La Jolla Shores City Guide
The jewel of San Diego, La Jolla is truly unlike any other place in the world. Divided into two distinct areas, La Jolla Shores features a gorgeous, flat sandy beach, while La Jolla Cove offers a charming village filled with shops, grocery stores, restaurants, bars, and of course—sea lions.
La Jolla Shores is ideal for surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and enjoying a lovely lunch or exquisite dinner from a small but delightful selection of restaurants. Just a short distance away, you’ll also find the renowned Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
One of the most beautiful views of La Jolla Shores can be seen by taking a leisurely drive down La Jolla Shores Drive from Torrey Pines Road. Alternatively, start from Pacific Beach, drive to the top of Mount Soledad for sweeping views, then cruise past stunning homes on Via Capri and Hidden Valley Road, eventually reaching La Jolla Shores Drive.
If you’re visiting during the summer, it’s best to arrive by 10 a.m. to avoid parking frustration. Once you find a good spot, bring comfortable walking shoes, a beach bag, and get ready for a perfect beach day!
Best Places to Eat in La Jolla Shores
Restaurants on Avenida De La Playa
This quaint “downtown” area of La Jolla Shores is always buzzing with activity. From the Corner Specialty Shoppe at the end of the street to Osteria Romantica and everything in between, you really can’t go wrong. You’ll find burgers, pizza, and coffee shops galore. Take a stroll and find the bite that best suits your mood.
The Shores
For dining right on the beach, The Shores is one of the best restaurants in La Jolla Shores. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant offers stunning ocean views throughout the day. Located inside the La Jolla Shores Hotel, it’s open to the public and provides a fabulous setting to enjoy the Pacific.
Marine Room
Tucked just down the road, The Marine Room is a refined, upscale restaurant that sits directly on the beach. During high tide, waves crash dramatically against the windows—an unforgettable experience. For an especially magical evening, make reservations at sunset and enjoy a glass of wine as the sun sinks into the Pacific.
Caroline’s Seaside Cafe
Located on the north side of La Jolla Shores, Caroline’s offers spectacular ocean views and delicious breakfast and lunch fare. Part of the UC San Diego campus, the café sits above a lecture hall and serves up fresh eggs, salads, burritos, and sandwiches with a stunning seaside backdrop.
Where to Stay in La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores Hotel
Right on the beach, this hotel is perfect for visitors who want to step out the door and right into the ocean. Whether you’re surfing, snorkeling, or lounging, everything is just steps away. With lounge chairs, an on-site restaurant, and walkable access to shops and dining, it’s an ideal place to stay without ever needing to get in your car.
Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton
Located just a few blocks from the beach, this hotel allows easy access to La Jolla Shores without the need to drive. You can even rent a bike and cruise the area. Be cautious when booking accommodations further east, especially near the I-5 freeway—a map may suggest it’s walkable, but the steep hill says otherwise. This hotel keeps you close and convenient.
Activities To Do at La Jolla Shores
Snorkeling
Rent your gear from Avenida de la Playa and hit the water early for the calmest conditions and best visibility. Be sure to swim with a buddy and observe marine life respectfully—no touching, grabbing, or disturbing animals. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot La Jolla’s famous Leopard Sharks, which swim close to shore in the warmer months. They have tiny mouths designed to eat crabs and shrimp and pose no threat to humans.
Don’t forget the “stingray shuffle”—drag your feet gently along the seafloor so stingrays can sense your approach and swim away. Experienced swimmers can enjoy the scenic swim from La Jolla Shores to La Jolla Cove, but only if conditions are safe and you have a swim buddy.
Next Level Sailing Whale Watching Experience
Set sail aboard Yacht America, a magnificent 139-foot sailing yacht, for the whale watching adventure of a lifetime. You’ll see these majestic mammals and other sea life in their natural habitat. We offer whale watching excursions that never disappoint, with the best whale sightings success rate in San Diego! This would be about a 30 minute drive from La Jolla but well worth the trip.
Surfing
La Jolla Shores is one of San Diego’s best beginner-friendly surf spots, thanks to its gentle waves and soft sandy bottom. Rent a soft-top surfboard or book a lesson to get started. With a mile-long stretch of beach, there’s plenty of room to catch your first wave.
Scripps Birch Aquarium
Just up the hill from La Jolla is the famous Birch Aquarium at Scripps. This is a fabulous educational opportunity to learn about the Pacific Ocean and the animals that live just below the ocean’s surface. There is an interactive tide pool exhibit, sea horses, sharks, rays, and so much more. The Birch Aquarium is highly recommended for the entire family. Be sure to check their schedule of events ahead of time so you don’t miss out on cool activities like the seahorse feeding.
Beaches to Visit
La Jolla Shores
Spanning about a mile, La Jolla Shores offers multiple entry points. The area around Kellogg Park and La Jolla Shores Park has public restrooms, a parking lot, and proximity to the shops and rentals on Avenida de la Playa.
Scripps Pier
At the northern end of the beach sits Scripps Pier, part of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. While the pier itself isn’t open to the public, it makes for fantastic beach photography—especially during low tide, when you can walk beneath the pier or even continue north to beaches like Black’s Beach or Torrey Pines. Just make sure to watch the tide so you don’t get stranded!
With everything La Jolla Shores has to offer, you may find it hard to leave. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to visit again—and maybe even make your go-to vacation destination. Start planning your perfect La Jolla Shores getaway today.