18 HIDDEN GEMS IN LA JOLLA
**THIS IS AN ONGOING PAGE OF UNIQUE HIKES AND PLACES TO EXPLORE IN LA JOLLA**
If you are a business and feel like you should be included in our list, please shoot us an email: [email protected]!
La Jolla is one of San Diego’s true jewels, translating to jewel (joya) in Spanish. It turns out that its original name isn’t Spanish-oriented at all though. La Jolla is a distorted version of the Kumeyaay name, “Mat Klaaxuuy” which means “Land of Holes.” .
La Jolla is one of the city’s coastal resort towns and rich with things to see and do. There are multiple beaches with coves and tide pools to visit, great shopping centers & galleries, amazing surf and paddling boarding spots and fabulous restaurants. Here are some of our top recommendations for a unique experience when visiting:
1. LA JOLLA MURALS
There is an ongoing art project here called the ‘Murals of La Jolla’ which you can learn all about here. The murals are a fun project that began in 2010, which commissions various artists to create murals throughout the town. Here are some of our favorites so far:
2. BIRCH AQUARIUM
Birch Aquarium in La Jolla is a public aquarium and ocean-science center connected to Scripps Institution of Oceanography, perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific. It features more than 60 marine habitats, including colorful tropical reefs, kelp forests, seahorses and seadragons, sharks and rays, and the adorable Little Blue Penguins.
The aquarium also offers hands-on tide pools, interactive exhibits, conservation programs, and incredible ocean views, making it a fun destination for both kids and adults.
Address: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
3. MUSHROOM HOUSE
And leads you to the legendary Mushroom House!
4. SEA CAVES
La Jolla is also brimming with beautiful, coastal sea caves to explore! You will have to go during low tide if you plan on visiting by foot
5. SUNNY JIM CAVE
One of the most popular caves, known as the Sunny Jim Cave, was actually once used for smuggling booze! The entrance is hidden inside a shell shop!
6. WHITE LADY CAVE
There is also the White Lady Cave, which can only be accessed by foot during extreme low tide
7. MARISI
Marisi is an Italian restaurant known for its handmade pasta, hearth cooking, classic cocktails, and fine wine. Celebrating the diverse culinary traditions of Italy, its menu features regional ingredients and time-honored techniques, with specialties such as unique pasta shapes, whole-animal butchery, and homemade Limoncello.
They’ve been voted Best Italian Restaurant, Top 5 Restaurants for 2024 and Best New Restaurant for 2023 from San Diego Magazine. The service is top notch as well and the entire restaurant is so dreamy!
Address: 1044 Wall St. La Jolla, CA 92037
8. TIDEPOOLS
Don’t forget to stop by the cove to check out the tide pools and sea lions!
La Jolla’s coast is a whole new world when the tide goes down!
9. MOUNT SOLEDAD
Mount Soledad has one of the best views around. Prepare to have your jaw drop along the way when you see all the gorgeous homes!
10. MUNCHKIN HOUSE
There is one home on Mount Soledad that doesn’t stand out for its size though. That would be the Munchkin House which is rich with rumors dating back to the Wizard of Oz days!
11. TROLL BRIDGES
While you’re driving around Mount Soledad and looking for the Munchkin House, make sure to find all three troll bridges as well!
12. SECRET SWINGS
If you know where to look you may be able to find the Secret Swings!
13. JOYA KITCHEN
Joya Kitchen is a contemporary, approachable restaurant in La Jolla offering organic, farm-fresh dishes, daily specials, fresh salads, sandwiches, grain bowls, and pressed juices. With a focus on seasonal, ingredient-driven cuisine led by Chef Jojo Ruiz, the restaurant provides healthy and flavorful options made with high-quality ingredients.
Its open-concept space also features versatile indoor and outdoor areas that make Joya an ideal setting for private and corporate events, including weddings, birthdays, meetings, and reunions.
Address:
14. SALK INSTITUTE
Another work of art would be the architectural masterpiece known as Salk Institute. Tours are available by appointment
15. SECRETS OF UCSD
Right across from the Salk Institute is the prestigious UCSD. Walking around this campus you will quickly notice all the amazing art installations. Look out for the talking trees, secret gardens, giant bear and SO MUCH MORE! We created an entire page dedicated to the secrets of UCSD!
16. CHÉ CAFÉ
While you’re at UCSD, make sure to check out the Ché Café and community garden! Some of the best punk shows around can be seen here!
17. BLACK CANYON TRAIL
Years back I remember researching trails I may have missed in La Jolla and stumbling upon an All Trails post showcasing a eucalyptus grove with a crazy obstacle course hidden inside. How could I have missed this all these years? I absolutely had to see this for myself. Sure enough, there is a beautiful, easy hike just off the busy Genesse Ave. that adds just enough mystery to make it a satisfying adventure.
Despite being located in the heart of a developed area, the canyon feels surprisingly secluded and peaceful. It turns out this is a preserved nature area that has remained intact as UCSD expanded around it. The eucalyptus groves predate the university by decades and are remnants of a time when much of La Jolla consisted of ranchland and agricultural property.
The obstacle course itself is part of UCSD’s long running Challenge Course program. Designed for leadership development, team building, and outdoor education, it was never intended as a public fitness attraction. The course includes both ground based and elevated elements, but visitors should know that the facility remains secured and inaccessible to the public.
18. LA JOLLA NATURAL PARK
The hills of Mt. Soledad have proven to hold countless hidden gems. Beyond the massive homes of some of the city’s wealthiest people, troll bridges and even a munchkin house, one of the greatest reasons to visit Mt. Soledad is for the views.
What many don’t realize though, is there is a special preserve here that not only offers some of the best coastal views around, but also boasts 42 acres of hiking trails!
La Jolla Natural Park is without a doubt a hidden gem. There are two ways to enter this park: one is a 1.5 mile climb up the mountain, the other is a 1 minute hike. Either way, the parking will be slim, which makes visiting it a bit of a challenge.
Have a unique business that should be included in this list? Shoot us an email! [email protected]
