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An aerial view of a pink building overlooking the ocean, La Valencia Hotel, La Jolla California
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The beautiful coastline of san diego, california
Things To Do

Local Guide

Known as “the jewel” of San Diego, La Jolla blends breathtaking coastal beauty with art, culture, recreation, and seaside charm. From dramatic Pacific cliffs and sandy beaches to galleries, boutiques, cafés, and museums, this iconic Southern California destination offers something for every traveler. Set above the cliffs of La Jolla Cove, La Valencia Hotel places you just steps from the best of the Village of La Jolla.

Explore the underwater world with snorkeling or scuba diving at La Jolla Cove and the Underwater Park, home to vibrant marine life. Enjoy ocean-view fairways at Torrey Pines Golf Course, relax along the gentle shoreline at La Jolla Shores, or catch the legendary surf at Windansea Beach. Families can also discover nearby San Diego favorites, including SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo. With year-round sunshine, stunning views, and endless activities, La Jolla captures the very best of Southern California.

A large rock formation

La Jolla Cove

Just below the hotel, you'll find an elevated walkway for viewing sea lions and ocean vistas from the sandstone cliffs. La Jolla Cove is a natural haven known for snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving.

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An aerial view of the ocean and a pier

Children's Pool

Visit this small sandy beach featuring a concrete breakwater built in 1931 designed to protect kids from waves coming onshore.

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A cave in the ocean with waves crashing into it

La Jolla Underwater Park

Spanning 6,000 acres of ocean floor, canyons, and beaches, snorkel, dive, kayak or swim through this aquatic destination comprised of both the Ecological Reserve and Marine Life Refuge.

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A path along the beach with a fence and a house

Windansea Beach

This secluded, breathtaking beach attracts locals and visitors, especially experienced surfers. The historic and often photographed surf shack on the beach makes a popular backdrop for wedding photos and richly colored sunset shots. Located at the end of Nautilus Street, with a small parking lot as well as street parking.

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A group of people flying over a hill with paragliders

Torrey Pines Gliderport

Perched on the cliffs above Black's Beach, get an adrenaline rush at San Diego's premiere hang gliding, paragliding and flight school destination, all while enjoying stellar views & outdoor dining.

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Two children looking at fish in an aquarium

Birch Aquarium

Part of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, experience stunning sea adventures and observe wild marine life up close to learn more about sharks, seahorses, and other sea creatures.

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A golf course with a sunset in the background

Torrey Pines Golf Course

Perched above the Pacific Ocean, perfect your swing on the dramatic fairways and greens at two world renowned, 18-hole championship golf courses right here in La Jolla.

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San Diego Botanic Garden

Spend a day exploring lush gardens, calming vistas, flowering plants, majestic palms, and the largest bamboo collection. Go from a desert environment to a tropical rainforest with waterfall in just seconds.

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A man riding a horse, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club And Fairgrounds

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club And Fairgrounds

This world-class thoroughbred-racing club beckons sophistication and those to be seen. This coastal playground features live horse racing and big stakes races, as well as dining, shows and concerts.

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A giraffe eating from a children's hand

San Diego Zoo

Known for its animal conservation & education, this world-renowned attraction showcases over 3,700 animals from around the world in their natural habitats, including the rainforest and African plains.

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San Diego Safari Park

Take a safari ride through the African jungle or go on a walkabout in Asian Savanna. Discover rare animals in their natural habitats without ever leaving Southern California.

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A view of the courtyard at the university of california, san diego

Balboa Park Museums

Filled with lush gardens, walking paths, play areas, 17 museums, and a safari park and zoo, this two-mile long urban cultural destination is San Diego's outdoor playground.

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Legoland

Let your imagination run wild at this 3-in-1 amusement park based on the LEGO® brand toy. With over 60 rides, shows and attractions, head to this family-friendly theme park, water park and aquarium.

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