Historic La Jolla Walking Tour

5.0
(123 reviews)

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2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

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 new things, even if you grew up here.

All this is punctuated with numerous historic images of the early days.

We cover approximately 3 leisurely miles and walk a total of about 40 stairs (down). We traverse the heart of the village, and the highlights of the coast. There are some hills so if you have concerns or seek more detail feel free to contact us.

The standard tour is neither wheelchair nor stroller accessible, but we can EASILY design a custom tour tailored to your interests and abilities.

We love to present our little seaside hamlet.

What's Included

Numerous gems unknown even to locals
Overview of Ellen Scripps’ many contributions
Many fun facts
Background on architecture

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
La Jolla Recreation Center

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.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    La Jolla Recreation Center

    One of Ellen Scripps’ many gifts to La Jolla. We learn what makes it unique.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    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.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    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.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    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?

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    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!

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6
    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?

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 7
    La Jolla Cove

    La Jolla Cove is the site of caves, sea lions, cormorant rookeries, and unparalleled beauty.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Ellen Browning Scripps Park

    South of La Jolla Cove, this park stretches between La Jolla Cove and Children’s Pool and is one of the most beautiful parts of La Jolla.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Children's Pool

    The last thing Ellen Scripps gave to La Jolla while she was still alive. Beautiful break wall and lots of seals.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • Coast Boulevard Park (Pass by)

    We’ll see The Wedding Bowl and the La Jolla Tide Pools

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Not recommended for travelers with walking problems.
Supplied by Historic La Jolla Walking Tours

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Tags

Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Underground Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Nature Walks
Excellent Quality
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 123 123 reviews
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