There are plenty of things to do in La Jolla, whether you’re visiting with kids or on your own. We took Grace (12) and Sapphire (10) and stayed three days. It felt like the perfect amount of time — we were all pretty wiped out by the end (especially Saff).
Things to do in La Jolla
We’ll be heading back to La Jolla next month, and I’ll update this article with more recommendations then. In the meantime, here are highlights from our trip and tips for planning your visit.
David deLeon
Scripps Pier is a beautiful place to catch a sunset. Unfortunately our visit was overcast (June gloom), so we didn’t get the dramatic colors we’d hoped for, but it’s a lovely spot for photos and a stroll any time of day.
La Jolla Shores, and especially La Jolla Cove, are our favorite spots in the area. The Cove sits inside a protected marine reserve, so the underwater life is exceptionally rich. It’s a top pick for snorkelers, swimmers, and scuba divers. You can often see leopard sharks in the shallows and get great photos of seals and sea lions. There’s a small cave area we love to explore — watch for crabs — and although the Cove generally has smaller waves, conditions can get lively at times, so always keep an eye on the water.
Parking at La Jolla Cove: Parking can be very limited during peak times and even on cloudy days. There is a parking garage nearby but it can be pricey. We usually drop someone at the Cove entrance and park a few blocks away to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Shopping + Food
La Jolla is known for upscale shopping, galleries, and dining — you’ll see a lot of luxury cars around. That said, there are also affordable options if you know where to look.
We like to treat ourselves to nicer meals when we’re in Southern California since our local options are more limited. Here are a few places we visited:
Breakfast: The Coffee Cup is a favorite. We split French toast and enjoyed coffee and hot chocolate. Prices can add up; our bill with tip was around $75 for the four of us. It was delicious, but not budget-friendly.
Lunch: Don Carlos Taco Shop is worth the short drive — some of the best tacos we’ve had. Another great spot we visited was Hodad’s in Ocean Beach, where I had a tuna sandwich and we shared a chocolate milkshake.
Dinner: One evening we ordered in from The Local Pacific Beach. The kids shared fried rice, and I had a lobster taco and churro waffles. Rach got a burrito plate. Delivery and tip came to under $40, so takeout is an easy, economical option after a long day of exploring.
Dessert: We stopped at a local gelateria for ice cream and it was a sweet finish to the day.
Places to visit next time
We missed a few attractions this trip but plan to check them out on our return:
- Self-guided walking tour of historic La Jolla neighborhoods and coastline.
- La Jolla’s hidden swings — a fun little scavenger-style adventure for families.
- The Cave Store — a unique spot for cave lovers and coastal exploration.
- Torrey Pines Gliderport — a fantastic place for photos, watching gliders, or trying a tandem flight if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Museum of Contemporary Art and its sculpture garden for a cultural break from the beach.
- The La Jolla Open Aire Market on Sundays — great for local food, crafts, and people-watching.
Local blogs and family travel sites are great resources for more ideas and up-to-date recommendations.
Want more travel ideas?
If this trip sparked your travel bug, consider exploring lists of free things to do in the wider San Diego area or guides to Southern California beaches. Also, a regional bucket list can help you plan future escapes.