Attracting tourists from all over the world, La Jolla’s community is one that combines trends with traditional class. Located 12 miles north from downtown San Diego, this highly prosperous community offers seven miles of coastline at an elevation of 110 feet. The land here is so desired that it’s impossible to find property in La Jolla for less than 1.25 million an acre!

The lucky 38,000 plus who live in this heavenly seaside town live among Mediterranean style architecture with a unique flair. From the crashing waves along the shore to the high rise buildings in the business district, you can expect everything in La Jolla to be first rate quality.

Business district

Even though La Jolla is mostly known for its incredible shoreline, the city’s business district is hardly modest to say the least. Located to the east in La Jolla, there are professional centers, financial buildings, law firms, and technological industries that dominate this district. There are also modern shopping centers here as well, along with a wealthy residential area. The world renowned Scripps Memorial Hospital & Medical Research Center is here as well as the San Diego Mormon Temple - a remarkable 59,000 square foot building that resembles a large ice sculpture.

The Village

The downtown area of La Jolla offers shops, hotels, boutiques, restaurants, coffee houses, salons, and art galleries. Even though this area is rather small, the district is full of trendy establishments that draw wealthy visitors from all over the world.

Girad Avenue is the main street of La Jolla, even though Prospect Drive is known as “Rodeo Drive” in San Diego.

Shoreline

Although the business area and La Jolla Village are both impressive communities, the most memorable region in La Jolla is the areas and communities along the Pacific shoreline.

La Jolla offers some of the most impressive shore lines in Southern California, with remarkable caves, cliffs, beaches, and sunsets. The best view of La Jolla can be seen from the air. Daring visitors can take in La Jolla via the Torrey Pines Gliderport and learn flying. If you seek a more tame view of the coastline, try the scenic drive along North Torrey Pines Road.

All along the coastline, La Jolla offers you a first rate shopping district. You can visit jewelry stores, art galleries, souvenir shops, and fashionable boutiques. Once you have been shopping, you can complete the day by dining above the water of the Pacific.

From the art galleries and trendy shops to the world class golf courses, La Jolla has attractions to please tourists from all over the world. Each district is unique, yet they are all similiar when it comes to quality. You won’t find anything short
of the best when you visit the best Southern California has to offer.

Getting To La Jolla

La Jolla, located in California, is a 20 minute drive from downtown San Diego by going Interstate 5 north. Take the exit at Ardath Road, eventually Ardath Road will become Torrey Pines Road. Continue west on this road, and you’ll reach the village when you see Prospect Place. Turn right on Prospect Place and you’ll enter the heart of La Jolla.

On average, around 7,000 people will visit La Jolla every day. With so many people coming to such a small place, you can almost bet that finding a parking place is a chore. There isn’t any parking meters, although many of the streets closest to the
water do have one hour time limits. You can go a little farther out for two hour parking, although you’ll have to observe the time limits. Even in off season, parking enforcement is really enforced here.

Even during the off season, finding a parking place is very hard to do. The streets are almost always crowded, although for good reason. La Jolla is an excellent tourist attraction, with plenty of water and fun for the entire family. If you pay close attention when you visit, you can find a few paid lots that are scattered around the town. If you get closer to the downtown area, the lots will be a little bit cheaper.

Your best bet when visiting La Jolla might be a parking lot that’s well hidden - so few people will notice it. If you turn downhill on Coast Blvd from Prospect, you’ll find it on the left, right across from the Cave Store. Keep in mind though, vehicles over 6′5″ won’t fit through.