Local La Jolla - on a Budget

Come On In

• 1030 Torrey Pines Road
• tel:+1 858 551 1063
• Visit website
• La Jolla, 92037

Harry's Coffee Shop

• 7545 Girard Avenue
• tel:+1 858 454 7381
• Visit website
• La Jolla, 92037

While its ambiance might not be the typical La Jolla scene that tourists might expect, this breakfast and lunch destination is a cornerstone in the beach side location. From the simplest of simple meals like the cheese omelet, Greek omelet and the Spanish omelet to short stacks and golden brown waffles, while the menu is shorts it's the friendly faces and chats beneath a coffee cup that make it a landmark. Harry's is what made La Jolla what it is today – the mom and pop shops of yesteryear. With comfort food and a carefree attitude toward calories, this La Jolla classic is a must-have.

La Jolla Shores

• Calle Frescota
• tel:619-221-8899
• Visit website
• La Jolla, 92037

Just minutes from downtown La Jolla and surrounded by the University of California, San Diego's famed Scripps institute of Oceanography, La Jolla Shores is home to some of San Diego's most diverse sea life and tourists. Just blocks from the La Jolla Hotel, beaches are packed with the surrounding tourist destinations for restaurants, outdoor activities (kayak rentals, scuba tours and surfboard rentals) and California beach shopping. The beach is often most crowded during late spring and summer months. If you're looking to learn how to surf, this is the place, as amateur surfers enjoy the mild waves and won't pound on you for being a tourist. What makes the Shores even more enjoyable is its grassy knolls directly adjacent to the beach (and adorning running path). With bar-b-que pits, tons of space and several park benches as well as picnic tables, the Shores offers enough space for large parties looking to harmonize both the beach and sunny California's weather - but get there early during the prime months as spots are taken quick. read more about La Jolla Shores

Torrey Pines State Reserve

• 12600 North Torrey Pines Road
• (between Carmel Valley Road & Genesee Avenue)
• tel:+1 858 755 2063
• Visit website
• La Jolla, 92037

La Jolla Caves

• 1325 Cave Street
• tel:+1 858 459 0746
• Visit website
• La Jolla, 92037

Torrey Pines Gliderport

• 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic D
• tel:+1 858 452 9858 / +1 877 359 8326(Toll Free)
• Visit website
• La Jolla, 92037

Living Room Coffeehouse

• 1010 Prospect Street
• tel:+1 858 459 1187
• Visit website
• La Jolla, 92037

Mount Soledad

• 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South
• (at convergence of Via Capri & La Jolla Scenic Drive S)
• tel:+1 858 459 2314
• Visit website
• La Jolla, 92037

Head up the hill from downtown La Jolla's scenic beach arena and you'll see what everyone is talking about - the view from Mt. Soledad, the historic spot that overlooks the ocean, the city's landscape and more - is worth every minute. On a sparkling day (which San Diego has many of), Mt. Soledad's view is breathtaking - from La Jolla's pristine beaches, downtown's skyscrapers, the Mission Beach bay and all the tiny people, this is a picture-perfect spot. In addition, the Mt. Soledad view pays memorium to the Veterans of the area, with a sky scraping cross and personal stories of the lives lost at war; an American flag plays toward a historic backdrop in these iconic pictures as well.
read more about Mount Soledad

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego La Jolla

• 700 Prospect Street
• tel:+1 858 454 3541
• Visit website
• La Jolla, 92037

Aloha Sushi & Hawaiian Grille

• 7731 Fay Ave
• tel:858-551-5000
• Visit website
• La Jolla, 92037

Aloha Sushi doesn't just welcome sushi lovers with its Hawaiian inspired ambiance (complete with flowers adorning every table and tiki lights) but also with its excellent cuisine. Apart from selling outstanding sushi, where special rolls are the perfect complement to your exotic drink special (night happy hour specials are the ideal time to visit this place), this small, La Jolla sushi bar offers a lively night club experience once the sun goes down. With cabanas stretching to the back of the lot, sushi is accompanied by loud music, strobe lights and dancing. It's perfect for a large party who want to feel like they are in downtown San Diego without making the trek into the city. For fans of something cooked, their grill is equally superb, with large sized portions. With its great location and a resort-like ambiance, it's a great place to treat yourself.

Prospect Bar and Lounge

• 1025 Prospect Street
• Suite 210
• tel:+1 858 454 8092
• Visit website
• La Jolla, 92037

It has become La Jolla's main attraction thanks to its breathtaking coastal views and vast menu of cocktail and happy hour specials. Prospect Bar & Grill is the new La Jolla hot spot for all adventures after the sun goes down and beyond, with great guest DJs hitting the smaller, upscale venue on the weekends, special events happening year round and drink specials every night. Not only that, but during the afternoons the bar serves up some great eats like burgers or grill, making the Prospect Bar & Grill somewhere to hit no matter what time of day.
read more about Prospect Bar and Lounge