Celebrate Earth Day in the Jewel of San Diego. Our 2026 eco-guide covers the ecological reserve, sustainable dining and how to visit La Jolla responsibly.

Though we feel every day is Earth Day in La Jolla, the rest of the world recognizes the holiday Wednesday, April 22 this year. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Earth Day in La Jolla in 2026, we have your eco-friendly guide to mark the occasion.

Take one of the ideas below, or combine for a choose-your-own ecotourism adventure on Earth Day – or any day – in San Diego.

Understanding the La Jolla Ecological Reserve

Most of La Jolla’s ocean belongs to the La Jolla Underwater Park. Officially called the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, its 6,000-acre area of ocean floor, making it a literal hidden gem of tourism and beauty under the waves.

The underwater park is included within the Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve, one of three state-protected Marine Protected Areas in La Jolla.

Adjacent to the northern edge of the Matlahuayl SMR is the San Diego-Scripps Coastal State Marine Conservation Area, which lies just off the coast of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

And along the southern part of La Jolla’s coast, off Bird Rock, lies the South La Jolla State Marine Reserve and South La Jolla State Marine Conservation Area. 

If you’re keeping track, this means nearly all of La Jolla’s ocean is protected, making it an oceanographer’s paradise, as well as attracting locals and tourists alike for its biodiversity and plethora of available activities.

The California Department of Fish & Wildlife has placed several limitations or restrictions on activities within the SMRs and SMCAs to protect the natural habitats and the species that live there, ensuring these ecosystems flourish.

In the SMRs, fishing and harvesting are prohibited. In fact, it’s a “no take” zone: shells, sand, animals, plants and rocks are all on the list of “living, geological or cultural marine resources” that are illegal to remove.

Within the SMCAs, some fishing is allowed: “recreational take of coastal pelagic species except market squid (northern anchovy, Pacific sardine, Pacific mackerel, and jack mackerel), by hook-and-line only is allowed.”

Within the southernmost portion of the Matlahuayl SMR, including to the shoreline at La Jolla Cove and marked by buoys, boating and anchoring are strictly prohibited. Only swimming, snorkeling and diving are allowed here.

Low-impact activities: Kayaking and snorkeling

To engage in low-commitment ecotourism in La Jolla, a kayak rental or tour (via companies like La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks) is just right. Paddle through shallow areas to observe marine life from above or explore La Jolla’s seven sea caves and hidden inlets.

Similarly, a view of the underwater park is just a snorkel away, as with just a snorkel and mask, you can witness the wonders of this aquatic playground with no certification required.

Contact companies like La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks, Everyday California and La Jolla Kayak for a highly-reviewed snorkeling tour of La Jolla. They’ll show you the best snorkeling spots San Diego has to offer and get you the wildlife encounters you’re craving.

For other ways to enjoy La Jolla’s Underwater Park, read our guide to activities by sea and land.

Dining with a conscience: Sustainable restaurants

Image courtesy of The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Celebrate Earth Day in culinary style, with delicious food that’s good for the planet. La Jolla is home to many restaurants serving sustainable fare that’s farm-to-table or ocean-to-plate, so choose from the list below and feel proud of your plate:

• AR Valentien: Romance abounds at AR Valentien, and so does sustainability. AR Valentien, along with sister restaurant The Grill at Torrey Pines, pioneered the farm-to-table movement in San Diego, so you can be sure the menus are as eco-conscious as they are outstanding.
• Beeside Balcony: With sustainability reflected all over the menu, Beeside Balcony strives to minimize its environmental impact while maximizing ambiance and flavor. 
• The Cottage: Always delivering one of the best brunches in La Jolla, The Cottage is named on the Surfrider Foundation’s “Ocean Friendly Restaurants” list, which prioritizes sustainable practices, plastic-free solutions and waste reduction.
• Duke’s La Jolla: Good food meets good views at Duke’s La Jolla, also makes it onto Surfrider’s list, blending Aloha vibes with earth-friendly choices.
• Parakeet Cafe: Consistently one of the top cafes in La Jolla, Parakeet Cafe focuses on organic, wholesome meals with locally-sourced ingredients free of seed oils.
• Trilogy Sanctuary: A vibrant wellness center with rooftop tables, Trilogy Sanctuary features the rooftop vegan and organic Trilogy Café, serving 100% organic, gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free dishes.

How to participate in a beach cleanup this Earth Day in La Jolla

Get your hands dirty for Earth Day 2026 at the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Meet at the North beach parking lot at 9 am Saturday, April 25 for a free, family-friendly cleanup event that includes hands-on, eco-friendly activities for kids, educational booths and more. 

Organizations like I Love a Clean San Diego, San Diego Coastkeeper and Surfrider will also host other beach cleanups all over San Diego for Earth Day on April 25. Check the websites for times and location details. 

Arrive at your beach cleanup with clothes that can get a little wet and sandy, and bring gloves and a bag unless the organizers have ensured they’ll provide them. Sunscreen and drinking water will round out your must-haves.

However you celebrate Earth Day in La Jolla, we appreciate your efforts to keep La Jolla the environmental jewel it is.