Recommendations for lunch/dinner ideas for La Jolla

Question

Arriving Sunday through Wednesday we will have 2 teenagers with us. Looking for great places to eat. Our hotel provides breakfast so we probably will just eat there most of the time. We do plan on eating at Honey Bees the day we leave for breakfast. My 18 year old wants to go there. One day we plan on going to the zoo and maybe the comic-con museum. One day we plan on going to La Jolla for the kayak sea cave tour.

Anything else we should plan on doing after the kayak tour? I know the zoo and a little of balboa park will take it one day.

Answer

Great plan — La Jolla is such a lovely spot for a meal, especially with teens, and there are fun things to do after your kayak tour. Here are some recommendations for lunch/dinner plus ideas for how to spend the rest of your La Jolla time.

Restaurant Recommendations in La Jolla

George’s at the Cove / Ocean Terrace — This is probably the go-to for a special but still accessible spot. The restaurant has three levels: California Modern (more upscale), Level 2 bar/casual, and the Ocean Terrace with a rooftop feel and incredible ocean views.
- For dinner: Their dinner menu features seasonal, coastal-inspired dishes, plus a children’s menu.
- For lunch: The Ocean Terrace is a relaxed, breezy place perfect to sit outside, take in the views, and enjoy California-style fare.
- Kid-friendly pick: There’s a kid’s menu, plus more casual fare if the teens want something less “fancy” but still fun.
Rimel’s Rotisserie — A more laid-back, family-friendly spot; known for organic, locally sourced ingredients and a solid menu that appeals to both adults and kids.
Herringbone La Jolla — A great seafood-forward restaurant in La Jolla Village that also leans into seasonal, farm-to-table produce. (Listed in dining guides.)
Himitsu — A sushi / Japanese restaurant in La Jolla, casual but elegant; good if your teens like sushi or Asian cuisine.
Spice & Rice Thai Kitchen — A comfy, casual Thai option for dinner that’s flavorful and has enough variety to please everyone in the family.

Ideas for Things to Do in La Jolla After the Kayak Sea Cave Tour

Coast Walk Trail — After your kayak tour, you could walk along the bluffs above La Jolla’s coastline. The Coast Walk Trail offers scenic views of sea caves, cliffs, and wildlife.
Visit Children’s Pool / Seal Rock / Shell Beach — Depending on the tide and season, you might see harbor seals resting on the rocks near Children’s Pool beach.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps — If your family is into sea life, the Birch Aquarium (part of UCSD) is a really fun stop.
Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave — There’s a little tunnel (“Sunny Jim’s Cave”) carved into the cliff; it’s quirky, historic, and fun for teens to explore.
Tide-pooling at Shell Beach — If the tide is low, Shell Beach has interesting tide-pool areas where you can see sea life up close.

Suggested Itinerary with Food + Activities

Day of Kayak Tour: Do your 1.5–2 hour sea cave kayak/snorkel tour in the late morning or early afternoon. Afterward, grab lunch at George’s Ocean Terrace (or the bar/casual level) so you can sit outside and enjoy the ocean views. Then walk along the Coast Walk Trail to stretch your legs and take in views of the cliffs and caves.
Evening: For dinner, George’s (if you want a special, scenic experience) or choose one of the more casual spots listed above depending on how hungry or tired the teens are. After dinner, consider walking through the La Jolla Village or along the bluff to catch sunset.

Tips & Considerations

Make reservations for George’s at the Cove if possible — especially for dinner, since it’s a very popular spot with the best views.
If your teens are into nature, bring good walking shoes for the Coast Walk Trail or tide-pooling adventures.
Check the tide schedule if you want to explore the tide-pools or visit Seal Rock / Children’s Pool — lower tides are more interesting for marine life.
Bring a light jacket — evenings by the coast can be cooler, especially after a day of kayaking.

Overall: you’ll have a fantastic mix of adventure (kayaking), nature (cliff walk or tide-pools), and great food with a view.