Free Things to Do in La Jolla, CA

La Jolla, CA's best free activities include Children's Pool Beach, La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Ecological Reserve, La Jolla Shores, and Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.

10 places10 freeOct 2026
La Jolla Cove

Free marine reserve with sea lions, snorkeling, and cliffs — get there early

1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037 · Open 24/7

Free
Children's Pool Beach

Harbor seals took over a beach and now they're the main attraction — free, always

850 Coast Blvd S, La Jolla, CA 92037 · Open 24/7; viewing best during daytime

Free
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Cliff trails with Pacific views that don't feel real — arrive before 10am on weekends

12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037 · Daily 7:15am-sunset

Free entry; parking $20-25 per vehicle
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

Contemporary art with an ocean-view terrace — free if you're 25 or under

700 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 · Thu-Tue 10am-5pm, closed Wed

$25 adults, free 25 and under
Windansea Beach

Legendary surf break with a historic surf shack — locals prefer this over the Shores

6800 Neptune Pl, La Jolla, CA 92037 · Open 24/7

Free
La Jolla Shores

Gentle waves, lifeguards, kayak rentals — the family-friendly La Jolla beach

8200 Camino del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037 · Open 24/7; lifeguards 9am-dusk (summer)

Free; paid parking nearby
Shell Beach Tide Pools

Free tide pools at low tide — sea stars, anemones, and crabs right at your feet

Coast Blvd S at Cuvier St, La Jolla, CA 92037 · Open 24/7; best at low tide

Free
Prospect Street / La Jolla Village

Walkable village with galleries, boutiques, and ocean views — First Thursday Art Walk free

Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 · Most shops 10am-6pm; restaurants to 10pm

Free to walk; First Thursday galleries free
La Jolla Ecological Reserve

Protected marine reserve with leopard sharks and kelp forests — bring your own snorkel

Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037 · Daylight hours

Free (bring gear or rent $15-25)
Torrey Pines Gliderport

Watch paragliders launch off ocean cliffs for free — or tandem fly for $175

2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037 · Daily, weather permitting; flights typically 10am-5pm

Free to watch; tandem flights $175-225