How to Spend the Perfect Weekend Recharging in La Jolla

La Jolla, known as “The Crown Jewel of San Diego”, is one of our favorite escapes. Just 14 miles north of San Diego, this little town has stolen our hearts with its seals and sea lions, delicious food, and amazing sunsets. We love coming here when life gets crazy and we need to recharge. There’s nothing like sitting by the ocean, exploring the tide pools, and forgetting about the “real world” for a while.

It takes about 5.5 hours to drive from Phoenix or can be a quick 1 hour flight into the San Diego airport and then it’s a quick Uber to La Jolla.

Stay at the La Jolla Cove Suites – This is an amazing location right in front of Scripps Park and the La Jolla Cove – you can hear the seals and sea lions from your hotel room!

TIP: Upgrade to a Pines Suite for upgraded rooms (they’re redoing the property) and luxurious bathrooms. Beware of noise in adjoining rooms, bring along this travel sound machine.

Alternative option: the Empress Hotel – Another great boutique option, offering spacious rooms and friendly service. Slightly further from the beach but still a good choice.

Saturday

If you’re staying at La Jolla Cove Suites, wake up, grab a coffee downstairs at Parakeet Café & head down to check out the sea lions and seals! Parakeet Café has the best smoothies and breakfast pastries. My husband loves their coffee options. He got at least 2 coffees there a day when we stayed at La Jolla Cove Suites.

To begin your exploration for the day, start at La Jolla Cove right outside the hotel. La Jolla Cove will usually have tents set up with people selling bracelets, art, crystals, and all kinds of things. You can wander down to the beach to get a closer look at the marine life – but not too close. I’ve seen the sea lions get a little aggressive with people wanting selfies.

Then, walk down through Ellen Browning Scripps Park – this is the big green space right next to La Jolla Cove. You’ll see people kicking the soccer ball around here, having a picnic, laying down to read a book, it’s such a peaceful little park.

Just a quick 0.2 miles down the coast is the Children’s Pool, another great spot to check out the sea lions and seals. While you can technically go for a swim there and at La Jolla Cove, I wouldn’t recommend it. These are their homes, and they can be pretty protective. If you’re looking to get in the water, head to La Jolla Shores instead. You’ll also avoid the awkwardness of you being one of the only ones in a bathing suit at this beach.

Take your time at each of these spots and enjoy the beach and marine life before you make your way the 0.3 miles to the Cove House for brunch. The food here is so great and they don’t have a crazy extensive menu which, as an overthinker, I really appreciate. Too many things to choose from is my downfall. Our favorites here are the Stone Crab Benny & the Grilled Fish Tacos (the homemade biscuit is *chef’s kiss* to die for).

After you’re good and full, it’s time to walk those calories off by shopping around Prospect St. & Girard Ave. Be sure to stop in to Warwicks. This is my absolute favorite shop in La Jolla. It’s the country’s oldest family-owned bookstore. It’s like a magical Hallmark on steroids. David usually has to physically remove me after I’ve spent an hour or two in here. I always find unique gifts for friends and family at Warwick’s.

After you’re shopped out, head south for about a half mile to grab lunch at El Pescador Fish Market & Restaurant – This is a fresh fish market that also serves food to order. David loved the halibut sandwich, and my sea bass was cooked to perfection – so flaky and light. It’s the ideal spot to refuel after a morning of retail therapy, with a laid-back beach vibe and fresh, delicious seafood.

If you’re feeling tacos instead, The Taco Stand is a go to spot for locals and tourists. It’s a pretty affordable option and the food is always great. Head’s up, the line will also be very long, so expect to wait a bit. The carne asada and al pastor tacos are fan favorites.

After lunch, head down to Windansea Beach and watch the surfers. There’s a few benches at the top of the overlook where you can sit and watch.

Next up is about a mile walk to the La Jolla Tide Pools to go tide pooling! Get ready to be amazed by all the cool sea creatures from tiny crabs to colorful sea anemones. Make sure and check out the tide schedule. Low tide is the best time to explore the tide pools. This is my husband’s favorite thing to do in La Jolla and what I have to physically drag him away from.

After checking out the tide pools, find a sweet spot to watch the sunset. We found a big rock to sit on right on the side of the cliffs. Just after the sun sets, head back to your hotel and get ready for dinner.

For a fancy night out, George’s at the Cove is the perfect choice (make a reservation, they have a beautiful open top floor with an amazing view). Their seafood and steak dishes are insanely good, and the drink menu is extensive. But if you’re craving something more casual, Duke’s is a great option. Their Hawaiian-inspired food is delicious, and you absolutely have to try the hula pie for dessert!

Sunday

Start your day right with another coffee and a pastry from Parakeet Café! Their coffee is amazing but their pastries… good thing we’re doing a lot of walking. Some alternate options are Better Buzz Coffee or Pinpoint Café.

First up today is Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave. This is a must-see if you’re exploring La Jolla! As the only land-accessible sea cave in the area, it’s a pretty unique spot. The cave was dug in 1902 and rumor has it, during prohibition, it was used to smuggle alcohol by bootleggers!

Just a heads up, there are steep stairs leading down to the cave, so it’s not ideal for everyone. TIP: it can get crowded, especially later in the day, so get there early. There’s a $10 entrance fee, but it’s totally worth it for the experience.

After shopping around the Sea Cave Museum, take a hike on the Coast Walk Trail. This trail is fairly short, at 0.6 miles – it’s just over half a mile long. It’s incredibly scenic and overlooks the bluffs. There’s several benches along the trail to sit and stare out at the beautiful scenery (highly recommended).

Depending on how much longer you have to spend in La Jolla, here’s a few more activities you can check out:

Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier – Landmark and research facility (you can’t actually walk on the pier).

La Jolla Shores Beach & Park – This beach is perfect for swimming. Has lifeguards on duty, bathrooms, and showers.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps – Best to buy tickets in advance

Mount Soledad Memorial Park – Landmark honoring veterans

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve – You can hike additional trails here

Here’s some additional food options:

Girard Gourmet – Deli that has a wide variety of options, and amazing looking desserts. A lot of their fruits and vegetables come from the owner’s organic garden.

Wayfarer Bread & Pastry – Great bread and pastries. They also have pizza nights Fri & Sat but you have to pre-order online prior to 3pm.

The Marine Room – Very fancy seafood option, La Jolla staple. During the summer, at night the tide is right up on the windows so the waves will crash on them.

Here’s my go-to map, Wanderlog with everything above already added for you!

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