La Jolla Walking Tour: Discover Hidden Gems & History

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: 24 hours
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…
What's Included
  • Numerous gems unknown even to locals
  • Overview of Ellen Scripps’ many contributions
  • Many fun facts
  • Background on architecture
Additional Information

We are the Original and top rated La Jolla walking tour. Learn the rich history of La Jolla. Uncover hidden gems and “Easter Eggs”. Score tailored dining and activity advice.
Sea Lions, philanthropists, murderers, fault lines, and awe-inspiring women — we have it all. Our most enthusiastic reviews are from locals, and we guarantee you’ll learn at least 5…

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
5.0
(130 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Marycatherine_r
May 24, 2026
We learned so much about this beautiful community - We so enjoyed this tour. Lots of walking, talking and learning about the history of this lovely community. Highly recommend!!
Review provided by Viator
Gloria_h
Apr 4, 2026
Historical walking tour worth taking - What a great walking tour by Chaz! He was so informed. Bring comfy shoes your lasts 2,5 hours or so. We did the afternoon tour walked all over the village got all the history saw sea lions ! We ended at 3:30 just in time for a charcuterie and drinks for happy hour at BeeSide Balcony pretty view there!
Review provided by Viator
Elizabethksmb
Mar 30, 2026
Great walking history tour - Great walking tour with Chaz. He was very knowledge of La Jolla and its history. We hit a lot of spots in town and also along the coast.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Peb1130
Mar 19, 2026
Fab La Jolla Walking Tour with Knowledgeable Local Guide - If you want a La Jolla tour that takes in more than the seals and sea lions, this is for you. Chas is a local who has done his research. What results is a tour guide with an endless font of historical knowledge about La Jolla (and a binder with pics to back it up), and a three-hour tour at a leisurely pace that is accessible to most everyone. From local Scripps history to the Torrey Pines, this tour will not disappoint. I cannot recommend Chas enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
649jodig
Mar 17, 2026
A great experience! - This walking tour with Chas is a “must do” if you are visiting La Jolla (I hear locals love it as well)! Chas is a wealth of knowledge about the history of this wonderful place. You are taken on a walk through La Jolla and feel like you are with a friend. Chas explains so much and is patient with questions and comments. I am so glad my wonderful host told me to book this tour. A visit to La Jolla is not complete without this tour. Book today - don’t hesitate!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
78jeannet
Mar 12, 2026
Tremendous time walking in La Jolla, learning about how it all began! - My husband & I are both locals and we absolutely LOVED the Historic La Jolla Walking Tour. Over two hours & fifteen minutes we learned so much about our beloved town. Chas was a fantastic, charming guide & delivered an entertaining, fact filled tour. While walking through thru the village & along the stunning coastline teeming with wildlife, we heard countless poignant stories about the origin of La Jolla. This tour is perfect for both locals as well as out of towners. So inspiring. We will never forget it. Thanks Chas!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Georgette
Dec 30, 2025
Engaging and Memorable Experience of La Jolla - Chas was excellent! He has a deep knowledge of La Jolla’s history and was also very insightful about current trends, conservation efforts, and the local community. He’s a natural storyteller and presents the history of the region in a dynamic, engaging way that keeps you fully immersed. He does a wonderful job tailoring the experience to his audience, which made our private tour feel very personal and enjoyable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Barbarajp4962sg
Dec 30, 2025
A great afternoon in La Jolla - This is a wonderful tour to learn about and enjoy La Jolla. Chas is a walking encyclopedia on the history of the town and makes it all fun and interesting- even with a binder of historical photos! Also good for learning sites and food recommendations. We will always remember this visit and the legacy of Ellen Scripps.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Navigator501284
Oct 20, 2025
Fascinating Tour of LaJolla - I have lived in San Diego since 1990 and have had the opportunity go on many fun tours. This tour of guided by Chas, was truly fascinating. Chas also was super knowledgeable about the history behind the tour as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J118ewpetral
Oct 20, 2025
La Jolla Tour Appreciation - I really enjoyed my La Jolla tour with Chas! His explanations were clear, insightful, and filled with interesting historical references. It was an engaging and enjoyable way to learn about the area’s history and character—thank you, Chas, for such a wonderful tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $70
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).