Jennifer's Guidebook
Food scene
Piatti La Jolla is nestled in La Jolla Shores with an inviting, comfortable atmosphere and rustic Italian fare. Walking distance in La Jolla Shores.
79 locals recommend
Piatti
2182 Avenida De La PlayaPiatti La Jolla is nestled in La Jolla Shores with an inviting, comfortable atmosphere and rustic Italian fare. Walking distance in La Jolla Shores.
La Jolla Shores European Bistro. Family and dog friendly. Walking distance in La Jolla Shores.
23 locals recommend
Barbarella Restaurant & Bar
2171 Avenida De La PlayaLa Jolla Shores European Bistro. Family and dog friendly. Walking distance in La Jolla Shores.
Elegant dining on the Surf. From fresh seafood to innovative seasonal dishes, The Marine Room is one of San Diego’s best restaurants and one of the region’s most iconic dining destinations.
73 locals recommend
The Marine Room
2000 Spindrift DrElegant dining on the Surf. From fresh seafood to innovative seasonal dishes, The Marine Room is one of San Diego’s best restaurants and one of the region’s most iconic dining destinations.
Award winning bakery and restaurant featuring Food Network Champion Chef Maeve.
If you need a birthday cake, this is the place!
36 locals recommend
Sugar and Scribe Bakery - Fine Food
7660 Fay AveAward winning bakery and restaurant featuring Food Network Champion Chef Maeve.
If you need a birthday cake, this is the place!
A San Diego landmark. El Pescador has been serving fresh fish for over 40 years. Fish is sourced daily from local fishermen and various purveyors, and it’s guaranteed to be the highest quality. Purchase fresh fish from the case to cook at home or enjoy a full menu for a dine in experience.
114 locals recommend
El Pescador Fish Market
634 Pearl StA San Diego landmark. El Pescador has been serving fresh fish for over 40 years. Fish is sourced daily from local fishermen and various purveyors, and it’s guaranteed to be the highest quality. Purchase fresh fish from the case to cook at home or enjoy a full menu for a dine in experience.
Local vendors selling produce, crafts and artwork, plus a food court and events. Sundays 9am - 1pm.
51 locals recommend
La Jolla Open Aire Farmers Market
7335 Girard AveLocal vendors selling produce, crafts and artwork, plus a food court and events. Sundays 9am - 1pm.
Serving delicious takes on American breakfast classics. Multiple locations throughout San Diego.
280 locals recommend
Breakfast Republic
2730 University AveServing delicious takes on American breakfast classics. Multiple locations throughout San Diego.
Locally owned Mexican Artisan Kitchen with award winning tacos, handmade blue corn tortillas, scratch salsas and of course Tequilas!
98 locals recommend
Puesto La Jolla
1026 Wall StLocally owned Mexican Artisan Kitchen with award winning tacos, handmade blue corn tortillas, scratch salsas and of course Tequilas!
Walking distance in La Jolla Shores. Go to for breakfast and lunch.
30 locals recommend
Shorehouse Kitchen
2236 Avenida De La PlayaWalking distance in La Jolla Shores. Go to for breakfast and lunch.
Delicious coffee, breakfast and lunch. Walking distance in La Jolla Shores.
13 locals recommend
Brick & Bell Cafe - La Jolla Shores
2216 Avenida De La PlayaDelicious coffee, breakfast and lunch. Walking distance in La Jolla Shores.
Located on the UCSD Scripps Institution of Oceanography campus in the Seaside Forum. Serving healthy and creative California style cuisine daily. The menu focuses on organic and sustainable sources, hormone free means and poultry.
65 locals recommend
Caroline's Seaside Cafe
Kennel WayLocated on the UCSD Scripps Institution of Oceanography campus in the Seaside Forum. Serving healthy and creative California style cuisine daily. The menu focuses on organic and sustainable sources, hormone free means and poultry.
New American cuisine served in an elegant setting with ocean views.
248 locals recommend
George's at the Cove
1250 Prospect StNew American cuisine served in an elegant setting with ocean views.
Fine dining perched on the 12 floor of an office building in Bankers Hill. French inspired American cooking. Great bay and skyline views.
152 locals recommend
Mister A's
2550 Fifth AveFine dining perched on the 12 floor of an office building in Bankers Hill. French inspired American cooking. Great bay and skyline views.
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
5627 La Jolla BlvdCove House
8030 Girard AveBreakfast and brunch. New American cuisine with great service.
Barbusa
1917 India StModern Sicilian in Little Italy. Delicious and authentic Italian food.
Ironside Fish & Oyster
1654 India StFish, oysters and lobster rolls.
Spacious, modern destination for steak and cocktails with a cool vibe and rooftop patio.
124 locals recommend
Born and Raised
1909 India StSpacious, modern destination for steak and cocktails with a cool vibe and rooftop patio.
Inventive seafood restaurant located in a dramatic, renovated 1930’s era warehouse. California coastal cuisine with an emphasis on line caught seafood, high quality meats, and locally sourced produce.
