Welcome to La Jolla
An affluent oceanside resort town known for impeccable cuisine and relaxed sophisticated
Considered the Monte Carlo of Southern California, La Jolla is an iconic oceanside resort town. Just 12 miles north of downtown San Diego, this elegant enclave is known for its breathtaking coastline, prestigious institutions, and balmy Mediterranean climate. La Jolla was first established as an artist’s colony, in 1894, by Anna Held and her Green Dragon Colony. This collection of cottages was designed by architect Irving Gill on land near La Jolla Cove and attracted artists and musicians, from around the country, who came to bask in the artistic energy and entertain guests of the Hotel Coronado. Today, this spirit of creative expression continues to weave through La Jolla, with contemporary art galleries and vibrant street murals commissioned by Murals of La Jolla.
La Jolla, which means ‘jewel’ in Spanish, is San Diego’s most prestigious community, but this bastion of art and culture stays true to its beach town soul. Bentleys line the streets and opulent oceanside estates loom over the stunning shoreline, but this upscale place is decidedly relaxed, striking a seamless balance between untamed beauty and elite offerings for its cultured, global denizens. Beach cottages offer a more laid-back seaside feel, while gated manors and coastline stunners take full advantage of the breathtaking vistas.
What to Love
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Picturesque views
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Vibrant arts scene
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Stunning shoreline
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Museums and luxury shopping
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Beach, tennis, and country clubs
Local Lifestyle
The lifestyle in La Jolla is sophisticated and cultured, with a barefoot elegance cherished by residents. A town built on philanthropy, through the legacy of heiress Ellen Browning Scripps, La Jolla leans its considerable wealth into cultural offerings, as well as efforts to preserve the breathtaking coastline. Long stretches of protected coast belong to La Jolla’s most prestigious residents – the adorable native sea lions and harbor seals who love to sunbathe on rocky La Jolla Cove.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Known for world-class dining and truly luxurious shopping, La Jolla’s culinary and boutique scene impresses even the most sophisticated residents. Enjoy the impeccable cuisine, fresh coastal flavors, and refined ambiance at The Marine Room, or step straight from the sandy beach into The Shores Restaurant for relaxed elegance and a seasonal menu of fresh seafood and New American classics with a California twist. For a trendier vibe perfect for brunch enjoy Cody's. NINE-TEN Restaurant and Bar in the historical Grande Colonial Hotel is one of our personal favorites for a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience with a highly recognized chef & Michelin ranking. Eddie V's is the perfect date night spot with a fun atmosphere, music on the weekends, delectable oyster bar selections, prime beef, chops, and more.
Prospect Street, often referred to as San Diego’s Rodeo Drive and Girard Avenue are lined with couture shops, tony boutiques, and art galleries. The iconic La Valencia Hotel, with its Old Hollywood glamor, offers premier ocean view dining at the Mediterranean Room, a California-Mediterranean bistro with a coastal fresh menu. In a nod to the town’s laid-back style, the menu also includes gourmet dinners for your canine companion. The whimsical Herringbone delights with creative cocktails, chef-driven seafood dishes, and coastal charm. Those whose souls belong to the arts will enjoy the Tony Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse and classical music performances at the globally inspired La Jolla Music Society. For an unforgettable night of entertainment that will have you laughing all evening, look no further than The Comedy Store.
Things to Do
From strolling the pristine beach to lounging by the club pool, La Jolla provides luxury and adventure every step of the way. This sunny paradise is full of ways to enjoy the gorgeous weather – La Jolla Cove offers an incredible setting for scuba diving, La Jolla Shores Beach is perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, and Windansea Beach is the place where surfers ride the white-capped waves of the Pacific Ocean.
Considering the beautiful beaches and warm sunshine, sunbathing is an understandably popular pastime, but be prepared to share the shoreline – sea lions and seals love to bask in the sun just as much as people and you’ll often see them lounging on the sand or rocks along the coast.
With year-round spectacular weather it's no wonder the community here is quite active, enjoying, biking, and hiking especially at the Torrey pines state reserve, tennis, skating & rollerblading. Water sports include surfing, paddle boarding, fishing, water skiing, and parasailing over the waters of Blacks Beach is quite a sight. For more the indoor athlete, LifeTime gym is tucked in the heart of the village where also an array of boutique studios are at every corner from F45 HIIT workouts to Pilates Plus, Orange Theory, and Yoga studios galore.
La Jolla Elementary hosts the very popular La Jolla Farmer's Market on Sundays where families can spend the day picking from the freshest produce, grabbing a bite from a variety of vendors and local families bring the kids and listen to live music while playing on the school's playground.