What It’s Like Living in La Jolla, San Diego, California
My Experience Living in La Jolla, San Diego: Four Years by the Coast
My four years spent living in La Jolla truly helped shape who I am today. La Jolla has a very special place in my heart. It supported my personal growth, serving as a positive external influence, and helped me develop new positive habits such as playing tennis, surfing, meditating, and practicing pilates. I call it La Jolla lifestyle effect.
My mornings in La Jolla Village often began with a yoga class or a walk around Black’s Beach. The yoga studio I used to go to was located 5 min away from home by walking, and the Black’s Beach was about a 10-minute drive. Basically, my environment provided me with everything I needed to be the best version of myself. It was so easy to get to these places, and the weather was often beautiful for a walk/run/tennis, or surf. I had to take advantage of it, and I did.
The La Jolla Village neighborhood is packed with UCSD students, academics, and professionals. Although La Jolla has its reputation as “upscale,” the La Jolla Village neighborhood never felt that way because of its student and academic population. For example, I used to go to Trader Joe’s for grocery shopping, which was literally a 3-minute walk from home. I often saw many students… and international students in their 20s shopping at this center.
My Favorite Places to Hike, Swim, and Surf in La Jolla, San Diego
The Blacks Beach Trailhead is on La Jolla Farms Road, surrounded by STUNNING homes overlooking the ocean. Some days I didn’t feel like hiking… I ran around this upscale neighborhood, which is safe and quiet. Hiking down the Blacks is always fun tho. You will often spot a surfer with a surfboard either running or biking down to the beach. Catching the sunset on this hike is just beautiful! It makes you want to pause, take a deep breath and appreciate the beauty. For real.
There is also the Ho Chi Minh Trail near the Blacks Beach Trailhead. Ho Chi Minh Trail is a bit more rocky and wild than the Blacks hike. BUT the views from this trail are extra gorgeous – check out the video I’ve shared above. Oh, in case you are curious, I’ve never even tried to surf at Blacks Beach. Not because I can’t BUT mostly pro or intermediate pros surf around this spot.
La Jolla Shores or maybe South Scripps Pier are best for “surfing for fun” situation, 2-4 ft wave fans. I enjoyed surfing around La Jolla Shores and Scripps Pier. If you go for an early morning session, you will probably see dolphins hanging literally around you. Over time, you get used to seeing dolphins swim that close to you.
I recall watching surfers ride 8-9 ft, maybe more, at Blacks Beach. It was EXCITING to watch. You should also be aware that Blacks Beach has a nude zone – not creepy but I’ve seen lots of man walking naked. As mentioned, it’s a zone in Blacks near the GliderPort area. Blacks has never been my favorite for a beach day due to long walk down the beach. My favorite beach for a swim, sunbath and relax is WindanSea Beach in La jolla. As I was an intermediate surfer, I enjoyed surfing around La Jolla Shores and Scripps Pier in La Jolla.
Marine Street Beach is known for its teenage crowd. That said, it’s a nice spot to relax, maybe read a book. One or two blocks south, there is another hidden gem – no teenage crowd. I forgot to pin it on the map. It’s called Little Point Beach. I used to enjoy reading my books and meditating at this spot. It is also a great spot to surf – intermediate to pro level.
Here is the section about Windansea. This spot is best for watching the sunset or surfers in the am with a glass of wine or tea. You will notice many people walking their dogs, watching surfers, chatting, or having a photoshoot on the beach. Hermosa Terrace Park is my go-to at Windansea. If you enjoy walking, take a walk from Neptune Park at Windansea to 5734 Dolphine Pl. It’s approximately 1.4 miles, and you will have time to explore all the hidden gems I highlighted on the map above. My all-time favorite hidden gem is 6204 Camino De La Costa… My all-time favorite hidden gem is 6204 Camino De La Costa… At the end of your walk, stop by Lark and Owl for an avocado & turkey sandwich or Wayfarer for French pastries.
Hidden Gems in La Jolla, San Diego
Marine Street Beach is known for its teenage crowd. That said, it’s a nice spot to relax, maybe read a book. One or two blocks south, there is another hidden gem – no teenage crowd. I forgot to pin it on the map. It’s called Little Point Beach. I used to enjoy reading my books and meditating at this spot. It is also a great spot to surf – intermediate to pro level.
Here is the section about Windansea. This spot is best for watching the sunset or surfers in the am with a glass of wine or tea. You will notice many people walking their dogs, watching surfers, chatting, or having a photoshoot on the beach. Hermosa Terrace Park is my go-to at Windansea. If you enjoy walking, take a walk from Neptune Park at Windansea to 5734 Dolphine Pl. It’s approximately 1.4 miles, and you will have time to explore all the hidden gems I highlighted on the map above. My all-time favorite hidden gem is 6204 Camino De La Costa… My all-time favorite hidden gem is 6204 Camino De La Costa… At the end of your walk, stop by Lark and Owl for an avocado & turkey sandwich or Wayfarer for French pastries.
Things to do in La Jolla, San Diego
You should definitely treat yourself to some delicious ice cream at Scoops La Jolla in La Jolla Shores! It’s my favorite ice cream spot in San Diego -they make their own waffle cones. Or maybe just stop by Osteria Romantica for some Italian. Both Osteria Romentica and Scoops are on the same street.
I have to say, swimming with Leopard Sharks by the Marine Room Restaurant was priceless. I recall the day we went snorkeling to see the leopard sharks for the first time. I can’t even describe the feeling – a slightly eerie atmosphere, different but beautiful. That day, this spot was packed. Many people come here for kayaking, too.
Sunny Jim Sea Cave is a must-see! Ok, tbh, It’s a touristy spot and a bit of a smelly area (bird waste). The entrance to Sunny Jim Sea Cave is not FREE – no worries, not too pricey. It doesn’t take too long to get in and out of this cove. You will have time to go see the seals. Because of the smell, it wasn’t my favorite.
If you’re exploring nearby areas in San Diego, check out my blog post ” All About Encinitas, North County, San Diego, California“.