99 locals recommend
Herringbone La Jolla
7837 Herschel AvenueInventive seafood restaurant located in a dramatic, renovated 1930’s era warehouse. California coastal cuisine with an emphasis on line caught seafood, high quality meats, and locally sourced produce.
Whole Foods Market
8825 Villa La Jolla DrVons
1702 Garnet AveGreat option for catering, easy delivery and pickup options for complete family meals.
Waters Fine Foods
1122 Morena BlvdGreat option for catering, easy delivery and pickup options for complete family meals.
Mesquite grilled baby back and beef ribs, chicken and sandwiches. Excellent option for catering if you need to feed a large group.
166 locals recommend
Phil's BBQ
3750 Sports Arena BlvdMesquite grilled baby back and beef ribs, chicken and sandwiches. Excellent option for catering if you need to feed a large group.
All natural artisan ice cream, homemade crepes and coffee within walking distance in La Jolla Shores.
6 locals recommend
Scoops La Jolla
2179 Avenida De La PlayaAll natural artisan ice cream, homemade crepes and coffee within walking distance in La Jolla Shores.
Costco Wholesale
1755 Hacienda DrClean, plant - based nutrition. Vegan restaurant with great to go and catering options, especially for larger groups. If you're looking for a healthy meal before or after a flight, the restaurant is 5 minutes from the San Diego International Airport.
59 locals recommend
Cafe Gratitude San Diego
1980 Kettner BlvdClean, plant - based nutrition. Vegan restaurant with great to go and catering options, especially for larger groups. If you're looking for a healthy meal before or after a flight, the restaurant is 5 minutes from the San Diego International Airport.
If you are in the Hillcrest area, you must stop by for one of the best bakeries in San Diego.
103 locals recommend
Bread and Cie Bakery/Cafe
350 University AveIf you are in the Hillcrest area, you must stop by for one of the best bakeries in San Diego.
A local favorite. Consistently voted best taco and burritos in all of San Diego. Be prepared for a wait! Lines can be outside the door.
132 locals recommend
The Taco Stand
621 Pearl StA local favorite. Consistently voted best taco and burritos in all of San Diego. Be prepared for a wait! Lines can be outside the door.
If you need cupcakes or a cake for a celebration, Sprinkles is the place to go!
15 locals recommend
Sprinkles La Jolla
8855 Villa La Jolla DrIf you need cupcakes or a cake for a celebration, Sprinkles is the place to go!
Parisien Gourmandises
Delicious, authentic French bakery.
Award winning, modern French restaurant. Worth the trip to Carlsbad. They hope to reimagine French cuisine through the vibrant lens of the Southern California landscape.
40 locals recommend
Jeune et Jolie
2659 State StAward winning, modern French restaurant. Worth the trip to Carlsbad. They hope to reimagine French cuisine through the vibrant lens of the Southern California landscape.
Very cool hotel to visit in North Park, San Diego for an evening. I recommend the Lobby Bar for a drink, the Gutter (bowling alley, pool tables), 24 hour diner and the Quixote restaurant/bar.
38 locals recommend
The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows
2223 El Cajon BlvdVery cool hotel to visit in North Park, San Diego for an evening. I recommend the Lobby Bar for a drink, the Gutter (bowling alley, pool tables), 24 hour diner and the Quixote restaurant/bar.
Sightseeing
Black’s Beach sits along a beautiful part of the rocky La Jolla coastline. Being below the Torrey Pines Gliderport and just north of La Jolla Shores, it’s a beloved surf spot and remains know as a clothing optional beach in San Diego.
144 locals recommend
Black's Beach
Black’s Beach sits along a beautiful part of the rocky La Jolla coastline. Being below the Torrey Pines Gliderport and just north of La Jolla Shores, it’s a beloved surf spot and remains know as a clothing optional beach in San Diego.
Beautiful and historic La Jolla Cove: the perfect place to see the Pacific Ocean, have a picnic or take a walk.
1327 locals recommend
La Jolla Cove
1100 Coast BlvdBeautiful and historic La Jolla Cove: the perfect place to see the Pacific Ocean, have a picnic or take a walk.
Childrens Pool Beach
Balboa Park
Torrey Pines Gliderport
2800 Torrey Pines Scenic DrTorrey Pines State Natural Preserve, located on the cliffs above Torrey Pines State Beach, is a 1,750 acre reserve. A coastal wilderness of pine forests and sandstone canyons, the park has a series of trails that wind along the cliffs offering magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. There are eight miles of trails that offer a variety of distances and different experiences. A few of the most popular trails are: the Guy Fleming Trail, the Razor Point Trail, and the Beach Trail.
1108 locals recommend
Torrey Pines State Reserve
12600 North Torrey Pines RoadTorrey Pines State Natural Preserve, located on the cliffs above Torrey Pines State Beach, is a 1,750 acre reserve. A coastal wilderness of pine forests and sandstone canyons, the park has a series of trails that wind along the cliffs offering magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. There are eight miles of trails that offer a variety of distances and different experiences. A few of the most popular trails are: the Guy Fleming Trail, the Razor Point Trail, and the Beach Trail.
