Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Scripps Institution's public aquarium on a La Jolla bluff — tide-pool touch tanks, a two-story kelp forest and big ocean views.
Attraction
Things to do
Things to do in La Jolla
Cliffs, coves and the highest commercial rents in the county. Old money, biotech money, and sea lions that predate both.
Things to do
Children's PoolBeach
A seawall-protected cove built with a gift from Ellen Browning Scripps that harbor seals have claimed as a rookery. Viewing from the wall is the norm, and the beach is closed during pupping season.
850 Coast Blvd, La Jolla
Sunny Jim Sea Cave and La Jolla sea cavesLandmark
Sunny Jim Cave is reached on foot through a hand-dug tunnel from the Cave Store above the bluff; the other caves along the cliffs are visited by kayak tours launching from La Jolla Shores.
La Jolla ShoresBeach
A long, gently sloping beach with lifeguards, a grassy park and the most beginner-friendly surf and kayak launches in the area. Kellogg Park sits at its center.
Windansea BeachBeach
A rocky, reef-break beach known for its historic palm-frond surf shack and for strong shorebreak that suits experienced surfers more than swimmers.
La Jolla PlayhouseArts
A Tony Award-winning regional theater on the UC San Diego campus, founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer, that has sent many productions to Broadway.
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La JollaMuseum
The museum's oceanfront flagship on Prospect Street, expanded and reopened in 2022, with galleries that look straight out to the Pacific.
700 Prospect St, La Jolla
Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLandmark
Louis Kahn's concrete-and-travertine research campus is one of the most studied works of modern architecture; the institute offers scheduled architecture tours.
10010 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla
Attractions
La Jolla Cove
A postcard cove where sea lions and seals haul out on the rocks — snorkeling, kayaking and clifftop views over the ecological reserve.
Attraction
Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial
A hilltop veterans memorial with one of the widest 360-degree views in the county, from the coast to the mountains.
Attraction
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Rare Torrey pines, sandstone canyons and miles of clifftop trails above the Pacific. Arrive early — the lot fills fast.
Attraction
Eat & drink
George's at the CoveCalifornian restaurant
A long-running Prospect Street institution whose rooftop Ocean Terrace is the classic place for a view lunch above the Cove.
The Marine RoomFine dining, seafood
At high tide, waves break against the dining room windows at this La Jolla Shores landmark.
Brockton VillaBreakfast and brunch
A restored early-1900s beach cottage above the Cove, known for its Coast Toast.
Harry's Coffee ShopDiner
A Girard Avenue family diner operating since 1960 where locals and visitors share the counter.
El Pescador Fish MarketFish market and counter
A casual Pearl Street counter serving sandwiches and plates made from fish sold in the case.
Annual events
La Jolla Concours d'EleganceApril (April 24-26, 2026)
A classic and luxury car show staged on the lawns of Ellen Browning Scripps Park above La Jolla Cove.
SummerFestJuly-August
The La Jolla Music Society's chamber music festival, held at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center on Fay Avenue.
La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday FestivalEarly December
A long-running community parade down Girard Avenue and Prospect Street.