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Trade the everyday for golden afternoons, blooming coastal bluffs, and warm Pacific waters. Where will the season take you?
Spring and summer in Southern California offer a coastal pace that can’t be matched: crisp ocean mornings, vibrant sunny afternoons, and long days made for exploring and resetting. In spring, the coastline comes alive with blooming wildflowers, active marine life, and perfect moderate weather. By summer, the energy builds with classic beach days, starlit evenings, and warm surf.
At La Jolla Shores Hotel, you’re situated right on the sand, with a front-row seat to the very best of both seasons. Here’s our insider’s perspective on how to make the most of your stay.
When spring arrives in La Jolla, the coastal bluffs put on a show of their own. As winter rains fade into warm, crisp days, the seaside paths around Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and the La Jolla Cove cliffs burst into vibrant life.
Winding along favorite loops like the Guy Fleming Trail, you’ll walk through sunlit stretches framed by bright yellow sea dahlias, golden California poppies, and deep purple sand verbena, all set against sweeping views of the Pacific below. With comfortable spring breezes and peak coastal blooms, it’s an effortless way to spend a morning taking in the wilder, greener side of the shore before heading back to the sand.
Some of the year’s best moments happen on the grass. Right across from the sand, Kellogg Park anchors La Jolla Shores, a wide, palm-lined green that’s ideal for a picnic, a lazy afternoon, or a home base between swims. For a bigger outing, Balboa Park is a short drive away, with world-class museums, lush gardens, and Spanish Colonial architecture that make it the cultural heart of San Diego.
Celebrating its 40th milestone season, this acclaimed chamber music series brings world-class musicians and programming to town with 21 concerts, 50+ free events, and over 100 musicians from around the globe.
After a day by the surf, an evening of live performance adds a touch of cultural elegance to your stay.
Independence Day gets a modern upgrade. From La Jolla Beach, watch hundreds of synchronized drones light up the night sky over the Pacific. With over 200 drones moving in sync 300 feet above the ocean, it’s one of the most enchanting shows San Diego has to offer and a family-friendly spectacle with none of the smoke.
La Jolla is legendary for surfing, with breaks for every level. Seasoned surfers make the trek to Blacks Beach for its powerful, canyon-fed swells, while hotel guests enjoy front-row access to the gentle, rolling waves of La Jolla Shores, perfect for longboarding and fun-riding. And if you’ve never stood up on a board, there’s nothing like the moment when the board steadies under your feet and the water carries you forward.
For surf lessons in La Jolla, Surf Diva is steps from our property, and their instructors have a gift for getting first-timers up and riding, whatever your age or skill level. Ask about their 4-Lesson Surf Package at the Front Desk.
The best way to capture the magic of La Jolla is to explore by water, where the rhythm of the Pacific meets a vibrant, protected ecosystem.
Go snorkeling in La Jolla’s marine reserve alongside harmless leopard sharks, bright Garibaldi, and curious harbor seals basking in the sun. For a closer look at the coast’s dramatic geography, take a guided kayak tour through the ecological reserve. Here, you’ll tour awe-inspiring sea caves carved into the cliffs and glide over lush kelp forests.
From guided eco-tours to independent exploration, immersing yourself in La Jolla’s pristine waters elevates a beach day into an unforgettable coastal expedition.
After a day of coastal exploring, wind down at one of the best outdoor restaurants San Diego has to offer. The Shores Restaurant is right here at the hotel and offers a laid-back, family-friendly spot with ocean views and a California coastal menu. Step from the sand to your table for seafood tacos and a sunset margarita.
Nearby, Duke’s La Jolla overlooks La Jolla Cove with contemporary island plates, tropical cocktails, and its famous Hula Pie for a unique treat. For local fine dining, check out George’s at the Cove, which serves avant-garde California cuisine from its cliffside Ocean Terrace.
Laid-back, California beach lifestyle meets home away from home.
From sun-drenched mornings on the sand to starlit strolls along the surf, summer memories are waiting at La Jolla Shores Hotel.
Kellogg Park sits directly adjacent to the sand at La Jolla Shores, offering an expansive green space with grassy lawns and palm trees, perfect for family picnics or relaxing between beach swims. For a larger excursion, San Diego’s famous Balboa Park is a short drive away and offers world-class museums, botanical gardens, and classic Spanish Colonial architecture.
The La Jolla 4th of July Drone Show is a modern, eco-friendly alternative to traditional fireworks. Held over the Pacific Ocean at La Jolla Beach, the spectacle features over 200 synchronized light drones performing 300 feet above the water, offering a smoke-free, family-friendly Independence Day celebration.
La Jolla’s protected Ecological Reserve is one of Southern California’s best spots for water sports. Popular coastal adventures include:
You can take surf lessons right at La Jolla Shores through Surf Diva, located just steps from the beach. They offer private and group lessons for all ages and skill levels, as well as multi-lesson packages available through the La Jolla Shores Hotel front desk.
Yes! La Jolla Shores is renowned as one of the best beaches in San Diego for beginner and intermediate surfers due to its gentle, consistent rolling waves and sandy bottom. For experienced surfers seeking larger, canyon-fed swells, nearby Black’s Beach offers more powerful waves.
Summer in La Jolla offers a mix of beach activities, outdoor adventures, and cultural events. Top activities include surfing or paddleboarding at La Jolla Shores, kayaking the seven sea caves, snorkeling with harmless leopard sharks, and attending the 4th of July Drone Show. You can also enjoy live music at La Jolla SummerFest, relax at Kellogg Park, or dine oceanside at local favorite spots.
Your room with a view is waiting.
