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California Historic La Jolla San Diego Walking Tour

4.9
(107 reviews)
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Find hidden gems and learn all about the neighborhood with the help of a friendly guide on this historic walking tour. From the village to the coast, you’ll walk at a leisurely pace for around three miles as you hear stories about La Jolla’s past, from philanthropists and awe-inspiring women to murderers. They can also share dining and activity advice tailored to your interests.

Overview

Find hidden gems and learn all about the neighborhood with the help of a friendly guide on this historic walking tour. From the village to the coast, you’ll walk at a leisurely pace for around three miles as you hear stories about La Jolla’s past, from philanthropists and awe-inspiring women to murderers. They can also share dining and activity advice tailored to your interests.

Itinerary

  • La Jolla Recreation Center

    One of Ellen Scripps’ many gifts to La Jolla. We learn what makes it unique.

    10 minutes
  • Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

    We will not tour the museum, but it is the site of Ellen Scripps’ home in La Jolla, which is incorporated into the museum.

    5 minutes
  • La Jolla Historical Society

    The La Jolla Historical Society is housed in Wisteria Cottage, which was the residence of Ellen Scripps’ half-sister Virginia (Jenny). We won’t go in the museum, but you will learn how Wisteria Cottage has been used over the years, as well as fun facts about Jenny.

    5 minutes
  • St James by-The-Sea Episcopal Church

    St. James by the Sea is a beautiful church. But what stands there now is not the original structure. Where did it go?

    5 minutes
  • Girard Avenue and Prospect Street

    Ground Zero La Jolla. There is a lot of history at and near this intersection, and we have the photos to prove it!

    10 minutes
  • The Cave Store

    The Cave Store is the second longest continuously operating enterprise in La Jolla (we’ll see the oldest too). You’ll learn why the original owner decided to build a tunnel to Sunny Jim’s cave, and who was Sunny Jim anyway?

    5 minutes
  • La Jolla Cove

    La Jolla Cove is the site of caves, sea lions, cormorant rookeries, and unparalleled beauty.

    15 minutes
  • Ellen Browning Scripps Park

    South of La Jolla Cove, this park stretches between La Jolla Cove and Children’s Pool and is one of the most beautiful parts of La Jolla.

    20 minutes
  • Children's Pool

    The last thing Ellen Scripps gave to La Jolla while she was still alive. Beautiful break wall and lots of seals.

    5 minutes
  • Coast Boulevard Park

    We’ll see The Wedding Bowl and the La Jolla Tide Pools

Location

Meeting Point Map

Address

615 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA

Open Google Map

Experience

Highlights

  • Informative tour guides share tales of La Jolla’s rich past
  • Entertaining and educational for locals and tourists alike
  • Keep your eyes peeled for sea lions
  • Get top tips from your guide on where to eat and what to do after the tour
  • Inclusions

    • Numerous gems unknown even to locals
    • Overview of Ellen Scripps’ many contributions
    • Many fun facts
    • Background on architecture

    Additional Information

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Not recommended for travelers with walking problems.
    • Not recommended for children under 10

    Guide Languages

    • English

    Cancellation Policy

    • A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.

    • No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.

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