Things to Do in La Jolla, San Diego Coastal and upscale, with the Cove, sea caves, beaches, galleries, UC San Diego nearby, cliff walks, and sunset restaurants.
Plan La Jolla Plan your La Jolla trip Free · and No sign-up By TripSapien · Updated October 13, 2026
Home / Things to do in San Diego / Neighborhoods / La Jolla Top things to do in La Jolla
La Jolla Cove and Sea Caves ★
La Jolla Cove is a small protected cove known for sea lions, clear water, kayaking, snorkeling, and cliff walks. Cave tours and Coast Boulevard viewpoints sit near the village shops and restaurants.
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego La Jolla ★ 4.5 · 707★
Boutique featuring museum-branded products & gifts, including jewelry, fine art books & decor items.
Mon–Wed Closed
Thu–Fri 11 AM – 7 PM
Sat 11 AM – 7 PM
Sun 11 AM – 5 PM
Birch Aquarium at Scripps ★ 4.4 · 9.6k
Interactive tide pools & exhibitions for all things under the sea in an oceanside building.
Every day 9 AM – 5 PM
Warwick's ★ 4.7 · 1.0k
Iconic bookshop that also offers stationery items, unique gifts & weekly author readings.
Mon–Fri 9 AM – 6 PM
Sat 9 AM – 6 PM
Sun 10 AM – 5:30 PM
The Shoal La Jolla Beach ★ 4.5 · 837
Straightforward hotel with an outdoor pool, a hot tub & a fire pit.
Where to eat & drink in La Jolla · $$$$
Chef Elijah Arizmendi cut his teeth in New York kitchens before returning home to open this sophisticated tasting menu concept on the third story of La Plaza La Jolla.
Birdseye Rooftop ★ 4.6 · 1.1k· $20–70
Birdseye Rooftop is the perfect setting for enjoying panoramic views of the Pacific coastline in La Jolla. Elevated above the village, the rooftop offers an open-air dining experience paired with coastal cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails.
Mon–Thu 11 AM – 9 PM
Fri 11 AM – 10 PM
Sat 10 AM – 10 PM
Sun 10 AM – 9 PM
Harry's Coffee Shop ★ 4.6 · 1.9k· $20–30
Simple but revered breakfast menu served all day & an old-school diner decor draw eclectic crowds.
Every day 7 AM – 2:30 PM
Catania ★ 4.6 · 1.3k· $30–90
In the historic heart of La Jolla, find this cool and hip retreat on the top floor of the Plaza Center.
Mon–Thu 4 PM – 8:30 PM
Fri 4 PM – 9 PM
Sat 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Sun 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Nine-Ten Restaurant & Bar ★ 4.5 · 545· $50-100
There may be no better way to end a day of watching the seals and surf than savoring a plate of Jamaican jerk pork belly at Nine-Ten.
Every day 7 AM – 9 PM
El Pueblo Mexican Food - La Jolla ★ 4.9 · 1.6k· $10-20
Every day 6 AM – 12 AM
Puesto La Jolla ★ 4.6 · 5.1k· $20–50
Popular spot for unique artisanal takes on tacos, bowls & salads in a bright & breezy brick space.
Mon–Thu 11 AM – 9 PM
Fri 11 AM – 10 PM
Sat 11 AM – 10 PM
Sun 11 AM – 9 PM
Eddie V's Prime Seafood ★ 4.7 · 2.4k· $100+ per person
Elegant fine-dining chain with a seafood & steak menu, plus a cocktail lounge featuring live jazz
Mon–Fri 4 PM – 10 PM
Sat 11 AM – 10 PM
Sun 11 AM – 10 PM
We Olive & Wine Bar ★ 4.7 · 338· $20–30
Retail chain offering artisan olive oils, balsamic vinegars & tapenades, plus tastings.
Mon–Thu 10 AM – 8 PM
Fri 10 AM – 9 PM
Sat 10 AM – 9 PM
Sun 10 AM – 8 PM
Duke's La Jolla ★ 4.5 · 5.8k· $20–60
Airy two-story destination for Hawaiian-inspired fare with outdoor seating and ocean views.
Mon–Fri 11 AM – 8:30 PM
Sat 10 AM – 8:30 PM
Sun 10 AM – 8:30 PM
Café Vahik ★ 4.7 · 495· $10–20
This bright blue cafe with free Wi-Fi serves soups, grilled panini & salads, plus espresso drinks.
Every day 6 AM – 3 PM Planning time in La Jolla?
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1 La Jolla Cove and Sea Caves 2 Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego La Jolla 3 Lucien 4 Birch Aquarium at Scripps 5 Birdseye Rooftop 6 Warwick's 7 The Shoal La Jolla Beach 8 Harry's Coffee Shop 9 Catania 10 Nine-Ten Restaurant & Bar Ready to plan La Jolla? Turn these La Jolla picks into a day-by-day San Diego plan, with every place checked for closures and booking needs on your dates.
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