It’s no wonder why La Jolla is one of the most coveted vacation destinations on the West Coast. Each year, millions of people travel to experience the beauty and charm for themselves. From the unique beach town culture and mouthwatering cuisine to the myriad of things to do and those famous San Diego sunsets, the experience is magical at every turn. If you find yourself wondering what time of year you should visit, look no further! You’ll find a wide variety of unforgettable activities that can appeal to anyone. There’s plenty to indulge in any time of year. Continue reading to discover our top recommended activities for every season to assist you in choosing the best time to visit La Jolla.
There’s always more to learn about San Diego! With so much to offer, it’s easy to be pulled in many different directions. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive Travel Guide that points you to the shining stars and hidden gems around La Jolla and San Diego. We share all our local knowledge to help you make the most of every moment that you’re here. From the best places to dine and drink to our favorite beaches and exclusive experiences, you’ll find it all here!
Everyone knows the warm climate is one of the best things about La Jolla. Even in the middle of winter, you can hit the beach and even get a suntan. Although, you’ll still find a variety of holiday and winter celebrations going on, like Christmas festivities, New Year’s events, and Valentine’s Day happenings. If you’re planning a trip to La Jolla during the winter, be sure to check the city’s events so you don’t miss out on some of the wonderful offerings.
Although the temperature remains warm, you’ll find significantly fewer visitors this time of year. It’s the perfect time to come if you want to skip the crowds but still enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of La Jolla.
As spring emerges, La Jolla returns to life as visitors eagerly pour back into the city. Although spring breakers often visit San Diego, La Jolla tends to remain a calm and relaxing atmosphere for its guests.
Hiking around Torey Pines is a great way to celebrate the return of spring and catch some amazing views of the area. If you’re up for even more adventure, you could even grab a few kayaks and paddle through the many caves in La Jolla. Then, there’s no better way to finish a day than with a picnic on La Jolla Shores as you watch the sunset over the Pacific.
There’s nothing like experiencing summer in La Jolla. Surfers riding the waves on La Jolla Shores, beach loungers soaking up the sun, and the warm air all culminate to create the ultimate summer environment unlike any other. Indulge in a few classic summer activities like snorkeling in La Jolla Cove, private bonfires on the beach, and even walk the seawall at Children’s Pool to spot the colony of sea lions! The possibilities are truly endless, and there’s no better place on the West Coast to spend your summer vacation.
When fall comes to the Pacific shores, it’s expected that many tourists and visitors leave for the season, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end! Because La Jolla remains warm year-round, it’s easy to continue many of the same exciting activities that you love to indulge in during the summer months. La Jolla is a welcomed escape for many as the leaves start to change. Whether you’re in need of respite from everyday city life or an escape from dropping temperatures, this city is sure to deliver exactly what you need!
No matter what season you choose to visit La Jolla, Monarch Luxury Villas is ready to host you with the highest level of customer service and personalization. Few have achieved the level of attention and detail that we provide to each of our guests. Not only will you stay in one of San Diego’s most coveted homes in exclusive neighborhoods, but we’ll go above and beyond to deliver an experience, unlike any other vacation. From hot air balloon rides over the city and bonfires on the beach to custom picnics and luxury car rentals, we take care of every detail, so you don’t have to.
Simply book your stay in one of our luxury San Diego villas and leave the planning to us. Even the smallest details such as restaurant reservations and surfing lessons will be taken care of. No detail is too small for our full-service concierge team. We will provide everything you could need to soak up every single moment of your time in La Jolla. There’s simply no better way to stay! Browse our impressive portfolio of La Jolla villas, each hand-selected, and allow us to start planning the getaway of a lifetime.
Every family has a different way of celebrating the holidays. Various traditions, spending time with loved ones, and feasting on Thanksgiving Day; the list goes on! What if your family spend Thanksgiving a little differently this year? Ditch the hours of working over a hot stove and instead experience the holiday magic of San Diego. From private chefs and gourmet restaurants to exciting traditions and beautiful weather, there’s no better place to spend this special time with everyone you love. Here are our favorite ways to spend a La Jolla Thanksgiving.
We’re happy to help you navigate the area while you’re here. In addition to our full-service concierge team, we’ve also assembled a complimentary Travel Guide to help you get acquainted with San Diego before you arrive.
Thousands of runners complete in turkey trots across the country on Thanksgiving Day, so it’s no surprise that San Diego has one of its own. The Oceanside Turkey Trot is usually held at the Oceanside Civic Center, although the event will be virtual for the 2020 holiday. This event is a perfect opportunity to get outside, enjoy the beauty of San Diego, and, most importantly, put in a little work before chowing down on everyone’s favorite feast of the year.
