25 Great Things About La Jolla

There’ s so much to do in this amazing town by the sea that it can be overwhelming.
To help you out, we’ ve compiled a list of our favorites. Enjoy!
— AnnaMaria Stephens

1. Breathtaking Beaches
Windansea is revered for its picturesque cliffs and fabled rocky surf breaks. Other nearby options include the Children’ s Pool (a favorite of sunbathing seals) and family-friendly La Jolla Shores (soft sand, gentle waves). Stock up on gear at Mitch’ s Surf Shop, in business since 1967.

2. The Cove, Caves, And Kayaking
.Paddle out in a kayak for unique views of the coastline and an unforgettable passage through the cove and La Jolla’ s Seven Caves. The scuba and snorkeling sets also take to the crystalline waters like creatures of the sea. Several area shops offer rentals and guided tours.

3. Torrey Pines Golf Course
Torrey Pines Golf Course, named for the rare Torrey Pine tree, made worldwide headlines as the site of the 2008 U.S. Open (hello Tiger Woods!). It also plays yearly host to the PGA’ s Buick Invitational. Situated on the coastal cliffs, the two championship courses — North and South — are open to the public, not just the pros and lucky few.

4. The Arts Scene
La Jolla prides itself on its arts and culture offerings, from the cutting-edge Museum of Contemporary Art (home to rotating exhibitions, lectures and film series, and the lowbrow but beloved Festival of Animation) to UCSD’ s La Jolla Playhouse, where several Broadway stage hits have debuted. Also notable: The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library (pictured), SummerFest, and the Comedy Store.

5. Biotech Leader
Jonas Salk, PhD, creator of the polio vaccine, founded the Salk Institute four decades ago. Today the institute is a global leader in biological research, and its presence has made La Jolla a Mecca for biotech companies.

6. Fay Avenue Bike
Path Outdoorsy La Jolla boasts many pleasant places to bike, but one of the best is the rail-to-trail Fay Avenue Bike Path. The former cable route turned dirt bridle path (now paved) starts on the south side of Nautilus Street, just west of the intersection at Fay Avenue.

7. Regal Rides
You are what you drive in La Jolla, which explains why luxury rides line every street. Symbolic Motors sells high-ticket autos from Lamborghini, Bentley, and Lotus, while Ferrari and Maserati of La Jolla requires no further explanation.

8. San Diego — La Jolla Underwater Park
Divers delight at first sight of the Underwater Park, where two artificial reefs and an Ecological Reserve teem with marine wildlife. Just remember, look but don’ t touch. The park is protected.

9. Chic Shopping
It’ s no surprise that shopping is top-notch in tony La Jolla. Peruse fabulous boutiques (Donna Marsh, Nicole Miller, and Elizabeth’ s Closet for ladies, Mister B for gents, Let’ s Go for younger generations of either gender), bookstores (Warwick’ s), jewelers (Charriol), florists (Adelaide’ s), and art galleries (Madison Gallery, Quint Gallery), and many more.

10. La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is an oceanfront paradise with a private beach, championship tennis, par-3 golf, and the award-winning Marine Room. Don’ t miss the restaurant’ s summertime High Tide Dinners.

11. Torrey Pines Gliderport
For those daring enough to strap on a hang glider and jump off a cliff, the Torrey Pines Gliderport (established in 1928) is California’ s top provider of flight services, from novice lessons to equipment sales.

12. La Valencia Hotel
Perched above the Pacific, the historic, Mediterranean-inspired La Valencia — also affectionately known as the Pink Lady of La Jolla — has played host to guests ranging from Charlie Chaplin and Groucho Marx to Madonna and Martha Stewart since it opened in 1928. If you can’ t stay the night, enjoy a classy cocktail hour at the hotel’ s Sky Bar.

13. Birch Aquarium
Operated by the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, the aquarium brings the ocean inside with its dynamic exhibits, which educate visitors about marine conservation. Though generally closed to the public, Scripps Pier routinely offers activities like the Full Moon Pier Walk (next up is July 15).

14. The Grande Colonial
The Grande Colonial first opened in 1913 as an apartment-hotel designed by San Diego architect Richard Requa. In the mid-’ 20s, the original wooden structure was moved to the rear of the property and a European-style four-story hotel — still standing today after millions in renovations — was added. Both are registered under the Historic Hotels of America.

15. Cool Coffee Spots
Wakey, wakey, it’ s time for breaky. Perk-up breakfast spots abound in La Jolla, from the classic Harry’ s Coffee Shop (serving LJ since 1960) to the cozy Living Room, the garden-ensconced Cottage, and Brockton Villa, which rewards early-risers with gourmet coffee and stunning seaside views.

16. The Lodge At Torrey Pines
Adjacent to the 18th hole of the Torrey Pines Golf Course, the Craftsman-style Lodge at Torrey Pines is an ultra-luxe resort featuring 175 guest rooms, two award-winning restaurants, and a day spa that puts most others to shame.

17. Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial
Erected in 1954 and designated a Korean War memorial in 1998, the 29-foot Soledad Cross atop Mount Soledad has inspired heated controversy over the years — its eventual fate is popular water-cooler talk for locals.

18. The Design District
Girard Avenue has emerged as one of San Diego’ s hottest design destinations, with a cluster of high-end shops and studios carrying the latest collections for indoor and outdoor living.

19. Open Aire Market
The upper playground at La Jolla Elementary becomes a bustling farmer’ s market every Sunday, rain or shine, from 9am-1pm. Stock up on organic produce and fresh flowers while people-watching and listening to live music.

20. Green Dragon Colony
The charmingly named Green Dragon Colony, today a casual collective of specialty boutiques and galleries, dates back to 1895, when it was a retreat for artists, writers, and musicians.

21. Las Patronas
Among San Diego’ s most notable philanthropic organizations, Las Patronas has raised more than $12 million for 1,000-plus local nonprofits since its inception in 1946.

22. The La Jolla Country Club
The prestigious La Jolla Country Club’ s par 72 golf course is as popular for its Kikuyu fairway grass, uneven lies, and small, fast greens as it is for its Pacific views and cooling ocean breezes.

23. Fantastic Food
Fine dining lures foodies to La Jolla, where they can nosh at the new-ish three-story Jack’ s (four lounges and three restaurants!) or established favorites like Roppongi and Trattoria Acqua.

24. Geisel Library
Notable modernist architect William Pereira, who was featured on the cover of Time in 1963, designed UCSD’ s Geisel Library in the late ’ 60s. The iconic space-age structure, which serves as the university’ s logo, is considered a foremost example of mid-century Brutalist architecture.

25. The La Jolla Historical Society
Founded in 1963 by a group of passionate local citizens, the society is dedicated to researching and preserving the heritage of the community. Pick up a copy of the society’ s walking tour booklet for a self-guided stroll around town, or hold out for one of its seasonal guided garden tours.