La Jolla Events and Things to Do

WINDANSEA BEACH

Windansea Beach is located in the heart of La Jolla as the oceanfront of the Beach Barber Tract neighborhood. Windansea is known for its white sand and beautiful blue water, reminiscent of Hawaii. It is a great place to swim, snorkel, dive, surf, picnic and catch the sunset. Windandsea is also a famous surf spot made popular around the globe by The Windansea Surf Club.

Horseshoe Beach

Horseshoe is a favorite spot amongst locals and was named one of the top 20 beaches in the nation by Travel + Leisure,this little beach is located just south of downtown La Jolla, steps away from a residential area. Accessible only by an unmarked staircase near Coast Boulevard and Prospect Street, the crescent-shaped beach is clean, peaceful and for the most part….tourist-free.

CHILDREN’S POOL

Children’s Pool is located in La Jolla Cove. As the name implies, it was originally intended to be a swimming area for children. In 1932, a seawall was built to keep the area enclosed from breaking waves. The famous La Jolla seals took a similar liking to the pool and seem to have claimed it as their own. Nowadays, people mainly come here to watch the seals soak up the sun and get a front row seat of this unique marine life habitat!

Kelogg Park-8277 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037

Kelogg Park is a park with rich La Jolla history and the large grassy park located at La Jolla Shores beach,  there is an excellent playground near the boardwalk about 75 yards south of the Lifeguard Station. La Jolla Shores has the only beachfront boat launch within the City limits and is a popular area for surf camps, divers, kayakers and beach lovers!

Calumet Park -5435 Calumet Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

The peaceful and beautiful park overlooking the ocean bluff with a picturesque picnic table and view bench in Lower Hermosa! Take breathtaking pit stop on your afternoon walk and soak in the nature and beauty of the ocean with panoramic views! Calumet Park is also used for ceremonies amongst relaxation.

Ellen Scripps Park- 1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Ellen Scripps Park, named after Ellen Browning Scripps, who is responsible for much of the development of La Jolla and its Institutions. This is a great place for kids, where you can fly kites, enjoy picnics and much more! Stop by Sunny Jim Sea Cave Store or walk to Children’s Pool.

LA JOLLA COVE

La Jolla cove, located in the heart of The Village. It is a picturesque cove where you can find people kayaking, snorkeling, walking, brunching and more! It is protected as part of a marine reserve; underwater it is teaming with marine life, and is popular with snorkelers, swimmers and scuba divers.

LA JOLLA SHORES

La Jolla Shores makes up a mile long stretch on La Jolla’s coast line, situated north of La Jolla Village. La Jolla Shores, often referred to as “The Shores” is one of the most popular areas of La Jolla for tourists and locals to enjoy. In La Jolla Shores, you can find white sandy beaches, waves for surfers of all ages and skill levels. It is a great  place to spend the day, go shopping, have lunch and enjoy the La Jolla lifestyle!

LA JOLLA VILLAGE

The La Jolla Village, often referred to as “The Village” is the downtown coastal area and birthplace of La Jolla, where tourists flock from around the world.  La Jolla Village is a world renowned place and melting pot of cultures! Here, you will find fine dining, art galleries, shops, cafes, site-seeing, schools, jewelry stores, schools, cafes, high end boutiques, a Sunday farmer’s market, movie theaters, The La Valencia Hotel, seals lounging in the sun, and more!

TORREY PINES NATURE RESERVE-12600 N TORREY PINES RD, LA JOLLA, CA 92037

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has beautiful stretches of beach, hiking trails that offer 360 degree views of the Pacific Ocean  rare matured Torrey Pines trees, rigid bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, maritime chaparral, and a lagoon where migrating seabirds take refuge. The Park is open daily from 7:15 AM to sunset and free guided walks for families and small groups are available on weekends.

