Coronado Island and La Jolla advice

Question

We are thinking of renting a car when we land and keeping it for the first 2 days of our trip. We land around 10:30 am and plan to run by our hotel to check in and then head to Coronado Island. We will go to La Jolla the next day before returning the rental car.

1. What are the primary “sights” to see on Coronado island other than the famous hotel? About how many hours should we allot? What is the parking situation on the island?

2. In La Jolla, we plan to drive around some to look at the neighborhoods but would like to see the beaches and the sea lions. Any suggestions where the best location is to see them and where to park. How much time should we allot? Any other ideas about what to do?

FYI. We love looking at the beaches and the water, but we are not “beach people” and are not going to be lounging on the beaches.

Answer

San Diego’s Coronado Island and La Jolla offer scenic coastal experiences that are ideal for sightseeing without needing to lounge on the beaches. Since you plan to have a rental car for the first two days, you’ll have flexibility to explore at your own pace.

1. Coronado Island

Besides the famous Hotel del Coronado, there are several highlights on Coronado Island worth visiting. A typical visit can last 2–4 hours depending on how much you want to explore and walk around.

Coronado Beach: Wide, sandy beach with views of the Pacific; good for walking along the shore and taking photos.
Coronado Ferry Landing: Charming shops, restaurants, and views of downtown San Diego across the bay.
Orange Avenue: Main street with boutique shops, galleries, and cafés; nice for a leisurely stroll.
Coronado Tidelands Park: Scenic park with views of the marina; ideal for a short walk and photo opportunities.

Parking: Street parking is available but can be limited near the Hotel del and Ferry Landing. Metered parking is common; some areas require paying via mobile apps. Arriving earlier in the day helps secure spots.

2. La Jolla

La Jolla is perfect for coastal views, tide pools, and wildlife observation, particularly sea lions. Plan 3–4 hours for exploring the area if you want to drive around the neighborhoods, stop at key spots, and enjoy short walks.

La Jolla Cove: Best spot to see sea lions and seals up close. There’s a small parking lot adjacent to the cove; street parking is available but limited.
Children’s Pool Beach: Another location to observe sea lions, especially in the afternoon. A short boardwalk leads to viewing areas; parking along the street is possible.
La Jolla Shores / Coast Boulevard: Great for scenic drives and views of the ocean cliffs. Street parking is available near overlooks and small parks.
Tide Pools and Coastal Walks: Explore areas like Shell Beach or the La Jolla Sea Cave area; short walks provide excellent ocean views and photo opportunities without strenuous hiking.

Additional tips:

Bring layers: Coastal breezes can be cool even in summer.
Arrive early at popular spots for easier parking, especially on weekends.
Binoculars or a camera with zoom can enhance wildlife viewing at La Jolla.
Both areas are well-suited for short walks, photography, and enjoying ocean vistas without spending time sunbathing.

By planning roughly half a day on Coronado Island and a similar duration in La Jolla, you can comfortably see the highlights, enjoy the ocean views, and take photos of the sea lions while keeping your schedule relaxed.

Coronado Island and La Jolla advice

More San Diego Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions