La Jolla Family Trip

If you are looking for a warm beach vacation for Spring Break but don’t want to go far, consider La Jolla. While San Diego itself can be a bit overwhelming, La Jolla is a charming village that offers unmatched beach beauty, a walkable town filled with shops and cafes, and a wealth of nature-infused kid activities near by.



This destination is even more appealing now that fares on SouthWest Airlines are only $120 roundtrip (as of February 27th).

To Do

La Jolla Cove
Brightly colored fish dart about a crystal clear cove considered to be a diving and swimming paradise. The beach is part of San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve. The water is clear and we recommend the guided snorkel tour of the cove for the whole family (or at least for everyone who can swim).
Coast Boulevard, La Jolla, CA 92037



La Jolla Children's Pool (Casa Beach)
Close to downtown La Jolla, the Children’s Pool — or the “Casa,” as locals have called it — is a tiny cove protected by a concrete breakwater. It was once a swimming area for children but is more recently home to sea lions. Bring a picnic and enjoy the antics of new inhabitants of the pool.
50 Coast Blvd (between Eads Ave & Jenner St), La Jolla, CA 92037
(619) 235-1169

La Jolla Shores Beach
This is pretty much beach nirvana. A one mile stretch of palm tree lined shoreline complete with flowers, paths, and picnic areas. This beautiful white sand beach has lifeguards, surfers, swimmers, frolicking families, kayakers, snorkelers…you name it. Either pack a lunch or stroll to nearby restaurants for a bite to eat. A short walk from the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club (below).
8200 Camino del Oro, San Diego, CA 92037

Torrey Pines State Reserve. Consider this one of the most breathtaking coast hikes in the US. There is an $8 entrance/parking fee and then you have an assortment of trails available to you, all with amazing views. Bring a picnic as there is no food available in the park.
12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92039
(858) 755-2063
www.torreypine.org

Birch Aquarium At Scripps Institution of Oceanography . If you want to get even more up close and personal with the fish, consider the Birch Aquarium. A small facility, it tends to be less crowded than say, Marine World, and offers exhibits including the Hall of Fishes with 60 different habitats and a Shark Reef exhibit. $11 admission for adults, $7.50 for kids.
2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 534-3474
aquarium.ucsd.edu

San Diego Wild Animal Park
Some people love it. Others think it over charges and under delivers. Certainly with tickets costing $35 for an adult and $26 for a kid, it is not a cheap day. Personally, I enjoy seeing the animals without cages and size of the place makes it feel less crowded than the San Diego Zoo. To see the animals up close, you probably want to reserve one of the safari tours. From April 6 - April 11, the Park offers special one day camps for kids from kindergarten on up. Also, there are special spring break hours from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92027
(760) 747-8702
www.sandiegozoo.org/wap

Where to stay
La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. Reserve in advance as this beachfront property is popular with the family set. They provide tennis clinics for kids in the afternoon as well as golf lessons on request. Or, if that sounds too ambitious, just hang out on the beautiful La Jolla beach. Central to beaches and shops. Rooms start at $259.
2000 Sprindrift Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037-3237

Hotel Parisi
Great small hotel in downtown La Jolla. Quiet, great service, good breakfast, close to everything. Rooms from $225, suites and apartments available from $325.
1111 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-1511
hotelparisi.com

Scripps Inn.
Great views of the beach from most rooms and fireplaces in some. Also an apartment option for families that want a kitchen. Rooms from $185 and suites from $215.
555 Coast Blvd S, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-3391

Where to Eat

The Coffee Cup Cafe.
Popular retro breakfast spot. Great blackberry pancakes, reasonably priced.
1109 Wall St, La Jolla CA
858/454-2819.

Ocean Terrace Bistro. Tremendous views yet more casual than it's sister spot, George's at the Cove.
1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-4244

Barbarella Restaurant
Great service, fresh bread, French and Italian inspired comfort food. And yes, they even have mac and cheese.
2171 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-7373

The Cottage
This local breakfast spot draws regulars with outdoor seating and breakfast specials like stuffed french toast with strawberries, eggs benedict and fruit served with creme fraiche.
7702 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-8409
www.cottagelajolla.com.