1. La Jolla Shores Beach

La Jolla Shores is one of the best beaches in San Diego.

The vibe is more relaxed and generally more family friendly than some of beaches further south.

Address: 8200 Camino del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States

2. Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium is affiliated with the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego.

The aquarium features numerous exhibits on sea life of the Pacific Ocean and beyond.

Kids will love the Shark Shores exhibit and Tide Pool Plaza.

Address: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037

Website: https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/

3. Torrey Pines Gliderport

The Gliderport at Torrey Pines is spectacular.

The paragliders take off from the edge of the cliff and take in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and La Jolla.

If you are not paragliding yourself, there are ocean-facing benches you can relax on or take a stroll and admire the beautiful landscape.

The Gliderport also has an on-site eatery, so you can have a meal and drinks while you are there.

Address: 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037

Website: https://www.flytorrey.com/

4. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Torrey Pines offers the most beautiful hiking trails in all of San Diego.

And it’s easy enough for the whole family.

Park your car down at the beach and then follow the crowd uphill.

You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a beautiful landscape that includes the torrey pine trees this area is famous for.

Address: 12600 North Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=657

5. Mount Soledad

Mount Soledad towers over La Jolla and offers amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, La Jolla and the surrounding area.

The drive up to the peak is an experience in and of itself. It’s a very steep path and you’ll pass by some of the most expensive homes in La Jolla.

Address: 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South, La Jolla, CA 92037

Website: https://soledadmemorial.org/

6. UCSD

The University of California, Diego is one of the top research institutions in the country.

There’s lots going on at the campus any time but the place you will be drawn to above all is Geisel Library. It’s an architectural marvel that is sure to amaze you.

Address: 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093

Website: https://www.ucsd.edu/

7. Shell Beach Tide Pools

Kids love playing in tide pools and Shell Beach in La Jolla offers plenty.

Address: Shell Beach, Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

8. Warwick’s

Warwick’s is a long-time institution in La Jolla. It prides itself in being the country’s oldest family owned and operated bookstore.

Address: 7812 Girard Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037

Website: https://www.warwicks.com/

9. La Jolla Recreation Center

The La Jolla Recreation Center is there to serve the community with all kinds of events, activities and events.

They’ve got everything covered: playgrounds, basketball, tennis, yoga, Tai Chi, fitness classes and even free movies in the park.

Address: 615 Prospect Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037

Website: https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/centers/recctr/lajolla

10. Salk Institute

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is one of the foremost research institutions in the country.

The institute was founded by and named after Jonas Salk, the scientist who developed the Polio vaccine.

The Salk Institute counts various Nobel laureates as former and current members.

As a visitor, you will want to sign up for their guided tour.

Address: 10010 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Website: https://www.salk.edu/

11. La Jolla Library

The La Jolla / Riford Library is a public library and a great place to explore books and educational exhibits.

Address: 7555 Draper Ave. La Jolla, CA 92037

Website: https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/locations/la-jolla-riford-library

12. La Jolla Kayaking

Kayaking along the La Jolla coast is a great adventure.

You can explore sea caves and encounter exciting sea life like sea lions, pelicans, rays, leopard shakes, sea lions and more.

There are many kayak tours you can join. One that is highly recommended is La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks.

Address: 2164 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037

Website: https://www.lajollaseacavekayaks.com/

13. La Jolla Playhouse

The La Jolla Playhouse is a theater located on the UCSD campus.

In addition to its great performances, the theater also offers various educational opportunities and programs for kids and youth.

Address: 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037

Website: https://lajollaplayhouse.org/

14. La Jolla Sea Lions

Don’t confuse the La Jolla sea lions with the smaller seals in the Children’s pool.

These sea lions have their own space at nearby Point La Jolla.

Address: Point La Jolla, La Jolla, CA 92037

15. La Jolla Seals

The seals at La Jolla Cove have pretty much taken over the area that is otherwise known as (and originally intended to be) the La Jolla Children’s Pool.

Address: 850 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Website: https://www.sandiego.gov/lifeguards/beaches/pool

16. Map & Atlas Museum of La Jolla

Admission to this museum is free. They have maps that are hundreds of years old!

Address: 7825 Fay Ave Suite LL-A, La Jolla CA 92037

Website: https://www.lajollamapmuseum.org/

17. Surfing Lessons

La Jolla is a great place to learn surfing. You’ll find numerous surf schools.

One surf school that comes highly recommended for kids especially is Surf Divas.

Address: 2160 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037

Website: https://www.surfdiva.com/

18. Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave

You don’t need go out on a kayak to get a close-up look at a La Jolla sea cave.

There’s a tunnel that will take you from the Cave Store into Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave.

Tours are self-guided and you may have to pay a small fee.

Address: 1325 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Website: https://www.cavestore.com/

19. La Jolla Open Aire Farmers Market

The La Jolla Open Aire Farmers Market was originally started decades ago to support La Jolla Elementary School and to this day it continues that mission.

Stop by this farmer’s market, shop healthy produce and support the community.

Address: 7335 Girard Ave La Jolla, CA 92037

Website: https://lajollamarket.com/

20. Torrey Pines Golf Course

Torrey Pines is one of the top golf courses in the country.

The location is just south of Torrey Pines State Park and offers golfers amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.

Incredibly, it’s also a municipal golf course and open to the public. San Diego residents get to pay low fees.

There are also youth programs for those eager to learn the sport.

Address: 11480 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037

Website: http://www.torreypinesgolfcourse.com/

21. Murals of La Jolla

La Jolla keeps up with the times and public art is front and center.

Address: various locations, see website

Website: https://www.muralsoflajolla.com/

22. Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego – La Jolla

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego has two locations.

The La Jolla location has undergone extensive renovations and is slated to reopen this year.

Address: 700 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Website: https://www.mcasd.org/

23. Scripps Institution of Oceanography

The Scripps Institution of Oceanography is a department of the University of California, San Diego.

Be sure to sign up for a tour of their beautiful campus and the Scripps Pier, a local landmark.

Address: 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093

Website: https://scripps.ucsd.edu/

24. Biking

Bring your own bikes or rent them locally.

Bicycling is a favorite pastime in La Jolla.

25. Standup Paddle Boarding

Paddle boarding is a popular water sport in La Jolla.

There are local shops that will rent out paddle boards and gear. Or just buy or bring your own.