Where to Stay in La Jolla (Best Places & Areas)

4 Best Areas to Stay in La Jolla

La Jolla is a relatively small beach community located north of San Diego. It beckons people to its gorgeous beaches, ocean views, and quaint neighborhoods.

There are four popular places and areas that visitors will want to key in on when choosing where to stay. I’ve broken each of them down (and have covered the top hotels in each) to help you make a decision.

La Jolla Shores

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best La Jolla Shores Hotels: La Jolla Riviera Inn • La Jolla Shores Hotel • Hotel La Jolla by Hilton

La Jolla Shores is the perfect area for families, especially ones who love water activities. Bring kids to the beach to build sandcastles or go snorkeling and kayaking at La Jolla Underwater Park.

The area’s main attraction is La Jolla Shores Beach, one of the most beloved (and most-visited) San Diego beaches. The beach has a long and flat sandy shore and a great surf break. Its accessibility and extensive sandy area make it ideal for families who want to laze around enjoying the sun and sea. 

The Shores is home to the iconic UCSD Scripps Pier and Kellogg Park, which has a grassy play area and a fun playground. The main thoroughfares, Camino del Oro and Avenida de la Playa, are lined with charming restaurants and shops that offer gear rentals.

You could easily spend the entire visit in these few blocks if you decide to stay in La Jolla Shores! I recommend booking a stay at La Jolla Shores Hotel because it’s closest to the best attractions in this area.

Pros of Staying in La Jolla Shores:

• Easy access to La Jolla Shores Beach
• Beach, bars, restaurants, and shops are all within walking distance
• A great jumping-off point for water activities like surfing, kayaking, and snorkeling

Cons of Staying in La Jolla Shores:

• Can get crowded due to its popularity
• Hotels can be pricey

The Village of La Jolla

👉 Best Area For a Romantic Getaway | ✨ Best Village of La Jolla Hotels: Pantai Inn La Jolla • Grande Colonial La Jolla • Orli La Jolla

The Village of La Jolla, also known as downtown La Jolla, is the heart of this lovely town. It’s the perfect home base for exploring key attractions, and it’s home to my top overall hotel pick, the Grande Colonial La Jolla.

Downtown La Jolla has historic buildings, incredible seafood restaurants, chic bars, and cute shopping boutiques. It’s also perched atop the La Jolla cliffs, where you’ll find plenty of spots with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. 

Stay in The Village of La Jolla to be steps away from attractions like La Jolla Cove and the Children’s Pool. It’s just a short drive from the beautiful Windansea Beach and La Jolla Shores.

Many of the hotels in this area are luxurious and beautiful, making this my top recommendation for a romantic getaway. Want a hotel with unbeatable views and luxurious amenities? Stay at Pantai Inn La Jolla.

Pros of Staying in the Village of La Jolla:

• Centrally located near most La Jolla destinations
• Lots of great restaurants and bars that offer stunning patios and ocean views
• Great for couples

Con of Staying in Village of La Jolla:

• Hotels tend to be expensive

Torrey Pines

👉 Best Area For Golfers and Hikers | ✨ Best Torrey Pines Hotels: Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa • The Lodge at Torrey Pines • Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego-Del Mar

Torrey Pines is a clifftop community between La Jolla and Del Mar, best known for containing the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course and Torrey Pine State Natural Reserve. It’s the best area for avid hikers and golfers.

Want to golf with a view? The golf course consists of two 18-hole courses that sit atop cliffs looking over the Pacific Ocean. Head to the Torrey Pines State Reserve, which has some of San Diego’s most beautiful hikes, for some exercise.

You won’t miss out on any of the beaches by staying in this area either. Torrey Pines State Beach, City Beach, and the clothing-optional Black’s Beach are some of the best in La Jolla. All are easily accessible from here.

One of my favorite (and less well-known) activities in Torrey Pines is to visit the Gliderport at sunset to watch the paragliders swoop around the cliffs. A final perk to staying in this area? It’s home to my top luxury hotel choice, The Lodge at Torrey Pines.

