La Jolla (pronounced ‘Luh Hoy-Uh’) is just south of Del Mar and north of Pacific Beach, with about 32,000 residents across 5,700 acres. The community has been known as a resort destination since the 1890s and has one of the most recognizable coastlines in San Diego. Beyond the beaches, La Jolla is an academic and research hub, home to UC San Diego, the Salk Institute, Scripps Research, and Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Lifestyle
La Jolla has a long history as one of San Diego's premier coastal communities. The rugged, hilly geography has kept a lot of the original character intact. Daily life here centers around the coast, the arts, and some of the best dining in San Diego, all in a mild coastal climate.
Nature & Beaches
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of the most well known outdoor destinations in San Diego. The 2,000 acre park has 8 miles of trails along the rocky coastal cliffside and is home to the rare Torrey pine. The park borders the Torrey Pines Golf Course, which has hosted the US Open multiple times and hosts the Farmers Insurance Open each year. The Torrey Pines Gliderport, a coastal hang gliding and paragliding destination in use since 1930, is next to the park as well. It’s a classic San Diego weekend tradition to picnic on the seaside cliff while watching the gliders in the sky. Another popular sight seeing attraction nearby is Mount Soledad and at 822 feet it’s one of the highest points in the city of San Diego.
Windansea Beach is one of La Jolla's most historic beach destinations, named for a hotel that burned down there in 1943. The beach is known as an expert surf break with waves reaching over 8 feet in winter and has its own designated historical landmark, the Surf Shack at Windansea Beach, built in 1947 by returning World War II veterans and avid surfers.
La Jolla Cove is a small beach walled in by rocky cliffs and is home to a large population of California sea lions. The waters are protected as part of a marine reserve and are popular for snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming. La Jolla Shores nearby is a long wide sandy beach over a mile long, ideal for families, paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming.
Restaurants & Shopping
La Jolla's dining scene covers a wide range of longtime coastal favorites to upscale dining. Well known spots near the Village with coastal views include George's at the Cove and Duke's La Jolla. More elevated dining options include The Marine Room, A.R. Valentien, NINE TEN, Catania, and Himitsu.
Shopping in La Jolla centers around La Jolla Village, particularly along Girard Avenue and Prospect Street, where boutiques, galleries, jewelry stores, and restaurants are all within walking distance of the coast.
