When visiting La Jolla, you can expect to find plenty of sunny days right along the coast. Our beautiful coast will keep you outside for the majority of your stay. La Jolla can see the occasional rainy day as clouds roll in off the water for possibly several hours at a time. If that happens, fear not, as La Jolla features plenty of fun attractions and activities that will help you to keep having fun. Take a look at some rainy day La Jolla activities:
Birch Aquarium
One of the most exciting attractions found right here in La Jolla is the Birch Aquarium. This attraction is mostly indoors, letting you spend a few hours inside as you wait out the rain. The aquarium is a part of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Expect to find vast exhibits that showcase include underwater animals such as octopus, sea turtles, sharks, and much more. Special events are held throughout the year at the aquarium too such as unique lectures, conversation classes, and even private events. The Birch Aquarium is open for extended summer hours from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. The aquarium currently requires reservations for future visits and facial coverings must be worn inside.
Watch a Show at La Jolla Play House
When it comes to some of the best live performances in La Jolla you cannot pass up the chance to visit the La Jolla Play House. This live theatre is the perfect spot to enjoy a live performance on a rainy day or any day for that matter. La Jolla Play House’s schedule is always posted in advance with tickets available for purchase as well. In addition to live theatre performances, you can enjoy special events such as Coffee with the Playhouse and workshops perfect to help you teach theatre. Call 858-550-1010 during your stay and see which performances still have tickets on a rainy day in La Jolla.
Visit Geisel Library
Visiting a library during a vacation getaway may not sound like the most exciting activity but Geisel Library is not your typical library either. Come check out this architectural masterpiece and features unique exhibits inside, many of which that are dedicated to Theus Seuss Geisel better known as Dr. Seuss.
Fun La Jolla Activities on a Rainy Day
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to spend your next rainy day in La Jolla. Book one of our vacation rentals for the best stay imaginable.
Finding the perfect winter paradise is as easy as looking towards La Jolla. Seriously, our San Diego community is the best place for you to escape the cold temperatures found back home and see the coast. The winter season is also a great time to avoid the summer crowds typically found during the summer. Take a look at the top La Jolla winter activities you can enjoy:
Go Whale Watching
One of the most incredible experiences you can have in La Jolla is seeing one of the majestic whales breach the water. The winter season is when whales migrate to the warmer waters surrounding La Jolla. You can join a guided whale watching tour with local companies such as Xplore Offshore and San Diego Whale Watch. Your captains will take you to waters that are known for plentiful whale activity so you can see them in person!
Visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution
You can get up close and personal some with some incredible sea creatures when you visit the Birch Aquarium located at Scripps. This local attraction features over 3,000 different animals in hands on exhibits and incredible live shows. The aquarium is located on a hilltop site overlooking the rest of La Jolla for some truly incredible views. The Birch Aquarium continues to remain open and follows all state mandates related to COVID-19. The Birch Aquarium is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
If you are looking for some incredible local and world-renowned artwork look, check out the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. This local museum has two locations with one being right here in La Jolla. Exhibits feature art work that spans from 1950 and onwards. Expect to see art in all forms of media on display showcasing the exquisite detail only these professional artists can provide. Stop in the Edwards Garden Exhibit for magical views of the La Jolla coastline. Grab a bite to eat in the Museum Café where the patio provides even more views. The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is open Thursday through Tuesday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Winter Fun Here in La Jolla
There are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy here in La Jolla. Make the most of your winter adventure by reserving one of our vacation rentals exclusive to La Jolla.
For those who enjoy discovering the history behind their destination, La Jolla is filled with connections to the past. Visitors can enjoy their own historical journey by exploring the several different La Jolla attractions found in the area.
La Jolla Historical Society
There is perhaps nowhere better to go to for a history lesson in La Jolla than the La Jolla Historical Society. This local organization works to preserve the past and understand the concerns of our future. The area of La Jolla was first incorporated into San Diego in 1850 and was eventually founded as its own city in 1887. La Jolla became known for its Marine Biological Association, which eventually was renamed to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Since then, La Jolla has become a paradise for locals and visitors alike. You can see some of this history in person at the La Jolla Historical Society Wisteria Cottage Gallery, an art gallery that features rotating exhibits focused on the history of La Jolla. The Venturi Pergola and Garden is also on site and was designed by the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego – La Jolla Branch
La Jolla may be a small neighborhood, but it makes up for its size in elegant attractions such as the La Jolla branch of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. This local museum and art gallery has been open since 1950 and focuses on local artwork. The museum rotates its exhibits to ensure the galleries remain fresh for its visitors. The artwork is not just pictures and paintings either as the Edwards Sculpture Garden is sight to behold in person. Many locals find themselves inspired by the local art and end up bringing their own sketchpad with them.
