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.

La Jolla Cove and Sea CavesThemed Experience
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego La JollaArt Museum
LucienCalifornian

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Top things to do in La Jolla

La Jolla Cove and Sea Caves
Themed Experience★
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.
Website ↗Map ↗
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego La Jolla
★ 4.5 · 668
Art Museum★
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
Website ↗Map ↗
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
★ 4.4 · 9.4k
Zoo & Aquarium
Interactive tide pools & exhibitions for all things under the sea in an oceanside building.
Mon–Fri
9 AM – 5 PM
Sat
9 AM – 5 PM
Sun
9 AM – 7 PM
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Warwick's
★ 4.7 · 1.0k
Bookstore
Iconic bookshop that also offers stationery items, unique gifts & weekly author readings.
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The Shoal La Jolla Beach
★ 4.4 · 812
Beach
Straightforward hotel with an outdoor pool, a hot tub & a fire pit.
Website ↗Map ↗
La Jolla Open Aire Farmers Market
★ 4.7 · 275
Market
Local vendors selling produce, crafts & artwork, plus a food court & events, on Sundays 9 AM-1 PM.
Mon–Fri
Closed
Sat
Closed
Sun
9 AM – 1 PM
Website ↗Map ↗

Where to eat & drink in La Jolla

Lucien
Michelin ★
Californian· $$$$
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.
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Harry's Coffee Shop
★ 4.6 · 1.9k
Coffee Shop· $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
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Catania
★ 4.6 · 1.3k
Italian· $30–90
In the historic heart of La Jolla, find this cool and hip retreat on the top floor of the Plaza Center.
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NINE-TEN Restaurant & Bar
★ 4.5 · 530
American· $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
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Puesto La Jolla
★ 4.6 · 5.0k
Mexican· $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
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El Pueblo Mexican Food - La Jolla
★ 4.9 · 941
Mexican· $10–20
Every day
6 AM – 12 AM
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Eddie V's Prime Seafood
★ 4.7 · 2.3k
Seafood· $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
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Duke's La Jolla
★ 4.5 · 5.7k
Hawaiian· $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
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El Pescador Fish Market
★ 4.6 · 3.0k
Seafood· $20–30
Seafood market since 1974 offers just-caught cuts to-go or prepared on a sandwich, taco or salad.
Every day
11 AM – 9 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
The Cottage La Jolla
★ 4.5 · 2.9k
Californian· $20–30
Californian daytime cuisine served on a patio with a white picket fence or inside a vintage home.
Every day
7:30 AM – 3 PM
Website ↗Map ↗