Torrey Pines State Beach
Walk the central coast line of La Jolla using this trail, which stretches from La Jolla Shores to La Jolla Cove. Start at either location and simply follow the trail to the other. The main trail head begins just to the left of the Cave Store on Cave Street in La Jolla Village near La Jolla Cove. You’ll see a historical marker designating the trail, and you can continue on from there to cross the white wooden bridge.
13 locals recommend
Coast Walk Trail
Coast Walk TrailWalk the central coast line of La Jolla using this trail, which stretches from La Jolla Shores to La Jolla Cove. Start at either location and simply follow the trail to the other. The main trail head begins just to the left of the Cave Store on Cave Street in La Jolla Village near La Jolla Cove. You’ll see a historical marker designating the trail, and you can continue on from there to cross the white wooden bridge.
With sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego coastline from La Jolla Cove to Torrey Pines State Beach, the Coastal Meander Trail on the campus of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, is a unique recreational amenity in the state’s network of publicly accessible trails.
Scripps Coastal Reserve
9400 La Jolla Farms RdWith sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego coastline from La Jolla Cove to Torrey Pines State Beach, the Coastal Meander Trail on the campus of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, is a unique recreational amenity in the state’s network of publicly accessible trails.
Activities
Great local surf shop that provides surf lessons for all ages.
La Jolla Kayak
2199 Avenida De La PlayaGreat local establishment for kayak rentals and tours.
Open year round offering private and group/family surf and SUP lessons. They also offer kids surf camps and after school programs. Walking distance in La Jolla Shores.
25 locals recommend
Surf Diva Shop & Surf School
2160 Avenida De La PlayaOpen year round offering private and group/family surf and SUP lessons. They also offer kids surf camps and after school programs. Walking distance in La Jolla Shores.
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo DrPerfect for families. The playground and the beach! Walking distance in La Jolla Shores.
15 locals recommend
Kellogg Park
8277 Camino Del OroPerfect for families. The playground and the beach! Walking distance in La Jolla Shores.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
2300 Expedition WayThis intimate music venue creates a lively yet casual scene with a rotating line up of popular acts. A favorite place for live music amongst the locals.
271 locals recommend
Belly Up
143 S Cedros AveThis intimate music venue creates a lively yet casual scene with a rotating line up of popular acts. A favorite place for live music amongst the locals.
Walking distance in La Jolla Shores, Everyday California is a La Jolla based ocean adventure and lifestyle brand. They offer kayak tours, surf lessons, snorkel tours and stand up paddle board rentals and lessons.
21 locals recommend
Everyday California
2261 Avenida De La PlayaWalking distance in La Jolla Shores, Everyday California is a La Jolla based ocean adventure and lifestyle brand. They offer kayak tours, surf lessons, snorkel tours and stand up paddle board rentals and lessons.
Fashion Valley
7007 Friars RdMall with a variety of shopping.
The Spa at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
5300 Grand Del Mar CtThe Spa at Estancia La Jolla
9700 N Torrey Pines RdWestfield UTC
4545 La Jolla Village DrOutdoor shopping mall.
Historical naval aircraft carrier museum located in downtown San Diego.
775 locals recommend
USS Midway Museum
910 N Harbor DrHistorical naval aircraft carrier museum located in downtown San Diego.
Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve
12020 Black Mountain RdAwesome hiking
Located in La Jolla near the Windansea surf break, and specializes in a full range of surfboards, wetsuits, spear fishing gear, rentals, surf and skate clothing and SUP supplies.
20 locals recommend
Mitch's Surf Shop
631 Pearl StLocated in La Jolla near the Windansea surf break, and specializes in a full range of surfboards, wetsuits, spear fishing gear, rentals, surf and skate clothing and SUP supplies.
Warwick's
7812 Girard AveIndependent, family owned book store in La Jolla Village.
SD Fly Rides is an electric bike rental shop. They also have tours of La Jolla.
12 locals recommend
San Diego Fly Rides
12544 Kirkham CtSD Fly Rides is an electric bike rental shop. They also have tours of La Jolla.
A great place to rent bikes in La Jolla. They have a large fleet of lifestyle and hybrid rental bikes.
California Bicycle Inc
7462 La Jolla BlvdA great place to rent bikes in La Jolla. They have a large fleet of lifestyle and hybrid rental bikes.
The Comedy Store - La Jolla
916 Pearl StLocated in La Jolla, Torrey Pines Golf Course sits on the coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
214 locals recommend
Torrey Pines Golf Course
11480 N Torrey Pines RdLocated in La Jolla, Torrey Pines Golf Course sits on the coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
New, luxury gym in La Jolla Village with great equipment and spa like amenities.
Life Time La Jolla - Preview Center
1055 Wall StNew, luxury gym in La Jolla Village with great equipment and spa like amenities.
La Jolla Tennis Club
2000 Spindrift DrOne of La Jolla's best beaches. Usually less crowded and more frequented by locals.
Marine Street Beach
One of La Jolla's best beaches. Usually less crowded and more frequented by locals.
Neighborhoods
Little Italy
Solana Beach
Del Mar
Ocean Beach
1850 Ocean Front StGaslamp Quarter
Point Loma
Bird Rock