La Jolla Coastal Tour: Explore History, Architecture, Wildlife
4.9
74 Ratings
San Diego
Discover the hidden gems of La Jolla on this engaging coastal tour. Explore history, architecture, wildlife, and more with a knowledgeable local guide. Book now!
Duration:
2 hours, 15 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- La Jolla Recreation Center - One of Ellen Scripps’ many gifts to La Jolla. We learn what makes it unique.
- Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego - We will not tour the museum, but it is the site of Ellen Scripps’ home in La Jolla, which is incorporated into the museum.
- La Jolla Historical Society - The La Jolla Historical Society is housed in Wisteria Cottage, which was the residence of Ellen Scripps’ half-sister Virginia (Jenny). We won’t go in the museum, but you will learn how Wisteria Cottage has been used over the years, as well as fun facts about Jenny.
- St James by-The-Sea Episcopal Church - St. James by the Sea is a beautiful church. But what stands there now is not the original structure. Where did it go?
- Girard Avenue and Prospect Street - Ground Zero La Jolla. There is a lot of history at and near this intersection, and we have the photos to prove it!
- The Cave Store - The Cave Store is the second longest continuously operating enterprise in La Jolla (we’ll see the oldest too). You’ll learn why the original owner decided to build a tunnel to Sunny Jim’s cave, and who was Sunny Jim anyway?
- La Jolla Cove - La Jolla Cove is the site of caves, sea lions, cormorant rookeries, and unparalleled beauty.
- Ellen Browning Scripps Park - South of La Jolla Cove, this park goes between La Jolla Cove and Children’s pool and is one of the most beautiful parts of La Jolla.
- Children’s Pool - The last thing Ellen Scripps gave to La Jolla while she was still alive. Beautiful break wall and lots of seals.
- Coast Boulevard Park - We’ll see The Wedding Bowl and the La Jolla Tide Pools
What's Included
- Numerous gems unknown even to locals
- Snacks
- Overview of Ellen Scripps’ many contributions
- Many fun facts
- Background on architecture
Additional Information
Think beyond sea lions!* We offer a unique tour, run by locals, situated at the heart of the village. This tour immerses you in the past and present of La Jolla, showing you key architectural sites, significant residents, exotic wildlife, two fault lines, and the beautiful coastline. We also share advice and insights to enhance your stay. The tour includes a collection of historic images that show the evolution of the place.
There’s more to La Jolla than what’s visible at a glance, and we guarantee that you will depart with a deeper understanding and appreciation for this charming coastal enclave.
Our journey spans around 4 miles and includes roughly 100 steps. The route takes you through the core of the village and the best parts of the coastline. However, it does include some hilly terrain. Should you have any queries or need more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Our standard tour is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers, but we can arrange a special tour catering to your needs.
- Yes, you will get to see sea lions
- Not recommended for travelers with walking problems.
- Not recommended for children under 10
Location
La Jolla Recreation Center
Prospect Street
We meet at the curved concrete bench near the corner of Prospect and Draper. There is untimed parking on the west side of Draper about 500 feet away by the tennis courts.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(74 Ratings)
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K3540tykayk
Mar 20, 2024
Chaz Knows His La Jolla! - La Jolla has such a fascinating history behind its quaint and picturesque facade! You could visit dozens of times and NEVER know the who or what or why. Chaz Dye was a FANTASTIC Historical Tour Guide. His knowledge of La Jolla, past and present, was astounding. He brought along photos from the late 1800s and early 1900s, showing how things "used to be," which added a wonderful intimacy to the information he shared. The pace and the distance of the walk was mild and very "do-able" for this almost 70 year old, slightly out of shape gal, but I have no doubt he could go faster for a more fit group. While Chaz wasn't a "laugh a minute, rollicking funny" kind of tour guide, his sense of humor kept the tone light, and his love and appreciation for La Jolla and the people (mostly women! it turns out) who made this village what it is today, shined through every minute, as we wandered through this beautiful, iconic Californian Coastal town. I loved the smiles of the locals as they greeted him when we crossed paths. One can see that his community appreciates him and what he does.
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Carlosrs9717qj
Mar 17, 2024
The most complete walking tour - Amazing tour! Great information covering all the musts in La Jolla, from history to nature and very cool facts. Chas is a great tour guide, 10/10 would recommend
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Coastal21963303044
Mar 14, 2024
Perfect introduction to La Jolla - Chas was exceptionally knowledgeable about La Jolla and its people. You walked away with a real sense of the place and how it came to be what it is today. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and all the beautiful views of this Pacific coastal paradise.
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Victorct521tp
Mar 10, 2024
La Jolla Historic Walking Tour - We had a fantastic time! Chas is an exceptional tour guide who offers unique insights that only a genuine local of La Jolla could provide. For the reasonable price of $40, this walking tour is an excellent way to spend a few hours learning about the rich history of La Jolla.
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Danhm1039zd
Mar 10, 2024
Nothing Else Like It - Chas is such an engaging, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guide. He truly cares about La Jolla and brings out its beauty and magic. You'll get a little bit of everything: architecture, murals, hidden gems, past vs. present, trails, and sea lions. And he centers his tour around Ellen Browning Scripps, the unofficial founder who devoted the last 36 years of her life to the community. I recommend this tour to anyone who's wants to whet their curiosity. Be prepared to walk and spend some more time as it's closer to 3 hours.
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Experience379313
Mar 1, 2024
Loved it! - Exceptional! The only way to see LaJolla. Chas has done the research and gives an historical perspective of his home town.
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O9692isdianem
Mar 1, 2024
Great and beautiful walking tour! - Chas knows La Jolla history well. I had no idea how deeply I need to admire Ellen Browning Scripps and her selfless contributions to her fellow men, women and children of all races. Reading her biography is next on the list. The coastal walk area is just gorgeous. Charming village.
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Stefanie
Feb 29, 2024
Amazing! - Such a great tour! Historic and really learned so much about the town. Chas was great and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
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Fearless43056255688
Feb 27, 2024
Best couple of hours I've spent in a while! - A wonderful 2 hours learning the history of La Jolla while strolling the streets and coastal pathways. Our guide Chas, condensed countless hours of his own research into an entertaining knowledge transfer of the La Jolla architecture, buildings, and coast. His binder of historical photos provides a good background of what exists today.
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580baileyn
Feb 25, 2024
10/10 recommend! - This experience was so much fun. We were able to walk around beautiful La Jolla and learn some really cool facts about the history- he even had old pictures to show the same buildings 100+ years ago. He was extremely knowledgeable and it was all around a great time. Be sure to have good shoes on!
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