La Jolla

Attractions

La Jolla is one of San Diego's most exclusive and desirable zip codes, offering an atmosphere reminiscent of a European resort village tempered with the casual attitude of Southern California. The formerly "old money" town has seen a fresh influx of young families, currently boasting as many mommies with strollers on the streets as sleek seniors in expensive golf clothes. Snuggled into a cove that offers excellent offshore diving and gorgeous views, La Jolla village clings to a Mediterranean theme, while outlying neighborhoods feature sprawling Cape Cod abodes, compact cottages and villas sporting modern lines. The University of California at San Diego is located in the area, and the college students liven up what can be a very quiet town.

Long a favorite of tourists, La Jolla boasts the world-famous Scripps Institute of Oceanography, as well as the Birch Aquarium (the institute's interpretive center). The San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art and the La Jolla Playhouse offer culture and entertainment nearby, while sophisticated diners can choose from any number of fine restaurants (Roppongi and George's at the Cove are favorites). Possessing what seems to be as many hotels as eateries, La Jolla offers an endless array of resort choices -- the historic La Valencia Hotel in the heart of the village is always a good choice for folks looking to get away from it all.

Though home to some of the most moneyed citizens in San Diego, La Jolla has a welcoming vibe that makes both tourists and visitors from the local suburbs feel appreciated for the commerce they bring to the area. Lovely year-round, La Jolla is particularly pretty when the downtown village pulls out all the stops to decorate during the holiday season (many of the shops also stay open late to accommodate shoppers). Note that parking spaces in downtown La Jolla are as rare as hen's teeth; plan extra time to hunt for a spot, or avail yourself of the numerous valet parking services. -- Lisa Galloway

US

CA

San Diego

Prospect St & Girard Ave

BeachFront Only Vacation Rentals

On this map you will find all of our beautiful, luxury vacation rentals in Oceanside and Encinitas, CA. All of our Oceanside vacation rentals are directly on the sand, and our Encinitas homes are on a bluff, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Also included on this map are local beaches, recommended restaurants by Beachfront Only, San Diego attractions and places to go, shopping areas, golf courses, and airports.