La Jolla Self-Guided Driving Tour

La Jolla, US

Highlights

  • Explore beautiful La Jolla, the Jewel of San Diego
  • Discover iconic landmarks and historic homes
  • Learn about La Jolla's early struggles and growth
  • Drive along the scenic Coast Boulevard and Prospect Ave
  • Experience the stunning ocean views at La Jolla Cove

Meeting Point

After booking the tour, Check your email with the subject line “Your tour operator sent you a message". For the best experience, we advise doing this while you have a strong internet connection. NOTE: This 3+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of La Jolla in 1-2 hours.

Meeting point

1325 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

La Jolla Cove

Your tour of scenic La Jolla begins by the Cave Store near La Jolla Cove. From here, you'll drive in a loop past this seaside neighborhood's most picturesque and historic spots. Along the way, you'll learn everything there is to know about "The Jewel" of San Diego!

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
2

Ellen Browning Scripps Park

This park was named for Ellen Browning Scripps, one of the most significant figures in La Jolla's history. Here, you'll find out how she is responsible for the neighborhood being what it is today, as well as how she made her fortune in the first place.

Duration 10 minutes
3

La Jolla Woman's Club

In a few blocks, we're going to see a small building with a long history. It's the La Jolla Woman's Club, founded by - who else? - Ellen Scripps. When the club began in 1901, American women lacked any sort of equality, with no right to vote, and no right to custody of their children.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
4

St James by-The-Sea Episcopal Church

This beautiful church, featuring a unique peach-colored belltower, dates back to 1908. Like so much of the neighborhood, it owes its existence to Ellen Browning Scripps.

Duration 10 minutes
5

La Jolla Historical Society Wisteria Cottage Museum

Once the home of Ellen Browning Scripps' sister, the Wisteria Cottage now hosts the La Jolla Historical Society and Museum. It's also just a picture-perfect La Jolla home!

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
6

Arcade Building

This picturesque arcade is among La Jolla's most iconic landmarks today. Once upon a time it functioned as a train station, carrying passengers to and from San Diego proper.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
7

Athenaeum Music and Arts Library

This beautiful Spanish-revival building is a must-visit for lovers of the arts. In addition its the huge permanent collection of art and music, the Athenaeum also features regular events, including jazz concerts, constantly rotating arts exhibits, and more.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
8

La Valencia Hotel

La Valencia Hotel is straight out of the Roaring '20s. Big, lavish, and with lots of history, it's the perfect final stop on your tour. Over the years, tons of celebs from nearby Hollywood have stayed at this very hotel.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    How it works: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions. Download the Action Tour Guide app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. To begin touring, go to the Starting Point and launch the Action tour guide app. The audio starts automatically. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience. Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
  • Additional information
    Good value: Purchase only one tour for the entire vehicle instead of taking the bus and paying for each person. You will see a significant saving. Connect your phone to car speakers by a wire or bluetooth. Enjoy the tour by listening together as you drive.
  • Additional information
    Flexible Schedule: Once the app/tour is on your phone, you can use it any day and at any time. You can use it over multiple days. And, also use it on your next trip here. This tour never expires.
  • Additional information
    Preview the tour: You can use it before the trip at home (highly recommended), use it during the trip, and use it after you come back.
  • Additional information
    Don't miss a thing: You will get everything with the app - a complete itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated audio stories, story script, images, videos, deep dives, hidden gems, exciting locations, recommendations for hikes, adventure, activities, treks, and stop-by-stop direction.
  • Additional information
    Private tour: You can use it in your car or rental car. No worries about groups or crowds. Start the tour app on your phone. And it will direct you step by step. You can stop for as many breaks as you like. Take a break for Instagram photos, and take a break for lunch/snacks. Go on a hike. The tour will wait for you and start when you start again. You can even do the tour over multiple days. Go at your own pace.
  • Additional information
    Easy to use: The stories play themselves as soon as the GPS is activated. It requires no use of your hands at all. You can get HELP by calling, chatting, or emailing any time of the day.
  • Additional information
    Offline: There is no need for a cell signal or Wi-Fi while touring. App’s GPS map works offline.
  • Additional information
    Expiration/go again: The tour will last for the rest of your life on your phone. It is available for use on any day of your next trip.
  • Additional information
    Use pictures for a photo book: Create a photo book using clean (no crowd) app images of each spot to make a memorable trip. All the photos and the correct sequence is ready in the app for you to use.
  • Additional information
    Social media: Share clean (no crowd) images with friends/family.
  • Additional information
    Devices supported include iPhones with iOS 13 & above, Android phones with version 9 & above and all cellular-enabled tablets & iPads.

What our experts say

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    Start at La Jolla Cove for stunning views.
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    Stop by Ellen Browning Scripps Park for photos.
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    Consider visiting Athenaeum for art lovers.
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    Bring snacks for a relaxing break at parks.
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    Check out nearby restaurants on Prospect St.

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