Top 15 Activities and Attractions in La Jolla, California

La Jolla represents one of the most desirable locations in San Diego. This beautiful area offers a multitude of activities, from wine sampling at acclaimed restaurants to paragliding over the sparkling Pacific Ocean.

This affluent coastal community is recognized for its artistic residents and remarkable beaches. Each year, thousands of visitors come to enjoy the sun, sea, and cultural experiences it offers.

A true paradise for surfers, swimmers, and nature enthusiasts, La Jolla’s coastline is effectively safeguarded by local marine conservation efforts and its passionate community members.

The following are the 15 top activities to engage in while visiting La Jolla, California.

1. Visit La Jolla Shores Park

Among La Jolla’s many excellent beaches, Shores Park stands out as one of the largest and most vibrant. It features a dedicated area for surfers and hosts numerous events and gatherings on the beach, making it a lively spot.

For the adventurous, consider joining a scuba diving expedition, or renting snorkeling gear or paddle-boarding equipment from the beachfront shops. Alternatively, relax on the sand and observe the activities around you.

If the weather is inclement, head to one of the local cafes and restaurants, which provide an excellent viewpoint for experiencing the turbulent seas. Galaxy Taco is renowned for its colorful beachside margaritas, while the Marine Room offers an upscale beach house ambiance.

2. Explore the Atlas and Map Museum

This museum is sure to delight enthusiasts of history, travelers, and artists alike, with its exhibition of over 200 maps showcasing various historical periods. The displays illustrate the evolution of cartography through the centuries, including some rare and unique pieces.

Examine maps created for explorers, military personnel, and aviators within this remarkable private collection.

Admission is free, making it a worthwhile destination to visit.

3. Explore the Museum of Contemporary Art

The gentle coastline and radiant ocean views of La Jolla have inspired artists for over a century, and the establishment of the town as an artists’ enclave dates back to 1894.

The Museum of Contemporary Art emerged from this avant-garde community during the 1960s and has since become one of San Diego’s premier museums.

Its core collection features groundbreaking works by practitioners of the American minimalist movement alongside numerous photographs and paintings from various postwar artists.

If you visit during pleasant weather, do not miss the opportunity to stroll through the beautiful sculpture garden located on the premises.

4. Spot Sea Creatures at La Jolla Tide Pools

This expansive flat rock formation features numerous pools filled with a diverse array of marine life. Many families frequent this location on weekends to explore and discover creatures during low tide.

Witness an underwater garden brimming with sea anemones, limpets, mussels, small fish, and tiny crabs. Bring along a bucket and a net to observe them closely.

Prior to your visit, be sure to check the tide schedule to ensure accessibility to the pools, and then enjoy a day of exploration.

5. Snorkel at La Jolla Cove

This picturesque rocky beach is among the most favored in La Jolla. The waters of the cove are encompassed within a marine conservation area, a carefully managed segment of the ocean teeming with biodiversity.

Rent snorkeling equipment and immerse yourself in the waters to encounter an abundance of fish, crustaceans, and even larger marine mammals. Exploring the kelp forest here provides a truly surreal experience, as creatures such as leopard sharks and barracudas traverse this weedy aquatic habitat.

If entering the water is not your preference, consider observing from the shore, where seals and sea lions often bask on the rocks during the warm summer months.

6. Discover the Local Murals

La Jolla’s reputation as an artistic coastal town transcends its many galleries. Numerous stunning murals have emerged throughout the area, prompting the city to initiate guided art walking tours to help visitors locate them.

A stark contrast to traditional urban graffiti, the artworks displayed in alleyways have been created by talented artists and draw inspiration from various contemporary art movements.

Consider enlisting a guide or embark on your own adventure to discover these remarkable seaside masterpieces.

7. Visit National Geographic’s Fine Art Gallery

National Geographic is renowned for its stunning photography highlighting distant deserts and majestic mountains. You can view some of their most impressive prints in this permanent exhibition dedicated to the magazine’s photography.

The gallery seeks to inspire a new generation to appreciate and protect the planet, and it is nearly impossible not to be moved by the captivating selection of photographs on display. The large sizes of the prints amplify their impactful nature.

Consider purchasing a print from the gift shop or simply enjoy the artwork that showcases the splendor of our planet.

