As a born and raised La Jolla native, I consider myself an expert on the neighborhood. I’ve shared a day trip to La Jolla itinerary in the past, but wanted to go more in depth into all my hometown has to offer! Whether you’re looking for things to do in La Jolla or planning a whole weekend here, I’ve got you covered! Keep reading for everything you need to know for visiting La Jolla.
Where to Eat:
Cody’s La Jolla – Comfort food & ocean views. Probably my number 1 suggestion for brunch in La Jolla. They’ve been around forever and serve up some delicious french toast.
- Address: 1025 Prospect St #210, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Hours: Monday – Thursday 8 AM – 3 PM, Friday – Saturday 8 AM – 7 PM, Sunday 8AM – 3:30PM.
The Cottage – California inspired cuisine.
- Address: 7702 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Hours: Everyday 7:30AM – 3PM.
Sugar & Scribe – Sandwiches for on-the-go meals.
- Address: 7660 Fay Ave Suite I, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Hours: Monday – Saturday 7:30AM – 3PM, Sunday 7:30AM – 2:30PM.
Shorehouse Kitchen – Beachside brunch spot.
- Address: 2236 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Hours: Monday – Thursday 7:30AM – 2:30PM, Friday – Sunday 7:30AM – 3:30PM.
Piazza 1909 – Farm to table Italian cuisine.
- Address: 7731 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 4:30PM – 9PM, Friday – Saturday 11:30AM – 9:30PM, Sunday 11:30AM – 9PM, closed Monday.
Isola Pizza – Local San Diego Italian chain.
- Address: 7734 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 2:30PM – 9PM, closed Monday and Tuesday.
Herringbone – Fresh seafood in a vintage setting.
- Address: 7837 Herschel Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday 4PM – 8:30PM, Thursday – Friday 4PM – 9PM, Saturday 10AM – 2PM & 4 – 9PM, Sunday 10AM – 2PM, 4PM – 8:30PM, closed Monday.
Where to grab a coffee:
Visiting La Jolla absolutely has to start with some coffee! Over the years, so many different coffee shops have come and gone, but these one are my absolute favorites.
Brick & Bell – My personal favorite. Don’t miss out on ordering the scones! They also have a variety of other pastries which I hear are amazing (but I always stick to the cranberry scone).
- Address: 928 Silverado St, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Hours: Monday – Friday 6AM – 5:30PM, Saturday – Sunday 6:AM – 5PM.
Parakeet Cafe – Great vegan options for plant-based friends. This spot gets bonus points for being a great photo op too!
- Address: 927 Silverado St, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Hours: Everyday 6:45AM – 7PM.
Living Room – A classic for late night catch ups with friends and studying while looking over the water. This is known as one of the only open spots in La Jolla after 9 PM.
- Address: 1010 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Hours: Everyday 7AM – 11PM.
Wayfarer Bread – One of the best lattes I’ve had in San Diego. Also the pizza is a must!
- Address: 5525 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 9203
- Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 8:30AM – 2:30PM plus 4:30PM – 8PM Friday and Saturday, closed Monday and Tuesday.
Beaches you have to check out:
There are a lot of beaches in the area. Now to be completely honest, my personal favorites are the tiny ones (that I don’t even think have names?) that you can stumble across while driving through Bird Rock up to La Jolla Cove. However, below are a few fan favorites:
La Jolla Shores – Enjoy a multitude of activities on La Jolla Shores, from surfing to beach sports.
- Address: 8324 La Vereda, La Jolla, CA 92037
Windansea – Windansea is a favorite for sunbathing, surfing, and sunset strolls down the beach.
- Address: 6600 Neptune Pl, La Jolla, CA 92037
Things to do in La Jolla:
While coming up with this list I realized that this could be an entire article on its own! There is a lot to do while visiting La Jolla (that isn’t just eating). Below are some classics and some more unique finds!
Ho Chi Minh Trail – Also known as Saigon Trail, this seaside route is just under 1 mile and very popular. Note: it is slightly dangerous and if you’re afraid of heights/ walking on ledges, you might want to skip it.
- Address: 9883 La Jolla Farms Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Coastal Walk Trail – The Coastal Walk Trail connects many of La Jolla’s beaches. Not many people know about it and it’s beautiful in the spring. PS: If you know where to look, you might spot the secret swing!
- Address: 1249 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Cave Store – Explore the bootlegger tunnels in the cliffs of La Jolla with self-guided tours.
- Address: 1325 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Hours: Everyday 9AM – 4:30PM
- Admission: Adults $7, youth (3-17) $5
Kayaking at La Jolla Shores or La Jolla Cove – There are multiple kayaking spots around La Jolla, but my favorites are at La Jolla Shores or La Jolla Cove.
La Jolla Seals – The seals are an icon of La Jolla and always worth a visit! But make sure you plug your nose (or double up on the face mask) as it can be quite stinky.
- Address: 834 Coast Blvd S, La Jolla, CA 92037
Mt. Soledad Cross – A giant cross monument honoring veterans from the Revolutionary War to today. It’s also a great look out spot to see all of La Jolla. Pro Tip: I occasionally love picnicing here!
- Address: 6905 La Jolla Scenic Dr S, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Hours: Everyday 7AM – 10PM
Where to stay when visiting La Jolla:
La Valencia – A splurge but this Mediterranean style hotel is worth the price if you want to stay right on the water.
- Address: 1132 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Estancia – If you’re looking for a relaxed and spa-like experience, splurge on the Estancia Hotel.
- Address: 9700 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
La Jolla Cove Hotel – This hotel was recently renovated and is just a step away from La Jolla Cove Beach.
- Address: 1155 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
The Shoal La Jolla Beach – The Shoal is a boutique hotel and new to the neighborhood near the Windansea Beach.
- Address: 6750 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Want more San Diego travel tips? Check these posts out!
San Diego Travel Guide: A local’s guide to the city
The Trendiest and Best Brunch Spots in San Diego, CA
Things to do in Balboa Park: How to spend one day at San Diego’s top attraction
