Explore AAA Travel
About La JollaWithin San Diego's city limits, La Jolla (Lah HOY-yah) is one of the city's toniest communities. The popular resort graced with a rocky coastline is punctuated by scenic beaches. Windansea Beach earns kudos both as one San Diego’s premier surf spots while the La Jolla Children's Pool, originally intended as a protected swimming area for kids, now mostly attracts sea lions and harbor seals (and the photo-happy tourists who love them). Sandstone cliffs edge tiny La Jolla Cove, one of California's most-photographed beaches and part of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park. The protected waters draw swimmers, scuba divers and snorkelers as well as marine animals and seabirds.
Sea anemones, sea urchins and other exotic creatures also take up residence in La Jolla when tidal pools form in the area's rocky shores. The best time to view the tidal pools is from late fall to early spring, when low tides generally occur during daylight hours.
La Jolla also boasts seven sea caves, carved out of sandstone cliffs by centuries of wave action. These striking natural features were once used by smugglers trafficking everything from illegal workers to Prohibition-era whiskey. Six of the caves can be explored via kayak; Sunny Jim's Sea Cave, named after a bygone cereal mascot, is the only one accessible by land. The entrance to the Sunny Jim's Sea Cave tunnel, which was dug in the early 1900s, is in a souvenir shop at 1325 Coast Blvd. An admission fee is charged; phone (858) 459-0746.
The University of California, San Diego offers free 90-minute guided walking and bus tours that take in the highlights of the 1,200-acre campus. On the grounds are outdoor sculptures from the Stuart Collection as well as the Geisel Library, named after Theodor Seuss Geisel—aka Dr. Seuss—who moved to La Jolla after World War II. Campus tours depart Sundays at 2 from the South Gilman Information Pavilion at the corner of Gilman Drive and Osler Lane. Reservations are required at least 2 days before the tour; phone (858) 534-4414.
ShoppingBe prepared for sticker shock as you browse Prospect Street, where exclusive art galleries, clothing boutiques and high-end jewelry stores cater to La Jolla's moneyed residents. Upscale shops and national retailers like Lucky Brand and Kate Spade New York also line Girard Avenue, the charming coastal community's other chief commercial thoroughfare.
Also in La Jolla is Westfield UTC (4545 La Jolla Village Dr.), a ritzy outdoor mall with department store anchors Macy's and Nordstrom, contemporary-cool lounge areas (some boasting built-in TVs), beautiful fountains, a kid's play space and an ice-skating rink.
Things to Do Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) La Jolla
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Recreational Activities
Summer Activities Hike Bike Kayak
La Jolla, CA
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
Members save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Sheraton La Jolla Hotel3299 Holiday Ct. La Jolla, CA 92037
Book NowMembers save up to 10% and earn World of Hyatt points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine3777 La Jolla Village Dr. La Jolla, CA 92122
Book NowMembers save up to 10% and earn Honors points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego-La Jolla4550 La Jolla Village Dr. La Jolla, CA 92122
Book NowMembers save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
San Diego Marriott La Jolla4240 La Jolla Village Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037
Book NowAs a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.
