Upscale coastal neighborhood known for beautiful beaches, sea caves, seals, and the University of California San Diego.
About La Jolla
The village of La Jolla has an upscale, resort-town character with tree-lined Prospect Street and Girard Avenue hosting art galleries, designer boutiques, and restaurants with ocean views. The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego occupies a stunning cliffside location. The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve to the north protects one of the rarest pines in the world and offers spectacular coastal hiking trails above wild beaches.
La Jolla is also home to major research institutions — the University of California San Diego (UCSD), the Salk Institute (a masterpiece of Louis Kahn architecture), the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and the Birch Aquarium. The coastal walk from La Jolla Shores to the Children's Pool (where harbor seals haul out) provides one of the finest seaside strolls in Southern California.
Nearby Landmarks
Transport Options
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | $35-45 | 20-30 minutes | Convenience, groups, heavy luggage |
| Rideshare | $25-35 | 20-30 minutes | Budget-conscious, app users |
Good to Know
Late Night Transport
MTS Bus Route 30 runs until about 10:00 PM. After that, Uber/Lyft from SAN to La Jolla costs $20-30. La Jolla village has some restaurants and bars open until 10:00-11:00 PM but is generally quiet late at night. The coastal area is not well-lit after dark.
Luggage Tips
La Jolla village has no public luggage storage. Hotels and vacation rentals can hold bags. The village streets are hilly in places — wheeling luggage from bus stops to hotels can involve inclines. Rideshare or taxi is recommended with heavy luggage.
Accessibility
La Jolla village has steep terrain in places, but the main Prospect Street shopping area is relatively flat. La Jolla Cove has a steep staircase to the beach (not wheelchair accessible). The Coast Walk trail has some paved accessible sections near the overlooks. Most village restaurants and hotels are ADA compliant.