It isn’t everyone’s cup of tea to spend the day slaving over a hot stove on Thanksgiving. It should be spent enjoying the company of loved ones! Thankfully, San Diego has plenty of delicious restaurants that serve up mouthwatering seasonal dishes from a special Thanksgiving menu. A few of our favorites are The Marine Room, George’s at the Cove, and Eddie V’s. At each one, you’ll find a unique holiday experience and cuisine so delicious that you’ll savor every last bite.
There’s no better way to end a holiday than with a famous San Diego sunset walk on the beach. Spend time with family and friends as you all take in the beautiful scenery and recover from that turkey hangover! We recommend heading to La Jolla Shores or Windansea for the best walking areas and views.
As if all those activities aren’t enough to create your family’s most special Thanksgiving yet, Monarch Luxury Villas offers each guest access to a full-service concierge team to craft personalized, one-of-a-kind experiences around San Diego. Allow us to arrange a private chef for you on Thanksgiving Day to cook an extraordinary feast! Or maybe your group would enjoy a late-night bonfire on the beach. What about a hot air balloon ride over the city at sunset? With this team of experts on San Diego’s luxurious lifestyle and a wide array of rental villas big enough to gather, your choice to stay with Monarch Luxury Villas is simple. Check our availability and allow our team to get started planning your Thanksgiving celebration.
If spending time out in nature is on the itinerary for your La Jolla vacation, then you’ve landed on the right page! In this blog, we’ll tell you all about La Jolla Caves and the wonders they withhold. Gear up for a fun day of kayaking or snorkeling where you might even spot some adorable sea lions! Read on, take notes, and book your stay with Monarch Luxury Villas today.
Learn more about our favorite things to do in La Jolla and the San Diego area in our exclusive, free Travel Guide. Inside, you’ll find our top recommendations for local restaurants, events, shops, museums, outdoor activities, and more.
The Underwater Park at La Jolla Caves is one of the most stunning natural features in the area, and it’s an ideal spot for snorkeling. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the sport — there’s no better place to try it than here! La Jolla Kayak offers one of the best local snorkel tours and takes you around the caves so you can admire spectacular underwater formations. One thing is for sure: you’ll make memories for a lifetime.
Snorkeling isn’t the only way to explore La Jolla Caves. If you’d rather not get in the water, you can go on a kayak tour! There’s nothing like paddling across the turquoise water, looking up to the dark, rocky cliffs, and channeling your inner explorer. Did you know that the caves used to be a smuggling spot for pirates in the 1800s? They even have unique names like White Lady, Little Sister, Shopping Cart, Sea Surprize, Arch Cave, Sunny Jim Cave, and Clam’s Cave!
Another fun fact about the La Jolla Caves is that they’re home to adorable sea lions. These creatures are often seen swimming around the cliffs and sunning themselves on the rocks. We highly recommend bringing along a waterproof camera to capture their cuteness. The best time to see the sea lions is around sundown when they come out to feed!
Now that we’ve got you dreaming about La Jolla Caves and all the fun you will have there, it’s time to make your vacation a reality. Monarch Luxury Villas is here to help. Browse our selection of high-end villas and homes in La Jolla and the San Diego area and pick the one that will fit your needs. They’re ideal to unwind after a long day on the water, have easy access to local attractions, and are as gorgeous as they are cozy. Whether you are looking for a romantic couple’s oasis or a luxurious villa for you and your family, we have just what you need.
Plan Your Stay
Choosing the right California vacation destination can be overwhelming. You’re looking for gorgeous beaches, a relaxing atmosphere, and, of course, a luxurious place to stay. Whether you choose La Jolla or Laguna, you’re more than likely to have a fabulous vacation. However, the two are vastly different from the other, and we’re here today to help you decide between them. So, which one is for you? Find out and start planning your trip today.
If you want to learn more about the best things to do in the San Diego area, download our free Travel Guide! Inside, we’ve compiled some of our favorite recommendations for local restaurants, events, shops, museums, outdoor activities, and more.
La Jolla is the perfect beach destination for travelers seeking relaxation and luxury. This coastal town has everything you need for a lavish vacation filled with fun. Here are some of our favorite things about La Jolla.
Glorious Beaches
La Jolla has some of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California. La Jolla Shores, for example, is perfect for families. With its mile-long stretch of sand, deep blue water, and rocky bluffs, La Jolla Shores is a picturesque spot for your vacation. If you’re looking for more intimacy, we recommend heading over to Shell Beach. It’s a bit more remote and even has tide pools. Shell Beach is a wonderful area for couples or travelers looking for a top-notch Instagrammable spot.