Pros of Staying in Torrey Pines:

• Easy access to golf and some of San Diego’s best hikes
• Some of La Jolla’s most stunning views

Con of Staying in Torrey Pines:

• Not many restaurants or bars in close proximity

La Jolla Village

👉 Best Area Budget Travelers | ✨ Best La Jolla Village Hotels: Hyatt Regency La Jolla • Sheraton La Jolla • Residence Inn La Jolla

La Jolla Village (not to be confused with the Village of La Jolla) is further away from most of the area’s key attractions. But it’s a great option if you want to be close to beaches and the quaint village area without spending so much on a hotel.

The UC San Diego campus is in La Jolla Village, so it’s not devoid of restaurants and shopping and is easily navigable by car. The Birch Aquarium is also nearby so you can learn all about the diverse marine life in the area before heading seaside.

La Jolla Village is a great place to stay if you’re hoping to explore outside of La Jolla and take advantage of the many San Diego activities and attractions. The village offers easy access to Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.

Book a room at Residence Inn La Jolla if you’re on a budget. This hotel is pet-friendly, offers free breakfast, and has a pool, so you can still enjoy great amenities while saving money.

Pros of Staying in La Jolla Village:

• Easy driving access to La Jolla beaches and San Diego attractions
• Less expensive hotel options

Cons of Staying in La Jolla Village:

• Not very walkable
• There can be traffic getting to La Jolla Shores and the Village of La Jolla

Tips for Staying in La Jolla

Visit Later in Summer for the Best Weather

La Jolla is one of San Diego’s beach towns and best enjoyed under the summer sunshine. The ocean stays pretty cold, even into the summer, so you will get the most out of the water-based activities when it’s warm. 

The town has predictably warm temperatures later in the summer months. Visiting in July, August, and September is ideal (and they’re also some of the best months to visit San Diego).

Visit in the Off-Season to Avoid Crowds

While summer brings the best weather to La Jolla, it also brings crowds of tourists and college students celebrating their freedom from classes.

To avoid fighting for space at the beach and for tables at the restaurants, visit during early fall when temperatures remain wonderfully high, but the crowds have mostly dispersed.

Practice Ocean Safety

The Pacific Ocean is gorgeous, but can also be slightly dangerous, especially if you’re visiting an unfamiliar place and don’t know the wave or current patterns. 

Some of the beaches, like Windansea, can have rough waves that crash onto the sand. Concerned about ocean safety? The safest option is to set up at La Jolla Shores, which is La Jolla’s most popular beach. It’s relatively calm and has lifeguards on duty.

Be Sure to Catch a Gorgeous Sunset

Watching a sunset over the Pacific Ocean is a must when you’re in La Jolla! The sky often turns incredible shades of pink, orange, and purple making it a dazzling experience.

My favorite spots to spectate from are Cuvier Park, Windansea Beach, or one of many beachside restaurants such as George’s at the Cove, Brockton Villa, or the Marine Room.

Pack Light Layers

La Jolla is often overcast in the mornings and evenings and receives a cool breeze off the ocean. This, mixed with the dampness in the air from the sea, makes it feel brisk in the evenings and early mornings.  Just make sure your packing list includes a light jacket, and you’ll be all set.

FAQs

What is the best area to stay in La Jolla? 

Downtown La Jolla is the best spot to stay during your visit. It offers walkable access to most famous attractions, like La Jolla Cove, the La Jolla Sea Caves, and the Children’s Pool. This region also has the highest concentration of boutique restaurants, bars, and shopping. The Village of La Jolla offers the best that the town has to offer, all within a few blocks.

Is La Jolla or Coronado better? 

Both La Jolla and Coronado are luxurious beach communities with upscale dining and hotel options with beautiful beaches. La Jolla offers a wider variety of activities and sites, such as the sea lions at La Jolla Cove, kayaking through the beautiful underwater park and caves, and the unique Children’s Pool. 

What are some pet-friendly hotels in La Jolla?

Many La Jolla hotels are pet-friendly! Some of the notable options include The Hyatt Regency La Jolla, The Lodge at Torrey Pines, and Estancia La Jolla Hotel.

For more options, see our guide to dog-friendly places to stay in San Diego.

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I hope I’ve helped you find the best spot for your visit! Leave a comment to let me know where you plan to stay and keep planning with my guide on the best things to do in La Jolla.