Kids friendly beaches, playgrounds, restaurants, attractions and hotels make La Jolla a top family vacation destination for families. Ideally situated on a seven-mile stretch along the coast, there is hardly a more picturesque location than La Jolla in San Diego. La Jolla is a place where people bring their families to enjoy the coastal California lifestyle.
Fun facts
- La Jolla, starting around 2008, became the community with the highest home price average in the entire country.
- It’s home to one of the oldest open ocean swims in the world.
- La Jolla has both seals and Sealions. Seals are much more quiet than the vocal sea lions and only move on land by wiggling on their bellies, whereas sea lions are able to “walk” using their flippers.
Travel tips
- Whether in the water or the shore, don’t get too close with animals. Seals and sea lions look cute and cuddly but they will bite if they feel threatened. Pay attention to small kids and prevent them from getting too close with the animals.
- Areas where marine animals gather smell of poop. If you are sensitive to smell, a face mask might help.
- Wear close-toed shoes if you plan on walking out on the beach or any rocky areas.
- Carry sun protection and plenty of water.
- Finding parking can be tough, park early in the day or use uber/lyft instead of driving.
Recommended daily itinerary
Estimated cost: $2500-$5500 per person (Excluding Airfare)
Day 1
First day of the trip, check in to your hotel and get settled.
- Fly into San Diego International Airport.
- Checkin to La Valencia Hotel. La Valencia Hotel has been an unforgettable destination since 1926 and a getaway for Hollywood elite in the Golden Era. Perched above the La Jolla Cove cliffs along the sparkling Pacific Ocean, La Valencia offers something for everyone in our four distinctive room types – Vintage, Classic, Villas and Icon.
- Rest up, get some snacks and make your way to coast walk trail. Stroll through this easy and scenic trail to get a feel of the beaches in la Jolla.
- Enjoy Amazing South African dinner at Bunny Chow.
Day 2
Torrey Pines Gliderport and Children’s Pool
The Torrey Pines Gliderport is a city-owned private-use glider airport located in the La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego, California, United States, 11 nautical miles northwest of the city’s central business district. Children’s Pool Beach is a small sandy beach area located at 850 Coast Boulevard, at the end of Jenner Street, in San Diego, California.
- Enjoy breakfast at Sugar and Scribe Bakery Fine Food. We recommend brioche french toast.
- Drive to Torrey Pines Gliderport. Go for a tandem paragliding ride and enjoy an incredible 20-25 minute flight over the beautiful Torrey Pines coastal cliffs. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the emerald Torrey Pines Golf Course, stunning mansions along the cliffs, and miles of dramatic coastline. For those with Acrophobia, you can skip the gliding part and just enjoy the sight of handgliders and paragliders flying above the cliffs with black beach below.
- Enjoy your lunch at The Grill at Torrey Pines. We recommend falafel burger.
- Drive to Children’s Pool. Enjoy the view from top, walk down to the beach near the sunbathing sea lions, or walk down the steps to get closer to the beach. Enjoy your day at the beach.
- Enjoy your dinner at Bubba’s Smokehouse BBQ. We recommend grilled salmon.
Day 3
Birch Aquarium at Scripps and La Jolla Cove
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is an aquarium and the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. La Jolla Cove is a small, picturesque cove and beach that is surrounded by cliffs. The Cove is protected as part of a marine reserve; underwater it is very rich in marine life, and is popular with snorkelers, swimmers and scuba divers.
- Enjoy your breakfast at Brockton Villa Restaurant. We recommend avocado toast.
- Drive to Birch Aquarium at Scripps where you’ll encounter a stunning variety of colorful marine life featured in more than 60 habitats. Do not miss weedy seadragons and several species of seahorses and pipefish.
- Enjoy your lunch at Piatti.
- Drive to La Jolla Cove Beach. This beach is popular with families because waves often do not break here. On the cliffs and on the sand, you will hear and see the famous La Jolla sea lions. The picturesque cove is one of the most popular places to take photos in San Diego. Walk down to the beach and through the cave.Enjoy spectacular views and lounging sea lions. You can jump in the water to enjoy underwater marine life if you have your snorkel gears. There are gear rentals in front of the Cave Store. Don’t forget to hang around to catch incredible sunset views from the cove.
- Enjoy your dinner at Ambrogio15.
Day 4
La Jolla Shores Beach and Pacific Beach
La Jolla Shores is one of the most picturesque beaches in all of San Diego. Pacific Beach, the city, and its main public beach, offers the archetypal Southern California beach town experience.
- Enjoy your breakfast at Caroline’s Seaside Cafe.
- Drive to La Jolla Shores Beach. Take a sea cave kayak tour to enjoy the natural environment of la jolla with expert guides and stable sit-on-top kayaks.
- Enjoy your lunch at Shorehouse Kitchen. We recommend shorehouse cheese burger.
- Drive to Pacific Beach. Stroll by crashing waves while kids make sand castles. Head over to crystal pier to whale-watch or catch a fish at the far end of the pier. There’s a bait shop on Crystal Pier, and you don’t need a fishing license here. Take a leisurely sunset stroll enjoying stunning sunset views.
- Enjoy your dinner at Sushi Ota. We recommend jalapeno salmon roll.
Day 5
Last day of the trip.
- Enjoy amenities at your hotel or attractions nearby until your flight time. Pack your bags, start heading back admiring all the pictures and souvenirs collected in the trip.