Exciting Outdoor Activities
After spending the morning soaking up the sun at La Jolla’s beaches, enjoy a fun adventure in the water at the Underwater Park. This is one of the top outdoor attractions in the state and offers a unique diving experience. Here, you’ll have more than 6,000 acres of underwater world to explore, with many coves, canyons, and wildlife species.
Top-Notch Restaurants (With Views!)
Did we mention the incredible variety of gastronomic options in La Jolla? If you love food and are always looking to taste new flavors, then La Jolla’s restaurants are a dream come true. Duke’s La Jolla, for example, offers stellar ocean views and in the historic Marine Room, where waves come crashing against the window!
If you’re not yet convinced that La Jolla is the ideal vacation spot, wait until you see the gorgeous selection of luxurious villas we have for you. They’re the cherry on top of a wonderful stay.
Don’t get us wrong — Laguna Beach is a wonderful place to visit. It’s about an hour away from San Diego, but since this area doesn’t offer as much as La Jolla, we recommend it for a day trip.
Take a gorgeous ride along the Pacific Ocean and spend the day walking by the beach and enjoying delicious food. You can visit Heisler Park, too, and admire some stellar views of the ocean at Crescent Bay Beach. Then, when your stomach starts growling, head back downtown to The Loft at Montagne. The menu at this restaurant is filled with contemporary Southern California cuisine with a high-end feel. We don’t know what’s better: the view or the food!
Our villas in La Jolla are an easy drive from Laguna! Experience the beauty of Southern California from the comfort of a luxurious home. All of our properties feature the highest quality amenities and beautiful views. You won’t be able to get enough of the outdoor areas where your party can enjoy delicious meals, flavorful cocktails, and ocean vistas. All you need to do is sit back and let the soothing, sunny La Jolla way of life wash away your stress.
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La Jolla Underwater Park makes for a great daytime activity if you want to get out on the water and spice up your beach routine. The park offers educational exhibits and a chance to experience the fabulous underwater world of the Pacific Ocean. From kayaking to snorkeling to admiring the wildlife, you won’t get bored at La Jolla Underwater Park. Read on to discover how to make the most of your day there and start planning your visit today.
Learn more about San Diego’s top attractions in our exclusive and free Travel Guide. This planning tool is filled with some of our favorite local recommendations for restaurants, events, museums, shops, outdoor adventures, and more.
La Jolla Underwater Park is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego. It’s a dream come true for divers and outdoor enthusiasts. If you spent your childhood days dreaming you were a mermaid or discovering the lost city of Atlantis, you’ll love visiting La Jolla Underwater Park and exploring this marvelous and mysterious underworld. With more than 6,000 acres to snorkel, you’ll have enough to keep you occupied for days!
One of the main activities in the park is snorkeling. There are so many beautiful coves and underwater vistas to discover, including a 500-foot canyon, kelp forests, and a wide variety of wildlife like dolphins, leopard sharks (don’t worry, they’re not dangerous), and even baby gray whales depending on the time of the year! If you’re not sure about snorkeling, you can still enjoy the park from above the water. Bike along the coastline with some binoculars, or even go kayaking!
Now that you know what to expect from your day at La Jolla Underwater Park, it’s time to find out how to get there. Luckily for you, La Jolla Cove isn’t a big area, which makes it easy to navigate. Plus, it’s close to a lot of our villas so you can either drive or even take a scooter! If you take your car, note that parking can be quite tricky, especially in the summer months, so we highly recommend parking in the nearby parking garages to avoid any tickets.
Did you know that Monarch Luxury Villas offers a variety of luxury villas right in La Jolla? Browse our selection today and find the one that matches your vacation plans. Whether you are planning to visit with friends or your family, you’re sure to find a villa that will accommodate your party. If it’s a couple’s trip you’re planning, Charming Prospect II is ideal. You’ll love the modern decor and high-end amenities of La Jolla Village. Are you traveling with a larger group? View on Rue is for you. The luxurious amenities and breathtaking ocean views speak for themselves.
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Each beach in San Diego offers its visitors something unique and special. Windansea Beach is no exception. You’ll find Windansea Beach in La Jolla, surrounded by palm trees and beautiful views. Head to this beach to find secret alcoves and some of the most competitive surf in California.
There’s more to discover in San Diego. You won’t want to miss a thing. Access our complimentary San Diego Travel Guide to unlock the possibilities for your next vacation.
