La Jolla, the “Jewel City” by the sea, is world-renowned as one of the most visited and loved destinations along the California coast.
With its abundance of seaside caves, marine life, stunning views, and countless activities, there is no shortage of things to keep you busy.
But where should you start?
Maybe you’ve already been to La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Cove, the Birch Aquarium, and Scripps Pier. You want to try something a little more outside of the box.
You’re craving an adventure, but you’re not sure exactly what kind.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Read on to hear our recommendations for what to do in La Jolla when you want to get off the beaten path and try something a little different.
Go Visit the “Troll Bridges”
Take the scenic and windy drive up Mount Soledad in search of two moss-covered stone bridges that date back to the 1920s and 30s.
These strange old relics will have you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time. And they’re a great place for a photo, just be careful that no cars (or trolls) are coming.
Search for Ancient Human Artifacts
La Jolla has unusually soft soil, making it a prime spot to find archaeological relics hidden in the rocky cliffs.
In fact, some of the oldest human remains, dating back 9,500 years, were found in 1976 by an archaeology class doing fieldwork in La Jolla.
The La Jolla Complex, in the Spindrift and Torrey Pines area, has several different archaeological sites.
Check Out the Map and Atlas Museum
If you are a fan of cartography, then you’re not going to want to miss La Jolla’s Map and Atlas Museum.
It doesn’t get as much attention as the art museum or the underwater park, but it certainly has its own charm.
Admission is free, and the museum boasts a stellar collection of more than 500 rare maps from all around the world.
Get Inspired by the Stuart Collection
The Stuart Collection at the University of California at San Diego is a diverse and thought-provoking collection of sculpture scattered throughout the campus.
The sculptures range from small to enormous and are composed of a wide range of materials and themes. There are downloadable maps or apps for your phone that can walk you through each artist’s work, and the story of its origin.
These eclectic sculptures will definitely leave you with a new, artistic perspective!
Hunt for Hidden Swings
There is a time-honored and mysterious tradition in La Jolla of swings appearing in trees throughout the city.
No one seems to know where they come from, and sometimes they don’t last long, but new ones are always popping up.
Scavenger hunts aren’t just for kids, so if you like the challenge of finding a hidden gem, then trying to find one of La Jolla’s secret swings might be the perfect afternoon activity for you.
Now That You Have Some Ideas for What To Do in La Jolla
There is no time like the present to seize the day and get started on some of these unique adventures!
When thinking about what to do in La Jolla, the better question might be what not to do, because there are just so many interesting, exciting experiences to be had.
Whether you’re a short-term visitor or you’ve lived here all your life, La Jolla will never let you down.
Check out our blog for more ideas of fun things to try in this one-of-a-kind seaside community!