Athenaeum Music & Arts Library
The greater San Diego area and much of Southern California was founded by the Spaniards early in the 1700s. Their influence remains on display at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. The building has a Spanish Renaissance style and is a beautiful addition to the community. As with most libraries, the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library offers free entry and is a great way to beat the summer heat. Take a look at the collection of historic books and artwork that will remind you of the area’s rich history.
More to See in La Jolla
Now that you have an idea of where to explore La Jolla’s rich history, you can reserve your vacation rental in the area. Each property features unique amenities and is in close proximity to these historical attractions.
Unexpected twists and turns in life have a way of causing stress to build over time. In the year 2020, it’s no understatement to say that many have found there are more than enough unexpected factors at play to create a year filled with confusion. Amongst the multitude of changes this year has brought with it is the fact that many employees that were once well-established in offices around the country and globe are now being asked to work remotely from home. From makeshift offices, the approach to work can look very different and some are finding that navigating this new normal means letting vacation plans fall to the wayside.
At La Jolla Vacation Rentals, we’re taking a more positive approach to a year of changes. Instead of canceling plans, perhaps 2020 is the year to discover the hidden beauty of the remote work world in that it allows for travel and work to be seamlessly combined! In place of mourning the loss of the traditional workplace, consider packing up your suitcase and your laptop and hitting the road in pursuit of a well-deserved work and play La Jolla vacation.
Set Your Work and Travel Sights on Sunny California
2020 may look drastically different than years prior, but that doesn’t mean it can’t come with plenty of fun too. Those that find inspiration in sunny destinations but still need to get work done too will find that booking a stay with the help of the team at La Jolla Vacation Rentals offers up a chance to work seamlessly in the very place you’re excited to enjoy a getaway. Our properties are conveniently outfitted with the technology remote employees require and the extras that take the professional experience to the next level of ease. From wi-fi and high-speed services to large flat-screen televisions for streaming video conferences, visitors will find that their workdays fly by and the fun that awaits outside the front door is the extra motivation to check everything off the list.
Enjoy Luxurious Upgrades During Your La Jolla Vacation
While those home-inspired comforts in our properties are sure to please from tasteful sofas to fully-equipped kitchens, it’s the upgraded extras that are designed to inspire. Guests looking for a work and play getaway experience will be able to pick and choose from properties that include everything from private pools and spas to large yards, vaulted ceilings, waterfront views, and decorative touches that speak to coastal-inspired style.
Explore La Jolla During Your Stay
Yes, you’ll have assignments and projects to complete but when you’ve submitted that last document, La Jolla waits just outside for plenty of exploring and discovering. While you’re in town, take time to unwind at scenic La Jolla Cove or make your way into the water for an afternoon of swimming, boating, snorkeling, or kayaking. Complete with inviting beaches and plenty of options for wildlife spotting, La Jolla is a great place to explore the outdoors and keep far from the crowds.
Adventure Lives on in 2020
It may be a different approach to work and life balance, but at La Jolla Vacation Rentals, we believe that 2020 still has the potential to end on a great note. Contact our team today to learn more about our rentals that make it easier than ever to enjoy a La Jolla vacation with options for remote work as well.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a place more welcoming to solo travelers than our beautiful oceanside city of La Jolla! With miles of rocky coastline to explore, a variety of eateries within several budget ranges, and the bustle of nearby San Diego at your fingertips, you’ll find there’s always something to keep you entertained as a solo traveler. Check out our top list of activities in La Jolla for a solo traveler, but remember that when you’re in La Jolla, the options are nearly endless!
Take a Sea Cave Kayak Tour
La Jolla’s striking rocky cliffs form several sea caves on the oceanside, and with companies like La Jolla Kayak you can embark on a tour to drift through emerald green and azure blue waters while marveling at the magnificent caves formed by centuries of water moving in and out of the rock formations. The tour will start off by taking you on kayak through the La Jolla Ecological Reserve over beds of drifting sea kelp—you might even be lucky enough to spot a leopard shark, colorful fish, or a local sea lion or two. Going on tours is also a fantastic way to meet other travelers!
