Location: La Jolla
Top Things to do in La Jolla
Countries
Top 10 Free Things to do in La Jolla, California (CA)
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. 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
2. 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!!!
3. 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.
4. Girard Avenue and Prospect Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 287 reviews
Fashionable streets in La Jolla that offer expensive shops, boutiques, art galleries and elegant restaurants.
Reviewed By 337dougb
Lots of fun shops, restaurants (large and small) and a general good ambience. Plan to just roam around a while.
5. 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!
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Ellen Browning Scripps Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 208 reviews
Reviewed By DreamTraveler365 - Georgia, United States
This is a beautiful must see park. Lots of incredible views. Peaceful and serene, green walking spaces and areas to relax and enjoy the area. EBS Park is a must see. Parking can be a challenge. A great place for sunsets.
10. La Jolla Shores Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,697 reviews
Mile-long beach features gentle waves during the summer months, making this spot a prime spot for novice scuba divers.
Reviewed By lisavG7902AD - San Diego, United States
Traveling to San Diego and want the perfect, iconic beach experience? This is it. Originally named the Strand, this is a very long, white sand beach. That said, there is mica in it which clings to your skin. A great beach for children of all ages with designated swim and surf area overseen by a great group of life guards in a tall lifeguard tower. Parking is usually difficult and hard won. Know how to parallel park. There's a large but woefully inadequate parking lot for this very popular beach. If you are able, take the bus. The beach is bounded by low wall and wide sidewalk bordered by a large grassy area with famous Torrey Pines providing some shade and a great picnic area. Thanks to La Jollan Mary Coakley, there's a wonderful children's playground and glass art installation, a mural of the National Undersea Park just off of the Shores, at the south ends well as bathrooms adjacent to the playground and just north of the tower. Continue to walk south long the beach and to you'll come to the private La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. A strip of beach close to the hotel is private but long the beach is public. The little cluster of public buildings in this area comprises the community of The Shores. Here you'll find convenience store for drinks and snacks. La Jolla Kayak if you'd like to rent a kayak and go out on the ocean (do this!!!) and several great restaurants for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The north end of the beach is noted for Scripp's Pier and there you'll find beach volleyball, and a bigger break again with designated areas for surfing and one for swimming and bodysurfing overseen by a second lifeguard tower, There are no facilities or stores at this end but SIO (Scripp's Institution of Oceanography) has a cafeteria style restaurant just off the beach (walk up the stairs by the tower).
