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Nestled on the coast just a 20-minute drive from the buzzy district of downtown San Diego, lies a once-sleepy town that is now creating a buzz all of its own.
La Jolla is a small community that over the years has built a reputation among those in the know as a chic and refined seaside getaway.
Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect La Jolla restaurant or the best La Jolla beach, this handy guide will help.
Where to Eat in La Jolla
La Jolla is known as a hub of luxury shopping and upscale restaurants. Although there are more high-end eateries than you can shake a stick at, it is possible to find places at every price point.
The Taco Stand
If you’re looking for quick, inexpensive, and delicious food, then The Taco Stand is the place for you. Despite its name, The Taco Stand is, in fact, a restaurant, albeit a very casual one. Come here if you’re looking for authentic, hearty Mexican food.
Herringbone
It would be a shame to visit La Jolla and not try out one of the many amazing seafood restaurants it has to offer. And few are doing seafood better than Herringbone. Housed inside of a renovated warehouse, the interior is a pleasing mix of dark wood and twinkling lights. The menu features a mix of always inventive seafood dishes, as well as plenty for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.
Piatti
The word Piatti means patio in Italian, and this traditional trattoria certainly lives up to its name. Piatti is the place to go for relaxed dining with big plates of Italian comfort food. The interior is simply decorated, but it can afford to be, as its beautiful and bustling outdoor areas are where it really shines.
The Best La Jolla Beach
La Jolla boasts 7 miles of winding coastline. While this might not seem like all thatmuch, it certainly packs a lot of beaches into it. Ten to be exact. It’s hard to pick the best beach in La Jolla, but here are a few of our favorites.
La Jolla Shores Beach
If you’re looking for a great place for a family day out, La Jolla Shores Beach, with its calm waves and a mile-long stretch of sand, is a great place to visit. It is also an entry point into La Jolla Underwater Park.
Pacific Beach
If you’re craving waves, however, you might want to head down the coast a little to Pacific Beach. This seaside community is known for its slow pace of life. The town is a hotspot for yoga and pilates, while the beach itself is a favorite of surfers looking to catch their next great wave.
La Jolla Cove
If you want to see an array of marine wildlife in its natural habitat, La Jolla Cove is the place to do it. As part of a protected marine reserve, this minuscule stretch of beach is home to seals, sea lions, and leopard sharks. It’s also a popular area for snorkeling and scuba-diving.
What to Do in La Jolla
After you’ve filled your belly in one of La Jolla’s wonderful restaurants and had your fill of its beautiful beaches, there are a number of great things to do.
- Take a hike in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- Check out the world-renowned Birch Aquarium
- Get on top of the world at Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial
- Have a scenic stroll along Scripps Pier
Make La Jolla Your Next Destination
Whether you visit for a day or stay for a week, you’ll never run out of things to do in La Jolla.
La Jolla Shores Rentals offer the perfect base from which to take a moonlight stroll along your favorite La Jolla beach or explore the rugged San Diego coastline. Get in touch with us today and to take the first step toward your perfect La Jolla Vacation.