Go Hiking at Torrey Pines State Reserve
Just north of town and still within La Jolla proper, you’ll find the stunning state reserve of Torrey Pines. Home to forests of Torrey pines, breath-taking cliffside views, miles of nearly untouched beaches, and amazing hiking trails, it’s truly a treasured piece of La Jolla’s natural scenery. Take the Beach Trail, a .75-mile trail that descends 300 feet to the beach, and revel in unspoiled ocean views. Depending on when you go, you might even have the beach mostly to yourself. It’s a great spot to relax with a picnic lunch, and can make for terrific photo opportunities, even if you’re traveling solo! Pro tip: if there’s no one you can ask to take a photo, bring a cheap tripod for your phone and take your own photo using a ten-second timer! This is definitely one of the best activities in La Jolla!
Treat Yourself to a Meal with an Ocean View After Enjoying Activities in La Jolla
We have plenty of amazing restaurants boasting sweeping views of the Pacific and the hills of La Jolla, and not all of them will break the bank! Caroline’s Seaside Café is a great stop for lunch or a sunset happy hour, and the menu is versatile in its price offerings. The Goldfish Point Café is another inexpensive option with a lovely view, and as a bonus is right near the unique “The Cave Store” where you can do a self-guided walking tour through one of our famous sea caves for just $5. If you want to splurge a bit, try Duke’s or The Shores for an upscale seaside lunch or dinner!
Have a Blissful Solo Escape with La Jolla Vacation Rentals
We have a wide range of properties simply made for solo travelers, from intimate condos to small homes with terrific views. Give us a call or click here to contact us, reserve yours today, and enjoy the best activities in La Jolla!
Winter is a terrific time of year for a La Jolla vacation! With breezy days that rarely drop below 60 degrees and nights that are chilly without the freezing temperatures, it’s the perfect middle ground that allows you to enjoy the outdoors and still get into the seasonal mood. Imagine days spent leisurely walking on scenic beaches, and nights cuddled around the firepit with the sound of the waves in the distance—it can all become your reality when you plan a winter La Jolla getaway!
Plentiful Seaside Recreation and Sightseeing
The rocky shores of La Jolla are home to beautiful natural sights and unique perspectives on marine life and are perfectly enjoyable in the winter! With lower tides, it’s an ideal time to explore La Jolla’s many tide pools, and you may even spot creatures such as crabs, sea snails, starfish, sea anemones, and more. Hikes with spectacular ocean views include the local La Jolla Trail and the nearby trails at Torrey Pines State Reserve. For a self-guided tour of one of La Jolla’s fantastic sea caves, pay a visit to The Cave Store. The shop is built atop an old bootlegger’s tunnel that bores into the sandstone cliffs of the cove and descends into the Sunny Jim Sea Cave—and the shop has been offering their self-guided tours since 1902!
Thrilling Marine Tours in Ideal Weather
With the weather remaining so moderate, many La Jolla companies offer tours year-round! With La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks, you can go on a guided kayak tour through a sea cave and will likely be treated to views of marine life, such as sea lions sunning themselves on rocky outcrops or fish swimming through sea kelp grooves. Several companies like San Diego Whale Watch offer whale watching tours, and winter is the peak season! With La Jolla Watersports, you can go on a snorkeling tour, and get a view of marine life up close—and all gear including the wetsuit come with the tour, ensuring you won’t get chilly in the coastal waters.
Have a Fabulous La Jolla Getaway with La Jolla Vacation Rentals
At La Jolla Vacation Rentals, we’re proud to offer a wide variety of properties, from cozy homes with ocean views to spacious properties right on the beach! From abundant outdoor recreation in the sun to exciting holiday events, winter is the perfect time for a La Jolla getaway. Browse our beautiful collection of properties online or give us a call today and we’ll assist you in choosing the best rental for your La Jolla getaway! Contact us now.
La Jolla’s serene shores were practically made for relaxation, but there’s much to explore off the coastline and in the heart of town! When you’re not lounging in your rental, check out these La Jolla tours for a more in-depth experience with La Jolla’s marine ecological preserve and charming seaside streets.
