12 Best & Fun Things To Do In La Jolla, CA (2026)
1. Visit the Iconic Cove & Sea Lions at La Jolla Cove
One of the first stops I made was at the beautiful La Jolla Cove—an easy-to-reach stretch of coastline with dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear water, and a bunch of sunbathing sea lions. It’s a scene that instantly tells you you’re somewhere special. According to guides, the waters at the Cove are part of the protected underwater reserve, which means you can spot kelp forests, leopard sharks (harmless!), rays, and other marine life.
I recommend arriving early for the best light, finding a spot on the bluff to sit, and just watching the sea life below. If you’re up for snorkeling, the water is inviting—though bring gear or rent locally.
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2. Explore the Sea Caves by Kayak or Tour
For a bit of adventure, I took a kayak tour into the sea caves of La Jolla. These caves line the coastline and are part of the underwater ecological reserve—paddle through narrow entrances, glide past kelp and maybe catch a glimpse of dolphins or seals.
One of the most fun moments was visiting Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave (via tunnel-staircase) where you actually walk down 145 steps through The Cave Store to a cave opening at the ocean.
Tip: Morning tours offer calmer seas; sunset tours give golden-hour magic.
3. Walk the Coast Walk Trail for Stunning Views
After some sea time, I loved the breeze and vantage of the Coast Walk Trail—a path along cliff bluffs above the ocean in La Jolla, offering sweeping views of the Pacific, sea caves beneath and pelicans gliding overhead.
Walking the trail is restful and scenic, perfect for a slower afternoon. Bring a jacket for the breeze and stop at viewpoints for photo-worthy scenes.
4. Snorkel or Dive the Underwater Reserve
If you’re into marine life, this was one of my favorite experiences: exploring the La Jolla Underwater Park, a protected area with kelp forests, reef life, and even leopard sharks (inoffensive, gentle creatures).
Whether you snorkel, stand-up paddleboard or dive, you’ll find a world beneath the waves. I went with a guided rental for safety and ease, and it made all the difference.
5. Relax at La Jolla Shores or Windansea Beach
For classic beach vibes, I spent a few hours at La Jolla Shores—flat sand, gentle waves, great for families or casual beachfront relaxing.
Then I ventured to Windansea Beach for sunset—surf shack, rugged waves, and a calmer, more local feel.
Bring a towel, snacks, and let time drift by. The beach moment is golden.
6. Visit the Birch Aquarium & Scripps Institution
One afternoon I switched gears—visited the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, perched above the ocean with exhibits, touch-pools and great views. It’s a fun stop for families or anyone curious about ocean sciences.
It offered a break from beach time but kept the vibe connected to sea and discovery.
7. Stroll Through La Jolla Village & Shop on Prospect/Girard
After nature and waves, I found myself drawn to the village side—walking along Prospect and Girard Avenues, browsing boutique shops, art galleries, picking up a coffee, and watching stylish beach-town life pass by.
It’s the blend that makes La Jolla special: seaside adventure and elegant village charm.
8. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (La Jolla Branch)
For a culture fix, I headed to the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla—a waterfront villa turned museum with rotating exhibits of modern art. It’s a great rainy-day option or slower-paced stop amid the beach rush.
Even better: combine your visit with a stroll on the nearby bluffs—arts + view in one.
9. Watch the Sunset from Mount Soledad or Torrey Pines
One of my most magical moments came from picking a viewpoint for sunset. I chose via suggestions a climb (or drive) up to Mount Soledad or the cliffs of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The sky turned gold, the Pacific glowed, and the sound of waves filled the air.
Pro tip: go a little before sunset, find a spot on the bluff, bring a snack, maybe a blanket—and just linger.
10. Taste Local Food & Beachside Brunch
After beach hikes and vistas, I found that food was one of the greatest joys. From fresh seafood by the shore, to stylish brunch cafés with ocean-view patios, La Jolla delivers. The relaxed elegance of dining here made me slow down and savour.
While I don’t list a single restaurant (so much changes), pick a spot near the village or beachfront, ask locals for a tip, and allow a longer lunch. You’ll soak in more than just flavour.
11. Relax in Ellen Browning Scripps Park & Shell Beach
For a calm interlude, I visited Ellen Browning Scripps Park—a lawned bluff overlooking the sea—ideal for picnic blankets, watching surfers, or simply reading under a tree.
Nearby, the tide pools at Shell Beach invited me to crouch and watch small sea creatures in rock pools—perfect for a slower-paced, contemplative moment.
12. Spot Sea Lions and Tide Pools at Children’s Pool & Coast Blvd
A final memory: watching the sea lions lounging on the sand at Children’s Pool Beach near Coast Blvd, and walking the tide-pool edges at low tide. Nature has a way of slowing time here. Guides mention tide-pool exploration as a highlight for families.
Bring good shoes for rocks, watch your step, and respect the wildlife (a distance is best).
Final Thoughts
La Jolla is one of those rare places where you can seamlessly blend nature, relaxation, adventure and local culture. For me, the magic was in the mixture: early-morning tide-pools, midday kayaking through caves, late-afternoon shopping and coffee, and sunset above the cliffs. It felt rich without being exhausting.
Here are a few travel-tips from my experience to help you make the most of your visit:
- Plan for contrast: Mix active moments (hiking, snorkeling, kayaking) with slower ones (village strolls, park picnics).
- Time your light: Early morning or golden hour offer the most beautiful views along the cliffs and beach.
- Bring layers: Even in the sun, the ocean breeze on the bluffs can be cool; a light jacket goes a long way.
- Respect nature: The tide pools, sea lion spots and ecological reserves are fragile—observe, don’t disturb.
- Eat local: Dining by the beach, brunch with an ocean view, or a café stop in the village adds flavor to the trip beyond scenery.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer stay, La Jolla offers a graceful blend of coastal beauty, found-moments and relaxed elegance. If I had to pick one lasting memory from my trip, it would be sitting on a bluff above the sea, the sky turning pink, waves rolling in, and realizing, “This is exactly why I came.
Here’s to your own adventure in La Jolla—may you find your special view, your hidden cave, your perfect brunch spot—and leave with memories that linger long after you leave the shore.