Windansea Beach is the best place in San Diego to take a stroll along the shore. This beach, in particular, tends to be less crowded than some of the others in La Jolla, which makes it perfect for casual visits and relaxing by the water. Pick up your favorite book, get comfortable, and soak up the San Diego sun. You might even spot some local surfers riding the waves.
Speaking of surfing, Windansea happens to offer some of the most intense and challenging surfing conditions in San Diego. The tide is strong, and the waves break hard into the rocky floor. It’s smart to be cautious when attempting to ride these waves. If you’re not an expert, you can have plenty of excitement by watching the seasoned locals try their hand.
Due to the rocky terrain and intense waves, visitors can find secluded alcoves along the beach that are perfect for the explorers at heart. Don’t hesitate to take a look around. You never know what books and crannies you might come across.
Don’t miss the recreated version of the old surf shack. Surfers built the original shack in 1946. A high tide destroyed it in 2015, but locals have since rebuilt the shack as a monument. This historical landmark is a symbol of the surf culture in La Jolla that dates back to the early 90s. Plus, it’s a great photo opportunity!
There are many places in the area to catch a glimpse of a San Diego sunset, but Windansea Beach is at the top of that list. There’s something magnificent about watching the sun sink behind the Pacific Ocean. You won’t find better views than these.
If Windansea sounds like a dream, then there are plenty of places to stay in the area. When you stay with Monarch Luxury Villas, you are guaranteed the most personalized vacation experience around. We customize and plan every experience just for you that matches your interests and needs.
Browse our portfolio of luxury villas to find the perfect fit for you. From private pools and hot tubs to helicopter rides and private surf lessons, Monarch Luxury Villas provides it all. After you book, our expert concierge team will be in touch to start planning a vacation unique to you. We look forward to hosting your stay.
If you’re interested in vacationing in San Diego, you may be asking, “Should I stay in La Jolla or San Diego?” You’ll want to carefully consider these options to ensure you choose the area that’s right for you. San Diego and La Jolla both offer visitors a unique experience, but we can help you determine which is best for your Southern California dream vacation. Don’t worry! You’ll be soaking up the sun in no time.
There are so many exciting things to do in both La Jolla and San Diego. Access our complimentary Travel Guide to discover the highest quality restaurants, galleries, and activities available in the area.
While La Jolla is technically in the city and county of San Diego, it’s often thought of by locals as an independent area. However, it does refer to a particular area within San Diego. We can describe this area with one word: picturesque. This upscale beach town is home to some of San Diego’s most excellent restaurants, shops, and homes.
La Jolla is known as San Diego’s Jewel by the Sea. Within La Jolla, you’ll find some of San Diego’s most awe-inspiring homes, as well as some of the highest price points. The community consists of everything from couples enjoying a luxury retirement to families vacationing for the summer.
One of the best parts of La Jolla is its rugged coastline that makes for some of the best views in all of San Diego. Beaches are the primary focus in this part of town and for a good reason! Each offers something a little different. You can choose Shell Beach to search for starfish, La Jolla Shores for a flatter landscape, and even Children’s Pool to spot sea lions.
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You’ll never run out of things to do while staying in La Jolla! You can find everything from luxury art galleries to upscale shopping in Downtown La Jolla. Plus, if you’re feeling outdoorsy, indulge in the local hiking trails in Torrey Pines State Park or play a few holes at the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course.
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You can expect San Diego to feel more like an urban city than a relaxing beach town like La Jolla. There may be larger crowds, but that’s because there’s most going on!
There is no shortage of beach access in San Diego. Ocean Beach tends to attract the largest number of visitors with its classic Southern California atmosphere and panoramic, coastal views. This area is casual and laid back with surf shops and oceanside bars lining the shore. You can also find the popular Dog Beach north of here so your four-legged friend can enjoy the sunshine as well.
San Diego boasts a lengthy roster of attractions, including the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, SeaWorld, Petco Park, Legoland, and Balboa Park. Millions of people travel each year to experience the fun for themselves. You’ll also find a wide array of educational museums and award-winning restaurants in the area.
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Regardless of where you choose to stay, Monarch Luxury Villas offers a collection of some of the most highly saute-after homes in San Diego. Whether you decide to stay nestled in the hills of La Jolla or near all of the action in Downtown San Diego, we have the perfect villa for you. Imagine private pools, panoramic vista, private chefs, and full concierge services. We know how to experience luxury in San Diego. Allow us to show you. Book your stay at one of our stunning villas today.