La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks
2164 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-0111
Explore La Jolla’s scenic coastline and sea caves from the water on this 1.5-hour guided kayak tour through a marine ecological reserve. Drift alongside stunning rock formations above giant sea kelp groves and see if you can catch a glimpse of marine wildlife like rays and small leopard sharks. You might be treated to the site of dozens of sea lions gathering on the rocky shores, as it’s a popular gathering spot for these animals. Some kayakers have been lucky enough to spy whales and dolphins further out in the water! If tide and weather conditions allow, you’ll paddle through the sea caves, taking in breathtaking views from the best seat possible!
La Jolla Water Sports Snorkeling Tour
2710 Garnet Ave #110, San Diego, CA 92109
(619) 788-6416
This is one of the best La Jolla tours and was rated one of the top ten things to do in La Jolla. The natural sights you’ll experience are similar to the kayak La Jolla tours above, except you get to explore the beauty of La Jolla’s coast from the water, enabling you to see more marine plant life and creatures in a truly adventurous way. You could even swim with the sea lions! Snorkel gear, fins, and a wetsuit are provided with the tour, ensuring you’re ready to explore the coastline like a pro. With a knowledgeable guide, it’s perfect for kids (13 and up) and beginners too!
We Love Tourists La Jolla Segway Experience
7430.5 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
619-512-3491
This two-hour Segway tour is a terrific way to see all the different things that make out lovely coastal city so unique. Your guide will help you get familiar with how to use your Segway, and then you’ll begin cruising the streets on a scenic loop around the town. You’ll get to see beautiful La Jolla homes, the downtown area, and amazing views of the beaches. All the while, you’ll learn plenty of information from your guide about the history of La Jolla, and due to the small group size, you can ask all the questions you’d like too! It’s a great opportunity to feel the sea breeze from the Segway and get tons of memorable photos along the journey.
La Jolla Tours and Vacation Rentals Put You in the Middle of It All
With its quaint streets and tranquil shores, La Jolla is the perfect seaside town for a relaxing escape, and so are our vacation homes! From premier locations to luxury amenities and breathtaking ocean views, our portfolio of properties has the ultimate La Jolla vacation rental waiting for you! Contact us today to speak to one of our reservation specialists to learn more about La Jolla and reserve your vacation home today!
It’s spring again, and along with it comes the sun, the blue skies, and the pleasant weather. And you know what that means: It’s time to pack and head over to La Jolla, California to enjoy your Spring Break and welcome the fun season in style! There’s a lot to do and enjoy around here for spring break in La Jolla, so let’s get right to it.
Go Tide Pooling
People who just love tide pooling know that La Jolla has two great spots for this sport. Both Shell Beach and Dike Rock attract thousands of people every year. Of course, you’ll need to wait until it’s low tide to get the full beauty of the marine life at these spots. Starfish and octopus are the stars of the show. Dike Rock, part of the La Jolla Underwater Park marine reserve, offers more amazing views, especially to the north side.
Paragliding and Hang Gliding
Both of those popular sports are for the adventurous type. If the thrill of the beach and an adrenaline rush are what you’re after, either of these two sports will do the job. You’ll fly with experienced and certified instructors, so safety will not be an issue. As you glide over the coast, the beauty of La Jolla reveals itself in front of your eyes.
La Jolla Scuba Diving
One way to explore the marine life and get up close and personal with the inhabitants of the sea is to go snorkeling or La Jolla scuba diving. You can either rent your equipment, pick your spot and go for it, or you can choose a snorkeling tour where a guide will accompany you to the hotspots where the fish get together for a casual meal.
Yoga on the Beach
You read that right. Yoga on the beach is all the rage in La Jolla. After all, the yogi who invented the system wasn’t practicing in a studio; yoga is part of nature and is best done in the arms of nature, preferably on a beach. You can enjoy this fantastic experience in the morning on weekends.
Choose the Vacation Rental That’s Right for You
We have a large collection of vacation rentals in La Jolla, California, and we’re always adding more properties to our list. We are confident you will find the right vacation home to spend your Spring Break holiday in La Jolla. Call us today and we’ll match you with the perfect home to make your vacation a truly memorable one.
La Jolla is one of California’s most popular beachfront locales with its dramatic coastlines and incredible views. The beach town, known as the jewel of San Diego, is also popular for its outdoor cafes, shopping, and healthy restaurants. The beachside community is also full of several “hidden gems” which gives La Jolla its unique charm. Here are some of the most uncommon La Jolla attractions that you won’t find in a La Jolla guidebook.
