La Jolla is San Diego’s coastal jewel. Seven miles of towering bluffs, long stretches of sandy beach, reef breaks for surfers, tide pools and ocean snorkeling for nature explorers. Even a glider port for those seeking a thrill! What more could you ask in a vacation destination?
La Jolla has long been considered an upscale coastal town within the much larger city of San Diego. It definitely boasts some of the best views, beaches, and activities in the state.
While it may be considered a luxury destination, La Jolla is quite literally the kind of place where you can enjoy the beauty of the California shoreline for next to nothing.
Growing up in San Diego meant that La Jolla was a huge part of the summer. The beach at La Jolla Shores was a refuge from the heat of summer days. We packed lunches, dragged along beach toys and a big umbrella, and suddenly the whole day was laid out before us.
As a teen, it was the perfect hangout spot. As a working professional, one of my favorite restaurants, Piatti’s Rustic Italian, is still a stone’s throw from the long beach break nearby.
Eats & Treats in La Jolla
Get Your Morning Mojo at Birdrock Coffee Roasters
www.birdrockcoffee.com/@birdrockcoffeeroasters
South of La Jolla proper lies a little neighborhood called Bird Rock, aptly named after a rock that used to look like a bird. The rock formation has since crumbled but the name stuck!
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters is a great local coffee spot away from the hustle and bustle. There are several other locations in San Diego, but the La Jolla location in Bird Rock is the original. If you want to slip away, grab an espresso and read for a bit before the day’s grind begins, consider it the “local” spot.
You won’t be disappointed if you pop in here. Bird Rock Coffee Roasters regularly wins awards. They are of course fair trade certified but also the original owner goes directly to the grower in places like El Salvador.
A super exciting development in 2019 was the addition of the first-ever San Diego grown coffee by the Mraz Family Farms in Oceanside! This is the first San Diego coffee bean that we know of. Now, to be clear, supply was limited and it sold out in hours. But who knew a San Diego farm could even grow coffee????
A La Jolla Treat – Bobboi Natural Gelato
www.bobboi.com / Instagram @bobboi
If you’re hanging out in a beachy town, soaking in the sand and sun, you’ll definitely be on the hunt for sweet treats. So hit up Bobboi Natural Gelato as this is the real deal! Monica Maccioni studied at the Università del Gelato of Carpigiani, Anzola dell’Emilia in Bologna, Italy.
While you can expect the usual suspects – pistachio, stracciatella and dark chocolate sorbet, what may surprise you are the California, seasonally inspired flavors.
Matchatella is Japanese matcha tea with chocolate shards. Rosehoney features organic honey and Lebanese rosewater. For Halloween, they rolled out Poison Apple – a dairy free gelato with organic green apples, caramel and activated charcoal. You’ll have to decide if it was a trick or treat. We missed out on that one!
Every year and every season experience something new, different and unexpected.
Piatti’s Rustic Italian in La Jolla
www.lajolla.piatti.com / Instagram @piattilajolla
One of the great joys of travel is immersing yourself in the moment. If you’d like to splurge on a romantic meal under a massive tree with hanging twinkling lights, Piatti will check that box. This eatery is quintessential rustic Italian whether you choose to dine on the gorgeous patio or inside on chilly nights. The ambience of white linens, fresh pasta and a wine selection that can’t be beat make for a great getaway dining experience.
Piatti is nestled just below the busy La Jolla center, in a much quieter neighborhood. It is a stone’s throw from La Jolla Shores, a beach repeatedly voted “best of” most years. Thus it’s the perfect moonlight stroll after a fabulous meal. Yes, Piatti has been a favorite for years, but sadly for me it’s usually on business to impress clients. It is a rare treat to get that “Lady and the Tramp” moment, so take advantage of the opportunity if you’re in La Jolla!
Torrey Pines Thrills & Views
Soar In the Air and Get A New Perspective at the Torrey Pines Gliderport in La Jolla
www.flytorrey.com / Instagram @flytpg
North of La Jolla, quite literally, opposite bluffs from the town center of Jolla is a special place, the Torrey Pines Gliderport. Whether you crave an expansive view or need a little aerial adventure, this is a must-stop.
