Welcome to the La Jolla Cove Tour
Explore beautiful La Jolla Cove, the Jewel of San Diego, with a self-guided audio tour! Discover the iconic landmarks of this famous California town as you drive, from world-renowned ocean views to historic homes. On the La Jolla Cove tour experience, learn about the early struggles with drinkable water, it’s historic figures like Ellen Scripps and Dr. Seuss, and its growth into a “Jewel” of the California coastline. Explore Coast Boulevard, La Jolla Cove, and Prospect Ave. This self-guided audio and driving tour of La Jolla Cove allows you to explore La Jolla with maximum flexibility and value.
About the La Jolla Cove Tour
Drive through Ellen Browning Scripps Park, named for one of the most important figures behind La Jolla’s rapid expansion.
Explore Cuvier Park, the most popular place in San Diego to tie the knot. In fact, it’s such a beloved destination for soon-to-be-married couples that some call it The Wedding Bowl. Given its picturesque location by the water, I’m sure you can see why.
Ahead, on the right as you drive. La Jolla Tide Pools, La Jolla’s history didn’t begin when humans arrived here. Life on the Pacific coast has been thriving for millions of years.
The white Spanish-revival building with terracotta shingles and arched windows is a must for lovers of the arts. It’s the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library.
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is Considered one of the most unique veterans memorials in America. The only memorial that honors veterans, living or deceased, from the revolutionary war to the current war on terror, with an image of the veteran.
Next exploring the Windansea is what’s known as a surf break. Rocky obstructions under the water here cause waves to break and also form those classic barrel-shaped curls that make for radical surfing.
It’s hard to miss Belmont Park, La Jolla’s beachfront amusement park, with its iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster that’s been designated a National Historic Landmark.
Want all of our tours? Upgrade to Action+:
- An annual $99.99/year subscription offers access to over 200+ tours.
- Unlimited use throughout the year.
- Includes free access to new tours as they are released.
La Jolla Map
Where To Start?
Driving Starting Point: 7991 Prospect Pl, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Walking Starting Point: The Cave Store
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Audio Story Highlights
-
Welcome to La Jolla
-
The Jewel of San Diego
-
Brown Pelican
-
Red Roof & Red Roost
-
Land of Holes
-
Sea Lions
-
Cormorant, Peregrine Falcon, and Other Birds
-
Whales
-
Shell Beach
-
Harbor Seals on Seal Rock
-
Children's Pool Beach
-
Dr. Seuss in La Jolla
-
Rags the Donkey
-
Cuvier Park
-
La Jolla Tide Pools & Life in the Pacific
-
Conclusion
-
ALT: The Cave Store
-
ALT: Coast Walk Trail
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
While La Jolla isn’t a direct translation of anything, many speculate that it comes from the Spanish “la joya,” which means “the jewel.” Pretty appropriate, given this area’s sparkling beauty!
La Jolla’s beaches are undoubtedly the main draw in La Jolla, though there’s lots more to like about the neighborhood. Startlingly blue water, swaying palm trees, white sand… what’s not to like?
Definitely! This compact neighborhood offers some of southern California’s best beaches, incredible food, and a quirky character you won’t find anywhere else.
La Jolla is technically a neighborhood of San Diego, but it feels much more like a totally separate beach town. It’s quite distinct from the rest of the city, and has been the go-to getaway for San Diego residents for over a century.
During the summer, La Jolla’s waters average in the mid-60s. It’s not quite a tropical beach, but it’s still pleasantly warm! In the winter the temperature can drop down to the high 50s, so expect a bit of a chill if you visit during the colder months.
You most certainly can! The La Jolla Cove is the most popular swimming spot, as it’s sheltered from the ocean’s more powerful waves. That makes it a perfect place for the whole family to go swimming!
San Diego proper is a mere 25-minute drive from La Jolla. When visiting, you can easily pop between downtown and La Jolla’s beachy vibes whenever you like!
La Jolla is packed with celebrity homes, including those belonging to Alicia Keys, Shaun White, Bill Gates, Aaron Rodgers, Bill Murray, and more!
Most of La Jolla’s beaches offer a very gradual, shallow slope into the sea. It’s important to note, however, that a deep undersea canyon system begins about 40 feet offshore in some places, so you’ll want to avoid straying too far from the sand.
The best single-day trip to La Jolla will encompass both the shoreline and the neighborhood itself. Try getting to the beach early to avoid the crowds, exploring the La Jolla caves, then heading into town to enjoy local ice cream, browse some art galleries, and pick up a souvenir from your visit!
La Jolla has seven caves in total. Six of these are only accessible from the water, but one, Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave, can be accessed via the land.
As part of San Diego, La Jolla enjoys warm, sunny weather year-round, while the ocean breeze helps keep it from getting too hot. Expect temperatures in the 70s during the peak of summer or as low as the high 40s in midwinter.
La Jolla is probably equally famous for its caves and its picture-perfect shoreline. Be sure to visit both while you’re in town!
Explore 200+ Tours
Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically via GPS, hands‑free. Assistance available all day via call, chat, or email.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Valid for multiple visits up to 1 year after purchase.
Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Enjoy a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated videos, text guides, and hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.