La Jolla itinerary help please

Question

Hello again. I could use some help planning another day of our SD vacation in August (weekday). I asked for help with the Zoo earlier. We are staying on Coronado Island and will be using rideshare. We are two adults.

I am interested in doing the following but not sure if it is too much in one day:

Definitely go on the La Jolla Kayak Sea Caves Tour

Definitely see the seals and sea lions at Point La Jolla and Children's Pool

Possibly go to Torrey Pines, either to hike or to watch hang gliders taking off at the Gliderport

Possibly go to Mission Beach/Belmont Park to ride the wooden roller coaster or just stroll

I would love recommendations for the order in which to do these things, and any suggestions for lunch. I would prefer to eat outside. I've read that you can watch the hang gliders taking off while eating lunch, which sounds entertaining. This midwesterner is also interested in trying an In-N-Out Burger, but it doesn't look like any are near these activities.

Thank you for any suggestions.

Answer

For a day in La Jolla and nearby San Diego areas, it’s definitely possible to fit all of your listed activities, but the key is a logical route to minimize backtracking and make the day feel relaxed rather than rushed. Since you’re using rideshare from Coronado, planning geographically makes a big difference.

Suggested itinerary order:

Morning: Start at La Jolla Kayak Sea Caves Tour. Morning is ideal for calmer waters and fewer crowds. Tours usually last 1.5–2 hours, so you’ll finish by late morning.
After kayaking, walk around Point La Jolla and Children’s Pool to see the seals and sea lions. This is close to the kayak launch areas, so minimal travel time. Spend 30–45 minutes here enjoying the wildlife and views.
Lunch recommendation: Head up to Torrey Pines Gliderport. You can grab lunch at the Gliderport Café, which offers outdoor seating with views of hang gliders taking off—a perfect spot for both scenic enjoyment and a relaxed meal.
Optional: After lunch, explore Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve if you’d like a short hike. Even a 1–2 mile trail offers fantastic ocean views. If hiking isn’t appealing, simply enjoy the overlook areas.
Late afternoon: Visit Mission Beach/Belmont Park for a stroll and/or ride the wooden roller coaster. Evening light and cooler temperatures make this a pleasant stop. Grab a casual snack or drink if desired.

Additional notes and tips:

In-N-Out Burger: The nearest location is in Pacific Beach near Mission Beach, so you could incorporate this either before or after visiting Belmont Park.
Timing: Starting your kayak tour early (around 9:00 am) and spacing stops reasonably will allow you to comfortably do everything without feeling rushed.
Rideshare logistics: Since all your stops are along the coast, rideshare should be relatively convenient, but expect slightly higher wait times in busy areas like La Jolla Village or Mission Beach.
Flexibility: If you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider skipping the Mission Beach stop or replacing the Torrey Pines hike with just a lookout visit.

Summary: Kayak tour first → Point La Jolla seals → Lunch at Gliderport → optional Torrey Pines hike → Mission Beach/Belmont Park → In-N-Out snack if desired. This route minimizes crisscrossing and lets you enjoy each location with scenic views and outdoor dining options.

La Jolla itinerary help please

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