Where to stay without a car

Question

Starting to plan a holiday in September. Would it be manageable to stay in the Village of La Jolla without a car, and still be able to access restaurants/the beach on foot? or is it better to stay at La Jolla shores?

Answer

La Jolla is a great place to stay without a car, especially in the Village area. It’s a very walkable neighborhood with plenty to offer in terms of restaurants, shopping, and the beach. Here's a breakdown of your options:

Staying in La Jolla Village without a car:
La Jolla Village is compact and pedestrian-friendly, so if you’re staying in the heart of the village, you should have no problem walking to most restaurants, cafes, and shops. The beach, including La Jolla Cove, is also within walking distance from many spots in the village. There are plenty of walkable paths, and the area has a relaxed, walkable vibe.

Restaurants and Dining: You’ll find a wide variety of dining options within walking distance, from upscale restaurants to casual spots with ocean views. Most of these are located in the Village area, so you won’t have to go far to find a place to eat.
Beaches: La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores are both accessible on foot, though La Jolla Cove is closer to the village. It’s a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the coastal views. If you're staying near the village, you could walk down to the beach in about 10-15 minutes.
Attractions: Besides the beach, you can easily visit the La Jolla Sea Caves, the Children's Pool (a popular spot for seals), and the La Jolla Underwater Park, all of which are walkable or just a short distance away from the village.

Staying at La Jolla Shores:
While La Jolla Shores is also a beautiful area, it is a bit more spread out, and walking to La Jolla Village from there would take about 20-25 minutes, or you may prefer to take a short ride in a taxi or on a bus. The area is still very nice, and it offers great access to the beach, especially if you enjoy quieter beach days and being closer to the La Jolla Shores Beach Park.

Beach: La Jolla Shores is right on the beach, making it ideal for people who want to stay close to the sand. The beach is less crowded compared to La Jolla Cove, making it a great spot for relaxation and water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Restaurants: There are some restaurants and cafes near La Jolla Shores, but the more diverse dining scene, as well as shopping and nightlife, are concentrated in the Village, which means you may need to travel a bit to reach them.
Public transport: Public buses are available, but if you’re planning to stay at La Jolla Shores, you may find it more convenient to have a car for access to a wider variety of restaurants and other attractions in La Jolla Village.

Recommendation:
For a car-free visit, staying in the Village of La Jolla is your best bet. It’s central, walkable, and offers a range of activities and amenities within easy reach. You’ll be close to restaurants, shops, and the beach, and you can easily walk to the famous La Jolla Cove and nearby attractions. If you don’t mind walking a little more or taking a short bus ride, La Jolla Shores is also a lovely area, but you may feel a bit more isolated from the main village action.

Additional tips:
- La Jolla is generally safe and has well-maintained sidewalks for walking, but do keep in mind that some of the hills can be steep, particularly between the village and the cove areas.

Public Transit: If you prefer to avoid walking for longer distances, San Diego’s public transit system, including buses and trolleys, can be convenient for getting around La Jolla and the surrounding areas.
Biking: Consider renting bikes or e-bikes as another great way to explore the area without a car.

Overall, staying in La Jolla Village without a car is very doable and offers the most convenience for a relaxing holiday with easy access to restaurants, beaches, and attractions.

Where to stay without a car

More La Jolla Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions