This laid-back coastal neighborhood in San Diego draws visitors to its rocky coves, upscale boutiques and local sea lion colony at the Children's Pool Beach.
La Jolla sits along 7 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline in San Diego, where rocky cliffs drop into sandy beaches below. You can swim with bright orange Garibaldi fish at La Jolla Cove, watch harbor seals sunbathe at Children's Pool Beach, or walk among rare Torrey pine trees at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The area includes UC San Diego, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and La Jolla Playhouse.
Marine Life Viewing at La Jolla Cove
You can spot marine wildlife year-round at La Jolla Cove's protected waters. Swim alongside bright orange Garibaldi fish, watch leopard sharks glide below (most common from June to December), or snorkel among schools of yellowtail. At Children's Pool, harbor seals and sea lions rest on the beach - watch them from the seawall 50 feet away. Between December and March, gray whales migrate past the coast, while blue whales sometimes appear from June through September.
Beaches and Coastal Activities
La Jolla Shores Beach stretches for a mile with gentle waves that make it good for beginning surfers. You'll find concrete fire pits every 50 feet along the beach, and a 300-space parking lot that typically fills by 10 AM in summer. At Windansea Beach, waves break over submerged reefs, creating conditions for experienced surfers. The waters near La Jolla Cove stay clear enough to see 30 feet down while snorkeling, and you can join guided kayak tours to the seven sea caves when the ocean is calm.
Exploring The Village
Walk through La Jolla's main commercial area along Prospect Street and Girard Avenue, where local boutiques and art galleries occupy 1920s Spanish-style buildings. The streets slope down toward the ocean, with gaps between buildings revealing Pacific views. Small cafes mix with high-end restaurants, though the overall mood stays casual despite the upscale shops.
Cultural Destinations
The Museum of Contemporary Art displays rotating exhibitions from its collection of 3,500 post-1950 artworks in Ellen Browning Scripps's former home. At La Jolla Playhouse on the UC San Diego campus, you might catch a pre-Broadway show - past productions like "Jersey Boys" and "Come From Away" started here. The Birch Aquarium contains 60 habitats of Pacific marine life and runs hands-on exhibits about ocean science. Several galleries along Prospect Street display local artists' work, including original drawings by former resident Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss).
Best Times to Visit
July through October brings average temperatures of 75°F (24°C), with September and October having the least fog and warmest ocean water (around 70°F/21°C). Morning fog usually burns off by noon in summer. Winter temperatures stay between 50-65°F (10-18°C), with occasional rain storms. The area gets busy during summer weekends and holidays - visit during September-November or January-March for smaller crowds and lower hotel prices.
