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Historic La Jolla Walking Tour
4.9
94 Ratings
San Diego
Discover the hidden gems of La Jolla on this engaging coastal tour. Explore history, architecture, wildlife, and more with a knowledgeable local guide. Book now!
Duration:
2 hours, 15 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- La Jolla Recreation Center - One of Ellen Scripps’ many gifts to La Jolla. We learn what makes it unique.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
- 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!
- 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?
- La Jolla Cove - La Jolla Cove is the site of caves, sea lions, cormorant rookeries, and unparalleled beauty.
- 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.
- Children’s Pool - The last thing Ellen Scripps gave to La Jolla while she was still alive. Beautiful break wall and lots of seals.
- Coast Boulevard Park - We’ll see The Wedding Bowl and the La Jolla Tide Pools
What's Included
- Numerous gems unknown even to locals
- Overview of Ellen Scripps’ many contributions
- Many fun facts
- Background on architecture
Additional Information
We are the Original and top rated La Jolla walking tour. Learn the rich history of La Jolla. Uncover hidden gems and “Easter Eggs”. Score tailored dining and activity advice.
Sea Lions, philanthropists, murderers, fault lines, and awe-inspiring women — we have it all. Our most enthusiastic reviews are from locals, and we guarantee you’ll learn at least 5 new things, even if you grew up here.
All this is punctuated with numerous historic images of the early days.
We cover approximately 3 leisurely miles and walk a total of about 40 stairs (down). We traverse the heart of the village, and the highlights of the coast. There are some hills so if you have concerns or seek more detail feel free to contact us.
The standard tour is neither wheelchair nor stroller accessible, but we can EASILY design a custom tour tailored to your interests and abilities.
We love to present our little seaside hamlet.
- Not recommended for travelers with walking problems.
- Not recommended for children under 10
Location
La Jolla Recreation Center
Prospect Street
We meet at the curved concrete bench near the corner of Prospect and Draper. There is untimed parking on the west side of Draper about 500 feet away by the tennis courts.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(94 Ratings)
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Davidf342
Jul 11, 2024
One of La Jolla's Gems - My wife and I loved this walking tour with Chas. The history and actors that developed this gorgeous city are so fascinating, and so easily unnoticed by most tourists. Chas wove the personalities, social factors, artistic endeavors and economic together, all bound by the fascinating central story of the Scripp family. Chas has deep knowledge and obvious love of this town. The food and the scenery were brilliant, but so was the tour. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patricia_s
Jul 5, 2024
Excellent definitely recommend - Chas was a great tour guide
He was very knowledgeable and walked at a pace that was very easy
We were able to see the sea lions and see lots of the ocean and see a lot of the historical buildings.
Review provided by Viator
Emily_a
Jul 4, 2024
Beautiful, Informative, and Inspiring - Great tour! Chas was very knowledge about the area and the history. In 2 hours we fell in love with La Jolla. The village is beautiful and its history is inspiring.
Review provided by Viator
228smithaa
Jun 30, 2024
Must do trip - The best way to understand the history and the landmarks in LaJolla. Highly recommended.
Excellent guide - very knowledgeable and passionate.
I would do it again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kristen_b
Jun 19, 2024
Great intro to La Jolla - Chaz was an excellent tour guide. He gave a detailed account of La Jolla history and provided a tour that highlights how much of a gem La Jolla truly is. As I was his only tourist, he was kind enough to walk me to a local restaurant that he recommended, and the food was amazing!! Highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
1larry1held
Jun 11, 2024
Terrific Tour! - Chas is an amazing tour guide. He enthusiastically told stories about the people and history of La Jolla. Thank you, Sir!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pattie_m
May 31, 2024
Don’t just visit La Hoya, experience it with Chas! - Visiting for a friends trip and one requested a walking tour. My daughter recommended using Viator to book something as it can be overwhelming trying to find a tour that the reviews are legit.
The reviews for this tour were spot on and exceeded our expectations. Chas was very knowledgeable of the area and the history. The extra touch of having historical photos on hand helped visualize how it once looked.
Chas is described in many of the reviews as a local, which he is, but we saw someone that is far beyond a local. He’s well involved in keeping the history alive and enriching visitors experience by being involved in maintaining the area. We all agreed this tour was the top of our list of highlights for our trip.
Review provided by Viator
126manishab
May 21, 2024
The must do when you are in La jolla - If you find a tour guide who is a local and a giving soul you know that you will have a great time on the tour.
Chays Dye is that kind of a guide. He is very knowledgeable about the area.
He kindly accomodated a faux paus in my booking the wrong date and gave me a tour anyway on a day he was off duty.
This walking tour gave me knowledge about La jolla that I wouldnot have known, not all of it even if I googled it. The tour covers quite a lot include a wild life watch along the trail.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anthonyd3018
May 18, 2024
Take a stroll through this beautiful city and see it charms up close - Stroll through this beautiful city and discover all of its charms up close. Our guide Chas. Will guide you with a wealth of knowledge and insight. We enjoyed the little town stories. You will learn about many different folks both high and low. Get up close to nature with clear and concise information. This is the best way to see, hear, really feel La Jolla.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scoot360
May 12, 2024
Beautiful view with educationtainment - Great views, great guide! Chas knows a ton and makes the entire trip very entertaining! There's a lot of hidden history of La Jolla and now I know a sliver.
Review provided by Tripadvisor