With seven miles of shoreline that runs from Pacific Beach to Del Mar, La Jolla is its own destination within the greater San Diego area. Whether you prefer to stay on land or book a private boat charter San Diego to see the beauty that defines La Jolla, you can understand why people refer to it as “The Jewel.” As if you needed any convincing, here are eight smart reasons why you should visit La Jolla on your next trip to California.
1. The Sea Caves
One of the most popular attractions in La Jolla is the Sea Caves. There are seven of them, six of which can only be seen from the water. Book a self-led or guided kayak tour to explore the caves that were once used by pirates or stick to the land and walk down the 145 steps to the bottom of Sunny Jim Cave.
2. Tide Pools
Tide pooling is fantastic all year round in La Jolla. Schedule this activity during low tide to see what marine life you can find hiding along the rocky shore. Some of the best La Jolla beaches for tide pooling include these spots:
- Dike Rock
- Hospitals Reef
- Shell Beach
- Windansea Beach
- False Point
- South Casa Beach
Wear waterproof closed-toed shoes to make it easier to explore, and remember to look with your eyes, not with your hands.
3. Torrey Pines State Reserve
This state park is unusual because it has desert landscapes, rocky peaks, ocean vistas, and those ubiquitous and rare Torrey pine trees. Plan a day of hiking, and if you time it right, you may even enjoy La Jolla whale watching from the Beach Trail or Razor Point Trail.
4. The Children’s Pool
Do not be fooled by the name; this iconic beach is less of a swimming hole and more of an unofficial marine mammal sanctuary for seals and sea lions. Stop here during your La Jolla visit to see these playful mammals frolic and rest.
5. Downtown
Join your fellow humans for a break from all that nature by visiting the downtown shopping district. Shop the art galleries of Prospect Street or pop in the boutiques, breweries, and cafes for a drink, a bite to eat, and a souvenir.
6. Leopard Sharks
Swim, scuba, or snorkel in the waters of La Jolla Shores to see get up close and personal with these harmless sharks. They migrate by the thousands during the summer, and it is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences you will not want to miss.
7. Glider Port
If hang gliding or paragliding is on your bucket list, you can check it off with a visit to the Glider Port at Torrey Pines. Get your adrenaline rush and scenic views at the same time from this attraction in La Jolla.
8. Whale Watching
No trip to this beach town would be complete without a whale-watching excursion. Check with local boating companies to join a scheduled cruise or book a private whale watching tour to see different whale species all year long.
If those eight reasons to visit La Jolla do not impress you, there are also surfing, scuba diving, and spa retreats to entice you. La Jolla truly has something for everyone on land, sea, and air.
