canada
San Diego has 70 miles of beautiful coastline and there are endless ways to enjoy the beaches, but this little cove in La Jolla "the Jewel" is perhaps the most unique. You can explore the tide pools on Shell beach, a soft Sandy beach with caves tucked into the cliffs, or you can admire the antics of the playful seals and California sealions on the rocks and on the Children's Beach. I loved strolling along the shoreline watching the waves come crashing in and spraying water high up into the sky, while the surfers hung out in the water waiting for the perfect wave to ride in.
10. Salk Institute
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 231 reviews
