Explore La Jolla

Discover San Diego’s charming seaside village.

With a premier location in La Jolla’s Torrey Pines area, Estancia La Jolla offers easy access to the top things to do in La Jolla and recreational activities found in Southern California. Take advantage of our prime location and tee off at a cliff-top PGA course, hike among the nation’s rarest pine trees, witness world-class art exhibitions, and dig your toes into the sand of California’s best beaches. Just a short drive beyond, world-class attractions like the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld guarantee unforgettable vacation memories.

Among La Jolla’s best attractions & activities, Estancia La Jolla is also one of the closest hotels near UCSD, or the University of California San Diego and offers preferred rates for visiting prospective students, parents, alumni and academics. 

Beaches

Beach At Sunset.

Black’s Beach

(1 Mile)

Within walking distance of our La Jolla hotel, Black’s Beach is one of Southern California’s more secluded sections of shoreline and is not accessible by car. Though renowned as San Diego’s only clothing-optional beach, the true allure of Black’s Beach lies in its fast, powerful waves that attract the region’s best surfers.

Pier At Sunset.

La Jolla Shores

(2.5 Miles)

A mile-long beach featuring white sand, scenic views, and gentle waves great for casual surfing or kayaking. Snorkelers are likely to see stingrays, schools of bright orange fish, and the occasional small and harmless leopard shark. Beyond the sand, La Jolla Shores is family-friendly with a beach playground for kids and a grassy lawn area for picnicking.

La Jolla Cove.

La Jolla Cove

(4.7 Miles)

This ecologically protected area provides a natural elevated walkway for visitors to stroll above the ocean and groups of frolicking sea lions. It’s a wonderful spot to relax, unwind from the day, and take in the panoramic sunset.

Outdoors

Hang Glider In La Jolla.

Torrey Pines Gliderport

(0.6 Miles)

Witness paragliders run off the edge of lofty oceanside bluffs, only to soar even higher on the sea breezes. Thrill seekers can even take to the air themselves on an instructional tandem flight.

Torrey Pines Beach.

Torrey Pines State Reserve

(2 Miles)

Accented by striking red cliffs and rare pine trees, this oceanfront state park is truly one of the most beautiful locations in all of San Diego, and is beloved by visitors and locals alike. Grab lunch to go from The Trading Post and spend the day hiking one of the many preserved trails that lead to ocean vistas or down to the sand.

Golf Course In La Jolla.

Torrey Pines Golf Course

(2 Miles)

Famous for being the site of the 2008 U.S. Open and hosting the tournament again in 2021, Torrey Pines is arguably San Diego’s top course. Located atop seaside cliffs, golfers enjoy incredible Pacific Ocean views as they maneuver the two pristine courses.

Arts & Culture

Salk Institute.

Salk Institute

(0.1 Miles)

Acclaimed by architecture critics as one of the world’s boldest structures, the Salk Institute is dramatic in both location and layout. Founded by polio vaccine developer Jonas Salk, the facility is also known for its grand achievements in modern day medical research. Learn about the institute’s impressive feats in both architecture and academia on a 60-minute tour.

Stuart Collection.

Stuart Collection

(0.7 Mile)

Take a self-guided tour of the Stuart Collection at the University of California San Diego. Scattered across the campus are 18 contemporary works, including sculptures by Niki De Saint Phalle and a 560-foot-long serpent footpath leading to a library dedicated to La Jolla resident Dr. Seuss. Maps are available at the concierge desk.

Theater Chairs.

La Jolla Playhouse

(1 Mile)

La Jolla Playhouse is dedicated to new theatrical forms and has launched 24 productions that transferred to Broadway, including Jersey Boys. This world-class Tony Award-winning theater is located on the University of California San Diego campus and tickets may be reserved through the concierge.

Modern Art.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

(4 Miles)

Offering a unique blend of contemporary art and natural beauty, this museum is located in what was once the oceanfront home of local philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps. The Irving Gill-designed building allows visitors to take in the fabulous ocean view from the Edwards Garden Gallery or enjoy lunch on the patio at the Museum Café.

Attractions

Seahorse at Birch Aquarium San Diego

Birch Aquarium

(1.6 Miles)

Explore the wonders of the ocean at Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Perched on a picturesque bluff in La Jolla, the aquarium features 60+ tanks of colorful marine life, including dazzling coral reefs, thrilling sharks, undulating jellyfish and three outdoor, living tide pools. An interactive museum showcases research discoveries on climate, earth, and ocean science.

Birch Aquarium Website

Dolphins.

SeaWorld San Diego

(10 Miles)

Spend the day interacting with dolphins, feeding sea lions, and getting soaked on exciting rides! There are several shows and aquariums which make it a fun and educational experience that you and your family with surely enjoy.

SeaWorld San Diego Details

Snuggling Pandas.

San Diego Zoo

(15 Miles)

With over 4,000 animals representing more than 800 species from around the world, the San Diego Zoo is one of the most impressive zoos in the world. The 100-acre zoo features polar bears, monkey trails, and two aviaries full of exotic birds. It’s also one of the few zoos that have giant pandas on display. The zoo is easy to navigate by foot, bus, or a gondola lift that provides a scenic aerial view of the park.

San Diego Zoo Details

Balboa Park.

Balboa Park

(15 Miles)

The 1,200-acre park is home to 15 major museums, several performing arts venues, lovely gardens, and many other cultural and recreational attractions, including the San Diego Zoo.

Balboa Park Details

Estancia Fit

Find the perfect fusion of fun and fitness every weekend with our rotating group fitness classes.

ESTANCIA FIT DETAILS

Estancia Fit

Find the perfect fusion of fun and fitness every weekend with our rotating group fitness classes.

ESTANCIA FIT DETAILS

PACKAGES & OFFERS

Spa Serenity

Escape to a garden spa oasis tucked within 10 acres of lush gardens. It’s time for some pampering and self-care. For romantic getaways, add on an intimate couples massage at time of booking…

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Gift Cards Now Available

Give the gift of exploration, adventure, or relaxation in sunny San Diego. Gift cards to Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, Mustangs & Burros, Greenfinch, and Spa Estancia are now available for purchase.

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