Photo by Yulia M on Unsplash

Your Small-Town Guide to La Jolla—San Diego’s Jewel by the Sea

From Boutique Shops and Charming Restaurants to Golf Courses and Comedy Clubs, La Jolla Truly Has It All

Beyond the prime real estate and top-ranked educational institutions like UCSD and Scripps Research Institute, there’s a lot to explore on a day trip to La Jolla. Flanked on both ends by breathtaking ocean bluffs and popular beaches, this seven-mile stretch of curvy coastline boasts world-renowned golf courses, an understated entertainment scene, boutique shopping and mouthwatering cuisine. With hidden gems to be found on every corner, it’s no surprise that La Jolla’s nickname is “Jewel City.”  La Jolla Itinerary

 

10:00 a.m.

Brunch at Cody’s La Jolla

Kambria Fischer
Photography By: Kambria Fischer

A brunch fixture in La Jolla Cove, Cody’s relocated to a second-floor unit on nearby Prospect St where the view of the Pacific Ocean is even more spectacular. Combine this new waterfront location with the locals’ favorite menu item (Awesome French Toast), and brunch couldn’t get any sweeter.

La Jolla Itinerary

11:00 a.m.

Shopping at Hi Sweetheart Gift Boutique

There’s odds and ends for anyone and every occasion in this colorful shop. An eclectic curation of books, accessories, stationery, candles and more are waiting to be discovered.

7/18

 

Noon

Light Lunch at Board & Brew

Restaurant

@localemag We’ll take a Hamcado sandwich, hbu?🥪 🎥: @blovebutler #localemagazine #localesd #sdfoodies #boardandbrew #lajolla #lajollasandiego #sandwich #utcsandiego ♬ Diamond Sky – Muspace

Cure your midday cravings with a stop at Board & Brew’s new location at Westfield UTC! Known for their made-from-scratch sandwiches, this local chain serves up stacked delights and craft beer in a SoCal-inspired space. If you feel like keeping it light, order the new Hamcado sandwich on sourdough with sliced ham, jack cheese, avocado, mayo, onion, tomato and lettuce. But if you’re feeling decadent, you can’t go wrong with the Left Coast Pastrami or Beef Dip on a toasted French baguette with baked roast beef, melted Swiss cheese and a side of au jus sauce. And after you’ve chowed down, take a stroll around Westfield UTC and explore the variety of luxury retailers and boutiques!

La Jolla Itinerary

1:30 p.m.

Stroll Through the La Jolla Caves

La Jolla Caves
Photo by Sid Saxena on Unsplash

The seven sea caves within La Jolla Cove were used to smuggle in booze during the Prohibition era. The best way to see them is by kayak, but if you’re pressed for time, the Cave Store has an accessible footpath into the second-largest cave, Sunny Jim, for a nominal fee. 

 

3:00 p.m.

Grab a Cup o’ Joe at Parakeet Café

Parakeet_Haley
Photography By: Haley Hill

Their selection of “Elixir Lattes” like Moon Milk, Magic Mushroom Matcha and Immortality Latte are made with superfood ingredients for a pick-me-up you can feel good about. Take a break to enjoy organic food, housemade pastries and Parakeet-exclusive local roasts in this lush and adorably pink café.

La Jolla Itinerary

3:30 p.m.

Play a Round at Torrey Pines Golf Course

tennis ball
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

This legendary premier municipal golf course is a must-see even if you’re not a fan of golf! Tee up while overlooking the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean on two exciting and challenging courses that are nestled atop the coastal cliffs.

 

5:30 p.m.

Enjoy a Sunset Dinner at Pacific Catch

seafood restaurant in Westfield UTC

New to the La Jolla scene, this sustainable seafood restaurant in Westfield UTC is the perfect spot for a West Coast-inspired meal. Pacific Catch serves up everything from ceviche tacos and salmon chowder to coconut shrimp and seared ahi. Grab a seat on the open-air patio under the string lights, or cozy up inside at the bar! Either way, you’re sure to love the laid-back ambiance and wild-caught seafood of this new La Jolla locale.

Local Insight: Pacific Catch is a proud member of the Seafood Watch program and is committed to sourcing seafood responsible by following the same standards of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

 

7:00 p.m.

See a Show at The Comedy Store

Hailing from the legendary Los Angeles club of the same name, the La Jolla location kicked off in August 1977 with David Letterman doling out the inaugural laughs. Local San Diego comics dominate shows during the week, and they share the stage with LA-based comics every weekend.

La Jolla Itinerary

9:00 p.m.

Stay: Cormorant Boutique Hotel

Cormorant Boutique Hotel
Credit: Haley Hill

New to the La Jolla neighborhood, Cormorant Boutique Hotel offers ocean views, a rooftop restaurant and a midcentury-modern, sophisticated design. With only 26 coastal-inspired rooms (24 having private balconies with Pacific Ocean views), this is an ideal, quaint place to stay and explore the seaside town of La Jolla. After settling in, head on up to Birdseye to take in the killer views of palm trees and the glistening Big Blue (while sipping on a refreshing cocktail). 

Local Insight: The hotel is currently offering a romantic “Picnic Package” with a curated picnic for two in partnership with Pop Up Picnic Co. If you prefer to go on an adrenaline adventure, consider booking one of the experiences (like surfing or kayaking) with Everyday California. Plus, SoCal residents get a special rate of 15% off hotel stays.

 

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