Visit the Secret Swings in La Jolla
Hidden in the trees on a hillside are the Secret Swings in La Jolla. The three swings are located on a cliff overlooking La Jolla. You can embrace your inner child while enjoying the fresh ocean breeze and take in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean beneath you. If you walk to the left of the swings you will find a treehouse. Both the swings and the treehouse are very sturdy and can be enjoyed by both adults and kids.
To get the swings head up Torrey Pines Rd and take a left onto La Jolla Shores Drive. After about a quarter of a mile look for parking near the UCSD Coastal Apartments. Walk along the apartments until you see Discovery Way. Make a left at Discovery Way and cross the street where you will see three metal poles. Once you pass the poles, the swings will be to your right. The Secret Swings in La Jolla is a place you won’t find in any La Jolla guidebook!
Explore a Cave on the Beach in this La Jolla Guidebook
La Jolla is known for its oceanside caves, and contrary to popular belief, several of these caves are accessible by foot during very low tides. Usually, you need a kayak to visit the caves, but during the right time, you can hike down into the caves.
The path to the caves begins by the Marine Room restaurant. Head south where you will pass several tide pools. You will eventually get to a large grotto that stretches more than 50 feet high.
Inside the cave, you will see sandstone walls that have been dyed all colors of the rainbow by the ocean. You can walk further back into the grotto where you will find tide pools and sea life attached to the walls of the cave. But be careful and mindful of the incoming tide. The second the tide starts to rise, you will want to make sure to head back.
Planning Your Stay
If you are looking for accommodations in La Jolla, consider booking one of our vacation homes. Our rentals range from beachfront cottages to large homes up in the hills of La Jolla. For more information on our vacation homes or to learn more about La Jolla attractions, please contact our concierge team today.
It is never a bad idea to take a trip to La Jolla, California. You will find reliable weather that always offers a reason to get outside and enjoy the day, along with a vibrant community that makes having a great time easier than ever. This is especially true as summer rolls around and you can pick from a wide array of La Jolla events. The following are some of the best La Jolla summer events that you will not want to miss.
San Diego County Fair
Throughout the months of both June and July, take part in the greatest fair that California has to offer. You will hard pressed to find a more enjoyable way to spend a day in the San Diego area than by taking advantage of the endless rides, classic fair foods, games, entertainment, and much more that this fair has to offer. There is something for the whole family here at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
The Miramar Air Show
With strong military roots, the La Jolla area provides one of the greatest airshows throughout the country. During the weekend of September 22nd through the 24th, over 100 hundred military and civilian performers will take to the sky to demonstrate their incredible ability and that of their planes. The show reaches a crescendo with the awe-inspiring maneuvers of the United States Navy’s Blue Angels. And it does not hurt that many of these craft will be speeding along the Pacific Ocean. Find it at the Marine Corps Base in Miramar just a couple miles inland from La Jolla.
4th of July Big Bay Boom
No list of summertime events would be complete without a bit of guidance about your 4th of July plans. Well, this is an easy task in San Diego, because the city is home to one of the best and most spectacular fireworks displays in the country. Sometime between 8:45 and 9:15, the San Diego Bay will be illuminated by endless fireworks launched from barges throughout the bay. Find any spot along the bay to watch this spectacle, or better yet, rent a boat and enjoy it all from the water.
Del Mar Horse Races
If you are a fan of horse racing, you must attend one of these races five days a week from July through August, because here you will find one of the most spectacular examples of the sport. If you have never been to a race, it is an experience that everyone should have at least once. Watch as these incredible athletes and animals fight for first place. Find it at the beautiful Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
Brats and Beer on the Bay
This LA Jolla summer event on June 16th offers a one of a kind way to explore the area and celebrate Fathers’ Day. The Maritime Museum of San Diego is inviting you aboard one of two amazing sailboats. It starts as any good adventure does with some delicious brats and beer after which, you will depart for a day of peace on the Bay. Enjoy the beautiful weather and some of the amazing sights that surround you. It’s definitely one of the best La Jolla summer events!
World Class Vacation Rentals to Go with the Fun of Summer La Jolla Events
After enjoying yourself to this extent, you will wish you had an amazing vacation rental to go back to and rest. Well, it has never been easier to find the perfect place for you than it is now, especially with the help of La Jolla Vacation Rentals. We not only provides the best selection and quality of homes in town; we go above and beyond in ensuring you have everything you need for an unforgettable and relaxing vacation.