Three Perfect Days in La Jolla, California : What to do, Where to eat, Where to Sleep, and Where to Beach

March 2, 2025

California, San Diego, travel, travel guides

I grew up going to La Jolla, California to visit my grandparents’ house at least four times a year. It was always my favorite California weekend getaway, and home away from home. These days, I base about half the year in San Diego, and over the years, I’ve watched as La Jolla has transformed from sleepy retirement town into the buzzing, chic city it is today. All while still maintaining its relaxing, laid-back Southern California vibe. For locals and tourists alike, La Jolla is the perfect place to spend a few days or a weekend.

La Jolla translates to ‘the jewel’ in Spanish, and it’s easy to see why the Spanish settlers in the 1700’s appropriately dubbed this stunning stretch of Pacific coastline as the jewel of California. Tucked away on the ruggedly beautiful coast of the Pacific Ocean, with its seven miles of ocean bluffs and sandstone cliffs, beautiful homes, trendy boutiques, and chic outdoor restaurants, La Jolla feels a little like Italy in California.

And life in La Jolla, like in Italy, moves slowly, calmly. As if everyone who lives here is on a permanent vacation – and that’s exactly the way they like it. Lazy sea lions line the beaches, seagulls fly overhead, while throngs of surfers take on the morning swell, and moms tot their stylish families and dog on a cool coastal stroll.

Less scene-y than Malibu, and more understated than Santa Barbara, La Jolla is an amazing place to vacation for a weekend (or a week). But what are the best places to go and the best places to stay? Here is my ultimate weekend guide to La Jolla if you have three days.

Friday

Check into the Hotel La Valencia for the weekend.

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La Valencia

As far as where to stay in La Jolla, this downtown La Jolla hotel is my favorite for its location and vibe.

Walking into La Valencia feels like stepping onto the set of a glamorous Old Hollywood film—if that film were set on the sun-drenched cliffs of the Pacific, with palm trees swaying and a salty ocean breeze in the air. This iconic pink gem has been the place to stay in La Jolla since the 1920s, hosting movie stars, jetsetters, and travelers looking for a little luxury with their ocean views.

With its Mediterranean-style architecture, hand-painted tiles, and perfectly manicured courtyards, La Valencia is the kind of place where you throw on a breezy resort dress, sip champagne by the pool, and watch the waves roll in from your balcony. The service is impeccable, the rooms are elegant yet relaxed, and the entire experience exudes that effortless four-star coastal luxury that makes you feel like you should be arriving in a vintage convertible with oversized sunglasses and a silk scarf tied around your hair.

Grab breakfast at The Cottage, then walk over to see the seals at La Jolla Cove.

As far as where to see the seals in La Jolla, the best spot to view the seals in La Jolla is called “Children’s Pool”, a spot originally built as a kid-friendly beach, but has since been taken over by the adorable seals. There is a rope barrier limiting access to the sand, so be sure to watch from above and not get too close. The limited access is to protect the seals, especially during pupping months. Please keep in mind that it is against the law to disturb these beautiful sea animals!

For lunch, head to The Taco Stand – which almost always has a line, but is worth it, I promise.

After, go kayaking and snorkeling in La Jolla Cove. La Jolla Cove is a must for any visitor to La Jolla. The ocean here is part of the protected La Jolla Ecological Reserve and marine park, and it’s busy with beautiful animals, from sea lions, to leopard sharks (don’t worry, they’re harmless!).

Saturday

Take a walk on the La Jolla Coastal Walk, or if you’re feeling ambitious walk all the way along the coast from downtown to La Jolla Shores beach.

Grab lunch and drinks at Shore Rider Bar and Grill – an awesome spot right by La Jolla Shores.

Sunset cocktails at George’s on the Cove, then have dinner at Himitsu La Jolla, a walk from your hotel

Sunday

Take a morning stroll to the Bird Rock neighborhood, a much-loved pocket of La Jolla just north of Pacific Beach. Stop by Windansea beach and watch the surfers!

Stop at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, an award-winning and delicious coffee shop in La Jolla.

With your coffee in hand, head down the street to line up at the always-busy Wayfarer Bread and grab a few croissants for the morning and a loaf of sourdough bread to take home. The breadmaker here used to work at the world-famous Tartine Bakery in San Francisco, and makes the absolute BEST sourdough bread. (Now if Wayfarer could only teach me everything they know for my at-home sourdough bread recipe!).

From there, drive to Pacific Beach for the day!

Rent some bikes for the day at one of the many bike shops around the boardwalk like Pacific Beach Bike Shop. Ride your bike down the boardwalk in Pacific Beach, crossing over before the rollercoaster to Mission Beach and biking along that boardwalk as well. Stop at Oscar’s Mexican Seafood for lunch.

Spend the afternoon at the beach on Pacific Beach, and maybe take a surf lesson!

If surfing’s not your thing, go jetskiing in Mission Bay!

Mission Bay has some great water for jetskiing, and it’s so much fun.

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For sunset, head back into La Jolla and grab drinks at the La Valencia patio – so beautiful!