La Jolla
Where the California coast meets old-world elegance
What It's Like Here
La Jolla feels like the Mediterranean decided to settle on the California coast. Sun-bleached cliffs, turquoise water, sea lions basking on the rocks, and a village center with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants that wouldn't be out of place in the South of France.
Our Windansea properties sit two blocks from one of San Diego's most iconic surf breaks. The palm-thatched shack on the beach has been photographed more times than we can count, and the sunsets from the bluffs above are worth every step.
This is the upscale side of San Diego, but it wears it lightly. You're as likely to see someone in a wetsuit as a blazer.
Where to Eat
George's at the Cove
5 min drive
Three dining concepts in one oceanfront building. The rooftop terrace has panoramic views of La Jolla Cove that make every meal feel cinematic. The seafood is pristine and the wine program is world-class. Reservations essential for dinner.
The Taco Stand
5 min drive
Authentic Baja-style tacos in a casual, counter-service setting. The carne asada and fish tacos are the real deal — simple, perfectly seasoned, and always packed. The kind of place where the line is the recommendation.
Piatti
5 min drive
Italian cuisine in a warm, inviting dining room with a courtyard patio. The pastas are house-made, the wood-fired dishes are fragrant, and the atmosphere is refined without being stuffy.
Caroline's Seaside Cafe by Giuseppe
7 min drive
Ocean-view dining at La Jolla Shores with fresh Italian-inspired plates. Breakfast here with the waves crashing is one of the quieter luxuries of staying in La Jolla.
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
5 min drive
Upscale surf-and-turf with live jazz in the lounge. The lobster tail and filet mignon are textbook, and the cocktail program is polished. A proper date-night destination.
Sugar and Scribe
5 min drive
Bakery and brunch spot from a former contestant on The Great American Baking Show. The pastries are architectural, the brunch dishes are creative, and the interior is bright and airy.
Wheat & Water
3 min walk
Neapolitan-style pizza and hand-cut pasta in a moody, intimate space. The burrata appetizer is exceptional, and the cocktails are creative without trying too hard.
Beaches & Nature
Windansea Beach
2 min walk
Two blocks from our properties. Famous for its powerful surf breaks, dramatic rock formations, and the iconic palm-thatched shack that's been a La Jolla landmark since the 1940s. Less crowded than La Jolla Shores, more photogenic than almost anywhere.
La Jolla Cove
5 min drive
Crystal-clear water, sea lions lounging on the rocks, and some of the best snorkeling in Southern California. One of San Diego's top attractions for a reason. The Ecological Reserve protects the marine life here, so the underwater world is vivid and abundant.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
12 min drive north
Coastal hiking trails along sandstone cliffs overlooking the Pacific. Easy to moderate difficulty, with viewpoints that stop you in your tracks. The Guy Fleming Trail is the gentlest loop; the Razor Point Trail has the most dramatic views.
Children's Pool
5 min drive
A small, protected cove originally built for swimmers that has become a favorite haul-out for harbor seals. From December through May, you can watch mothers nursing their pups from the seawall above. The viewing is free and mesmerizing.
La Jolla Shores Beach
7 min drive
A mile-long sandy beach with gentle waves, perfect for families. Large grassy park area with a playground, plus easy access to kayak and paddleboard rentals. The water is calmer here than at most San Diego beaches.
Marine Street Beach
5 min walk north
North of Windansea, this is a local favorite for sunbathing and experienced surfers. Less crowded, less known, and just as beautiful. The sea caves at the base of the cliffs are worth exploring at low tide.
Unique Experiences
La Jolla Kayak Tours
Book ahead — sells out
Guided kayak tours through the La Jolla sea caves, with stops for snorkeling in the marine reserve. The guides are knowledgeable, the water is clear, and paddling past leopard sharks is a memory you'll keep. They also offer bike tours for exploring the coast by land.
The Cave Store
5 min drive
Access Sunny Jim's sea cave via a hand-carved tunnel — 145 stairs descend through the cliff into a cave that opens to the Pacific. Built in 1903, it's the only accessible sea cave on the California coast. Worth the climb back up.
Birch Aquarium
8 min drive
Part of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Hands-on exhibits, tide pool tanks, and one of the best ocean views from any aquarium in the country. Excellent for families, genuinely interesting for adults.
La Jolla Open Aire Farmers Market
Sundays, 9 AM–1 PM
Every Sunday from 9 AM to 1 PM on Girard Avenue. Fresh produce, flowers, artisan goods, and prepared foods in the heart of the village. A lovely way to start a La Jolla Sunday.
Where to Drink
Beaumont's
3 min walk
A neighborhood gathering spot with craft cocktails, live music on weekends, and an easygoing patio. The happy hour is one of La Jolla's best-kept secrets.
Jose's CourtRoom
5 min drive
Relaxed Mexican-American bar and restaurant with strong margaritas and a loyal local crowd. Feels like a neighborhood bar in the best possible way.
Duke's La Jolla
7 min drive
Hawaiian-inspired waterfront bar with tropical cocktails and live music. The sunset views from the bar are hard to beat in San Diego. Come for the Mai Tai, stay for the ocean.
Your La Jolla trip starts here
Browse La Jolla Stays
Every recommendation on this page comes from our team — the places we take our own friends and family when they visit. Book a stay and experience La Jolla like a local.
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