Guided tour

San Diego: La Jolla City and Coast Guided Sightseeing Tour

Activity provider: I Walk San Diego
Guided tour

San Diego: La Jolla City and Coast Guided Sightseeing Tour

Activity provider: I Walk San Diego

From US$ 45 per person

Discover La Jolla, a quaint seaside area of San Diego known for its rugged Coast Walk Trail and bustling Prospect Street. Visit Sunny Jim's Sea Cave and wander La Jolla Cove on a guided walking tour.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 1.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Wheelchair accessible

Experience

Highlights
  • Feel the salty breeze in your hair as you walk along the La Jolla coastline
  • Marvel at the stunning views of Scripps Ecological Reserve & Children's Pool
  • Understand the history of La Jolla, including key pioneers and early residents
  • Spot seals, sea lions, pelicans, and cormorants at Ellen Browning Scripps Park
  • Experience the bustling and historic Prospect Street in downtown La Jolla
Full description

Explore the charming La Jolla region of San Diego with a local guide and curated walking tour. Learn about the area's rich history dating back to the mid-1800s, visit Sunny Jim's Seaside Cave, and marvel at the extraordinary views of Scripps Ecological Reserve while hiking the Coast Walk Trail.

Begin your tour with an overview of San Diego's history, including fascinating details about pioneers like William Heath Davis and Alonzo Horton. Understand how La Jolla became part of San Diego in 1850 and why it became a prime beach destination after area railroads were constructed in the 1890s. 

Continue to Sunny Jim's Sea Cave, the original residence of Gustav Schultz who hired two Chinese laborers to dig a 144-stair tunnel from inside of his house to the cave below. Browse the gift shop and take photos with the group – or explore the tunnel on your own.

Then it's time to walk along the rugged Coast Walk Trail, taking in the stunning panoramic views, including the Scripps Ecological Reserve. Further north, you'll spot University of California - San Diego and the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course. 

Continue along the coast and pass through Ellen Browning Scripps Park. Listen closely as your guide details how Ellen's contributions left an everlasting impression on La Jolla. See La Jolla's amazing wildlife on full display including seals, sea lions, squirrels, pelicans, and cormorants.

Embark on the next part of the tour to Children's Pool, a small beach partially protected by a seawall. This is a popular viewing area for harbor seals and a picturesque beach with a panoramic view.

Conclude your tour with a stroll up Prospect Street in downtown La Jolla, passing several landmark buildings including the Museum of Contemporary Art, La Jolla Historical Society Wisteria Cottage Museum, Grande Colonial Hotel, and La Valencia Hotel.

Includes
  • Guide
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Entry to Sunny Jim's Sea Cave tunnel
  • Tips

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Participants

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Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes

Know before you go

  • This tour requires proper walking shoes and the ability to walk for 1.5 hours including some short uphill sections with multiple stairs and steps
  • The trip down Sunny Jim's Sea Cave tunnel is not part of this tour, however, we will pause for anyone who wishes to do it on their own. A $10 fee and signed waiver are required.
Customer reviews

Overall rating

5 /5

based on 2 reviews

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Started by not expecting much because after I booked the tour thought I could probably just discover the cove area by myself—but our guide was so friendly and knowledgeable and knew tips and tricks to make traveling easier. He knew the area inside and out and gave us factoids that made it well worth the minimal price per person. He knew where there were elevators so we didn’t have to navigate stairs. He knew about the local vendors and animals. He knew about a hotel we could just hang out on the lobby if we needed a break and it was a great spot to cool off rest and have an afternoon drink. He knew about famous people who once resides there and based books off of the natural environment. We were super happy.

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August 28, 2022

My parents and I really enjoyed the tour. Chris was very knowledgeable about the history of La Jolla, the buildings and the plants. Definitely take time to do the stair tour of the caves!

October 5, 2022

Product ID: 419638