Don’t overlook these six best overlooks when visiting La Jolla.
La Jolla is not lacking in views – one look at our instagram page and you’ll be as enamored as we are of the incredible sights from our stunning coastline.
We’d actually argue the best views in San Diego are right here in La Jolla, from a mountaintop with a 360-degree view of the county, to one of several view corridors throughout our seaside neighborhoods that are so precious as to be protected from obstruction by the La Jolla Community Plan.
We’ve seen – and marveled at – all our La Jolla views, and though it was difficult to pare down the list, below you’ll find a curated collection of the best views in La Jolla. Take a short hike, drive a little or walk a bit to experience how vast and lovely the world is from our perspective!
1. Coast Walk Trail
Coast Walk Trail is a short but incredibly sweet scenic trail that hugs a section of bluffs above the La Jolla shoreline from Goldfish Point and Coast Boulevard east to Coast Walk.
Just over a half mile each way, Coast Walk is historic, originally planned for cars but now only a walking trail, maintained by the dedication of the nonprofit group Friends of Coast Walk Trail.
This stretch of La Jolla viewpoints is a good choice for a leisurely stroll, with coffee in hand or not. There are a few stairs on the north end, but a relatively easy path nonetheless.
What you’ll see:
Along the trail, you’ll see grand views of the towering bluffs that are home to the seven sea caves and roosting black cormorants, the iconic La Jolla Cove, and miles of gorgeous coastline to the north.
How to access:
You can access the Coast Walk Trail from either of its two sides, off Torrey Pines Road & Prospect Street, or right in front of The Cave Store.
There are benches along the way so you can stop for breaks if needed and really take your time enjoying the views.
2. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is an immense playground of land full of trails, delighting all visitors with the best views in La Jolla.
It’s home to the rarest pine species in the United States, Pinus torreyana – the Torrey pine – and is one of the most popular parks in San Diego for incredible coastal views.
Some trails are easier to navigate than others, so all should be prepared with good trail footwear (and a camera for remembering the sweeping vistas).
What you’ll see:
The reserve stands tall overlooking the Pacific with stunning views of La Jolla to the south, and to the North, views of San Clemente and the Los Penasquitos Salt Marsh Preserve. On a spectacularly clear day, you may even see out as far as to see the Santa Catalina Islands.
How to access:
The reserve is located along Pacific Coast Highway 101 on N. Torrey Pines Road. Entry to the reserve includes parking for about $20 or visitors can park along N. Torrey Pines Rd for free.
Once inside the gates to the reserve, visitors by car can drive up the steep hill to get additional parking and easier access to the trails and viewpoints. Walking into the reserve is free but requires walking up the steep grade.
3. Mount Soledad
Mount Soledad is one of La Jolla’s most prominent landmarks and a go-to for all San Diegans looking for the best views in La Jolla and the larger region. The Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial rests atop the peak and boasts a 29’ tall white cross that can be seen from miles away.
What you’ll see:
Once at the top of Mount Soledad, there are incredible 360-degree panoramic views of … everything, from east San Diego to the wide Pacific Ocean. This is one of the best places to see the entire city and on clear days, you can see as far down as the mountains of Mexico, the Coronado bridge, and downtown San Diego.
How to access:
The road up to the top of Mount Soledad is windy, sometimes steep, and a lovely little tour of some beautiful La Jolla properties. There is parking once in the park, so this is a terrific choice for wheelchair-accessible viewing or those who have difficulty walking or hiking.
4. Scripps Coastal Meander Trail
The Scripps Coastal Meander Trail is a 1.75-mile trail located on the campus of UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and offers incredible coastal views of La Jolla.
The trail, a short, easy stroll worth of Instagram photos, is also a segment of the California Coastal Trail.
The newest section features a pristine wooden boardwalk traversing 150-200 feet above the beach with native plant species on either side. There are benches along the way to stop and enjoy the views as well.
What you’ll see:
This trail offers a great view of the Scripps Pier as you walk down the boardwalk looking south, with La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove in the distance. There’s also a set of rocks with cutouts that, during solstices and equinoxes, line up perfectly with the setting sun.
How to access:
Navigate to 9234-9218, La Jolla Shores Drive. The trailhead starts at the top of Biological Grade, where you’ll see a sign that says “Coastal Trail Access.” Parking can be found along La Jolla Shores Drive or any neighboring streets where parking is allowed.
5. Torrey Pines Gliderport
The Torrey Pines Gliderport is one of La Jolla’s go-to spots for dramatic views and thrilling adventure. Located atop towering 300-foot coastal cliffs, it’s one of the most popular spots in the world for hang gliding, paragliding, and remote-controlled glider and model airplane enthusiasts.
For those who’d rather keep both feet on the ground, the gliderport offers some of the best views in La Jolla, along with a cafe perfect for lunchtime glider watching.
What you’ll see:
Let your eyes soar along with the gliders up and down the La Jolla coastline, over Black’s Beach and west across the ocean. Or simply catch an epic sunset from the patio of the Cliffhanger cafe.
How to access:
Parking is free in the dirt lot at the gliderport, 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive. Once parked, you can enjoy the views from the patio or to the left of the Cliffhanger Cafe where there are several walking paths with viewpoints. Always stick carefully to the provided paths!
6. La Jolla Cove & The Children’s Pool
For a simple, stunning view of La Jolla for anyone regardless of walking ability is the well-traversed, sidewalked path between The Children’s Pool and The Cove.
The half-mile stretch encompasses the most beautiful (and therefore most-visited) La Jolla locales, paved for wheelchair users, strollers, and anyone else.
What you’ll see:
Among the tourists and locals, you’ll enjoy the panoramic ocean and all its wildlife, two types of local pinnipeds, the expansive and historic Scripps Park and so much more. You’ll have the best views of our local beaches from above and get a terrific sense of what coastal life is like in La Jolla.
How to access:
Start at either end, or somewhere in the middle – street parking is available all along the route and you’ll easily find your way just following the sidewalk.
Hungry for more but tired from walking? Be sure to read our list of the best restaurants in La Jolla with a view.
© lajolla.ca