Comedy Store- 916 Pearl St. La Jolla, CA, 92037

The Comedy Store is an eclectic venue with dim lights, a piano player and strong cocktails that make you feel like you took a time machine to old school Hollywood. Famous American Comedians as well as lesser-known up and coming comedians perform at La Jolla Comedy Store weekly and you will see their names signed on the exterior wall!

la jolla open aire farmer’s market -7335 girard ave, la jolla, ca, 92037

This is a great family friendly event where you can find fresh fruits, flowers, vegetables, art, clothing, jewelry as well a lots of yummy food vendors. Bring a picnic blanket, sit and the grass and enjoy your Sunday morning.

La Jolla Playhouse-2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037

The La Jolla Playhouse is a non-Profit professional Theatre at the UCSD campus, come here to enjoy plays all year long!

La Jolla Kayak Tours in the shores

Rent a Kayak to be one with the La Jolla seals and explore the cove! They also have guided tours at affordable prices. You can also rent snorkel gear, stand up paddle boards, surf boards, and bikes!

Birch Aquarium-2300 Expedition way, La jolla, ca, 92037

The Birch Aquarium is open FROM 9:00 AM-5:00 PM daily with over 5,000 different fish in 60 different habitats, plus a museum featuring cutting edge research from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. They are open from 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM daily and tickets are less than $20.00 for adults, children and seniors.

Athenaeum Music and Arts Library-1008 wall st. la jolla, 92037

This library is one of the 16 nonprofit libraries in the country and has a rich history within the La Jolla community.  There are all kinds of events, gallery showings, concerts, workshops, art classes and special events that take place here!

La Jolla Riford Library-7555 draper ave, la jolla, ca, 92037

La Jolla Riford Library is not just a library, here you can find all kinds of activities from toddler story time, tea parties, health and wellness workshops, technology information workshops, writing groups, movies and so much more!

La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club-2000 spindrift drive, la jolla, ca, 92037

Although you have to be a member to enjoy the full experience of the Beach and Tennis Club, you can still pay and play here! You can spend the night as a guest, or buy a day pass and play tennis, go stand up paddle boarding, play bocce ball, tennis and more!

La Jolla Country Club-7301 High Ave, La Jolla, CA, 92037

If you are a golfer, you have probably heard about the La Jolla Country Club. Members can enjoy the beautiful unobstructed views of The Village from the Country Club, play on the lush 18 hole course, dine in the clubhouse and attend monthly Club events.

La Jolla Recreation Center-615 prospect street, La Jolla, CA, 92037

The La Jolla Rec. Center provides a wide offers a wide variety of classes such as gymnastics, yoga, tai chi, tennis, tae chun do as well as adult fitness classes, tennis courts, basketball courts, playground areas, and a weight room! They also offer special events and activities for all ages and abilities!

Art Galleries

La Jolla’s most famous art gallery is the Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery located a t 7946 Ivanhoe, which is currently closed for renovation, however there are many other amazing art galleries to see! They are listed below

La Jolla Shores Hotel-110 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037

Authentic coastal comfort right on the beach! They also have Burger and Beer Night from 5:00 PM to close!

• LIK Fine Art La Jolla-1205 Prospect St.
• Martin Lawrence Galleries-1111 Prospect St.
• The La Jolla Gallery-1274 Prospect St.
• Legends Gallery- 1205 Prospect St.
• Ian Ely Gallery-1250 Prospect St.
• Siamak Art Gallery-1250 Prospect St. #A20
• Mangelsen Images of Nature Gallery-7916 Girard Ave
• Thumbprint Gallery-920 Kline St. Suite 104
• Cosmopolitan Fine Arts-7932 Girard Ave
• R.B. Stevenson Gallery-7661 Girard Ave
• La Jolla Art Association- 8100 Paseo Del Ocaso
• La Playa Gallery-2226 Avienda De La Playa
• Upwelling Fine Art Gallery-2148 Avienda De La Playa

La Valencia

La Valencia is a famous hotel and La Jolla Landmark. While it offers all the amenities of a luxury beach resort, (dog friendly rooms too!) they also have two different restaurants called The Med and Cafe La Roux. You can find live music playing at La Roux nightly at 6:00 PM and special La Jolla events at The Med such as afternoon tea or prefixed menus created by special chefs and wine makers.

For more information and ideas on things to do in La Jolla, visit my page La Jolla Landmarks