La Jolla Walking Tour: Must-see Sights with a La Jolla Local
About the Tour
Immerse yourself in the history, architecture, and coastal glamour of La Jolla—California’s very own French Riviera, lovingly nicknamed the Jewel City. This GPS‑guided walking tour, created and narrated by a La Jolla local, brings the village to life with stories, secrets, and colorful characters most visitors never hear about.
On this sun‑kissed coastal loop, you’ll soak up the charm, allure, and romance of one of the most beautiful seaside communities in the world. The hour‑long adventure begins and ends in front of Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, then winds through La Jolla’s downtown village, where you’ll hear fun, surprising tales from its early days and see the highlights that make this place unforgettable.
You’ll discover San Diego’s most scenic wedding spot, learn where the very first margarita was poured in the U.S., and stroll the breathtaking coastline while hearing about the sea lions and seals who’ve made La Jolla their favorite hangout.
Along the way, you’ll also:
- Wander through Ellen Browning Scripps Park and learn how this powerhouse journalist and philanthropist shaped the town
- Admire historic buildings designed by famed architect Irving Gill
- Step onto a tucked‑away observation deck with sweeping ocean views most people walk right past
- Pass the iconic La Valencia Hotel, once a hideaway for Hollywood legends like Gregory Peck and Dorothy Maguire
- Hear how La Jolla inspired Theodor Seuss Geisel—yes, that Dr. Seuss
- Find out how to explore the quirky, beloved Sunny Jim’s Cave
Join the hundreds of happy TourFreely explorers and let a local guide you through La Jolla’s beauty, history, and irresistible coastal charm. It’s the perfect blend of storytelling, scenery, and serendipity—right in your earbuds.
Tour Producer
TourFreely
TourFreely: Discover More. Wander Freely
TourFreely was founded by Southern California natives Mindy and Jerry Flanagan. As a GPS‑guided tour company, TourFreely transforms local history and culture into immersive storytelling adventures. With nine curated SoCal tours—spanning both walking and driving experiences—they offer travelers a dynamic way to explore the region. From sun‑drenched vineyards to storied city streets, TourFreely invites curious explorers to discover the vibrant spirit and natural beauty of Southern California.
At our core, we’re fueled by freedom, curiosity, and connection. We want locals to fall in love with their hometowns all over again—and visitors to feel like insiders the moment they hit play. Our tours are flexible, affordable, and delightfully stress‑free: no crowds, no schedules, just you - exploring at your own pace.
TourFreely’s growing catalog includes:
• Six immersive walking tours: La Jolla, Carlsbad, Beverly Hills/Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip, UC San Diego, and Santa Barbara
• Three unforgettable driving tours: San Diego, Temecula Wine Country, and Santa Barbara Wine Country/Sideways Wine Trail
And for even more adventure, we’ve joined forces with Adventure Inc. and created three self‑guided Orange County drives, complete with their signature jeeps, e‑bikes, and open‑air mokes.
Whether you’re strolling Hollywood’s storied sidewalks or cruising past rolling vineyards, TourFreely invites you to slow down, stay curious, and see Southern California through a new lens—your own.
Preview Location
Location 19
The Children's Pool
On your left is the Children's Pool, another gift from Ellen Browning Scripps to the children of La Jolla that provided a safe place to swim.
It was completed in the spring of 1931. She had the sea wall built usin... Read More
How VoiceMap Works
Major Landmarks
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Green Dragon Colony
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Eddie V's Prime Seafood
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Legends Gallery
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La Valencia Hotel
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Jose's CourtRoom
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Athenaeum Music & Arts Library
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Arcade Building
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Scripps Gill Cultural Zone
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La Jolla Historical Society Wisteria Cottage Museum
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St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church
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La Jolla Woman's Club
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Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
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La Jolla Recreation Center
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The Wedding Bowl
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Ellen Scripps Home
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Casa de Mañana Retirement Community
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Children's Pool La Jolla
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939 Coast Blvd
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Naval base point loma
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Rocky Point
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Ellen Browning Scripps Park
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La Jolla Cove Bridge Club
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La Jolla Cove
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Red Rest & Red Roost (Neptune) Cottages
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Brockton Villa
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Sunny Jim's Sea Cave
Getting There
Route Overview
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Start locationLa Jolla, CA 92037, USA -
Total distance3km -
Final location1235 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA -
Distance back to start location105.84m
Directions to Starting Point
Start on Prospect Street in front of Eddie V’s Prime Seafood at 1270 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037.
Directions https://www.mapquest.com/us/ca/la-jolla/92037-3609/1270-prospect-st-32.849150,-117.271310
The restaurant overlooks the La Jolla Cove and the sparkling ocean.
Conveniently located by bus. If coming by bus - the #30 bus drops off at Torrey Pines Road & Prospect Pl. It’s just a five-minute walk (down Prospect) to the starting point at Eddie V’s.
Tips
Places to stop along the way
La Jolla, with its small-town vibe, is home to memorable landmarks and expansive breath-taking vistas. No trip to this beach paradise is complete without visiting: The Cove Beach, La Valencia Hotel, Museum of Contemporary Art, the Cave Store - visit Sunny Jim’s Cave, Legends Gallery,
and the Children’s Pool. Enjoy an ocean view picnic in Ellen Browning Scripps Park. On your journey you will pass some popular dining spots, that the locals enjoy, including Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Duke’s La Jolla, George’s at the Cove, Jose’s Court Room, Brockton Villa and the La Valencia Hotel.
Best time of day
Ideally, it’s best to start before 10am, especially on the weekends. Sunny days are best! The parking will be easier, the earlier you start.
Precautions
Enjoy the tour – Be vigilant by watching for traffic, bikes and scooters. By accessing our GPS tour, you are agreeing to release all liability. Tour at your own risk.
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