If you’ve ever wanted to fly without jumping out of a plane, this is your chance. Whether paragliding or hang-gliding is more your thing, the folks at Torrey Pines Gliderport have an instructor to suit you. Be aware all tandem flights are served up on a first come first serve basis, no appointments.
Less adventurous souls can still enjoy a never-ending view of the Pacific Ocean. You can park at the top of the bluff and meander around a massive, open area.
A favorite for my husband and I is to sit and watch the take-offs of the brave souls lifting off from the bluffs. Torrey Pines Gilderport will not disappoint whether you enjoy the view on land or from the air!
Fun Fact: Blacks Beach is situated just below the cliffs of the gliderport and is quite famous for its clothing optional status.
Fun in the Sun at La Jolla Shores
The “Shores”
If you want to spend the day on a long stretch of sandy beach, splash in the waves and sunbathe to your heart’s content, La Jolla is certainly the ideal locale. It regularly makes the “best” beaches lists in California. It is also a national and global headliner so definitely get your Instagram beach shot at La Jolla Shores.
While surfers and sun-worshipers enjoy this beach, it’s an amazing scuba and snorkeling site as well. La Jolla Shores is part of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park. It’s a marine area protected by the City of San Diego back in the seventies. You’ll see junior lifeguards programs all summer long snorkeling. Scuba divers head out between waves to visit the various under water areas.
If you’re ocean adverse, just grab some binoculars! You’ll be able to spot a huge variety of birds, dolphins and sea lions. There is something for everyone!
Blacks Beach is a healthy walk up the shoreline and is quite famous for the lack of clothing. If you head up on a walk with the kiddos, better stop just south of the rocks jutting out to the ocean.
The San Diego Coastline
For more beaches up and down the San Diego coastline, just check out our wrap up, Explore The Most Stunning Beaches San Diego Has To Offer. The post also includes a section on rip currents which is important for safety in the ocean, especially if you are visiting and haven’t swan in the ocean.
Commune with Nature
The La Jolla Tide Pools
Want to have an adventure with the kids? A few hours at the tide pools will certainly punch their ticket! There are a number of areas to access tide pools in La Jolla.
South Casa is great for the little ones with easy access and a bit of sand for better footing. If you’d like to know more about what you’re seeing and have a more structured educational experience, Birch Aquarium also hosts guided tours.
Hospitals Reef is for photographers and will provide ample opportunity to play with light and exposures. Shell Beach is accessible and typically not quite as crowded as other areas. Beware you’ll need to take advantage of a super low tide in order to enjoy its offerings.
Windansea is renowned for its surf but there are tide pools as well. Check out the “surf show” while exploring!
Tide Pool Tips
Below are a few tips to keep in mind when heading out to any tide pool adventure. For a detailed guide click this link to California State Parks.
- Wear shoes to manage a very slippery, rocky terrain.
- Don’t touch the animals. As tempting as it can be, touching the marine life can be dangerous for the animals but also for the kids. No one wants a traumatized toddler!
- Check local guide books from your hotel before heading out. Conditions are always changing along the California coastline.
- Know the best time to be at the tide pools by checking tidal charts, and most importantly, know when to get off the tide pool area before the ocean reclaims its territory!
- Finally, don’t turn your back to the ocean. Even at low tide, a wave can surprise you.
The Ideal Rest & Recharge Destination
The Estancia
www.meritagecollection.com/estancia-la-jolla
While there’s no lack of hotels in and around La Jolla, you may want to consider another option. If you’d like to relax with a little space to breathe, you may find the Estancia La Jolla more appealing.
The Estancia is styled as a California rancho, with adobe walls and handcrafted tiles. The resort is spread across ten acres with courtyards and paths full of native plants. You have the feeling you’re far away from the hustle and bustle of San Diego. It really is a relaxing and peaceful environment.
Having had the opportunity to stay here as part of a larger event hosted on site, I found the number of areas available for both small and large groups absolutely perfect. There was space to gather as well as escape even in a fully booked resort!
Feel free to stay on grounds since they have an abundance of amenities. But if you’d like to venture out, there is a free shuttle service to any point of interest within five miles of the resort. And yes, virtually everything listed in our blog is within that five mile radius!