8. Try the Oysters at Herringbone Restaurant

La Jolla attracts numerous discerning food enthusiasts, and several high-end fine dining establishments can be found in the area if you wish to indulge.

Herringbone is particularly noteworthy, consistently receiving positive acclaim from even the most critical reviewers. Situated in a repurposed warehouse adorned with olive trees, its decor offers a charming modern Mediterranean feel. Their specialty lies in freshly caught local seafood, featuring classics like zesty ceviche and spicy seared salmon.

Above all, Herringbone is celebrated for its oysters, which pair exquisitely with crisp white wines and copious amounts of champagne. Sit at the bar during oyster hours or enjoy a delightful meal with companions.

9. Try the Wine at LJ’s Craft Wines

After a day filled with walking, climbing, and water sports in La Jolla, this remarkable local tasting bar offers an ideal setting for relaxation.

Visit to sample superb wines produced from grapes sourced directly from Napa Valley, or simply enjoy their small plates and selection of cheeses.

Choose to sit at one of the outdoor tables on a warm evening or socialize at the stylish bar with your preferred selection of bottles. Should you desire, they provide a growler service for those wishing to take a larger quantity home.

10. Learn More About the Oceans at the Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium, located in La Jolla, is part of the broader marine conservation initiatives for which the region is known. Affiliated with the local Institute of Oceanography, it serves as a vital research facility for those interested in the world’s oceans.

The aquarium houses over 5,000 fish species, ranging from vividly colored tropical varieties to smaller sharks and pufferfish. The impressive variety of charming seahorses housed in the tanks is among the most popular attractions.

Participate in the touch tank experience, feed the giant sea turtles, and gain insights about marine life and conservation.

11. Spread Your Wings at the Torrey Pines Gliderport

This gliding site is situated on the high cliffs north of La Jolla. Here, visitors can learn how to fly with local paragliding instructors or bring their own equipment if they are experienced. Additionally, tandem flights are available, allowing participants aged 8 to 80 to soar over the coast.

If heights are not to your liking or if you prefer not to leap from a cliff, the stunning coastal view at this location is still worth the visit. Many people come here to watch others as they glide over the ocean, and the welcoming Cliffhanger Café provides a perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or a refreshing beer.

12. Relax on Windansea Beach

Windansea Beach, aptly named for its breezy conditions, is a prime location for surfers.

This open stretch of coastline is recognized for its strong winds and tumultuous waters, ideal for those seeking excitement on the waves. Windansea has featured prominently in numerous surf films and documentaries thanks to its reputation for substantial swells.

Though smaller than other beaches, it primarily attracts surfers and those wanting to observe the dramatic atmospheric conditions of the ocean. If the turbulent scenery excites you, this beach is a perfect fit.

13. Shop at La Jolla Market

This extensive open-air farmers’ market serves as an excellent alternative for food and drink for those who might find the local dining options a bit excessive. The fruits and vegetables offered here are locally sourced and celebrated for their exceptional quality.

Visit for a wide array of hot food vendors serving everything from pizza to vegan options.

Afterward, explore local crafts or enjoy live music provided by various bands performing here on the weekends.

14. Visit the La Jolla Historical Society

This small, free museum is located within the charming Wisteria Cottage near the beach. The garden terraces bloom beautifully during the flowering season, and the museum houses numerous engaging displays and exhibits.

La Jolla’s long-standing reputation as a haven for artists is reflected in the museum’s chronicles of individuals who have drawn inspiration from the region’s picturesque coastline.

Explore popular walking routes around the town and inquire with the knowledgeable staff about La Jolla’s impressive architectural history and notable residents.

15. Explore the Sea Caves Around Jolla

Historically, La Jolla was referred to as “the holey place” by Native Americans, owing to the abundance of sea caves along its coast.

Many local tour operators provide kayaking excursions, allowing you to discover these hidden inlets yourself.

Be sure to visit Sunny Jim’s Cave, accessible via a path through The Cave Store. The store features a staircase of 145 steps leading down through this winding artificial cavern, which offers stunning views of the ocean. The interior is adorned with vivid colors stemming from the minerals in the cliffs.

An alternative option is to reach the cave by kayak, should you wish to avoid the nominal entry fee.