You’ll Love These 15 Tours & Things To Do In La Jolla

La Jolla stands out as a must-visit spot on California’s coast, especially for travelers craving a mix of outdoor adventures, scenic vistas, and local history. Its dramatic cliffs, lively marine life, and upscale neighborhoods make it ideal for a variety of activities.

Whether you’re pedaling to the top of Mount Soledad, kayaking into sea caves, or exploring tide pools with a marine biologist, La Jolla offers experiences that feel both unique and authentic.

One of our favorite picks is the SoCal Riviera Electric Bike Tour of La Jolla and Mount Soledad, which combines stunning ocean views with a climb to San Diego’s highest point, all on an electric bike—perfect for avoiding the steep hills but still soaking up the scenery.

For families and active travelers, the kayaking and snorkeling tours deliver immersive encounters with seals, sea lions, and colorful fish, while history lovers will appreciate the La Jolla Historic Walking Tour. If you’re into wildlife, the Explore San Diego Tide Pools with a Marine Biologist offers a hands-on educational experience, making it a great choice for kids and adults alike.

Quick Overview

La Jolla’s tours and activities span outdoor adventures, cultural explorations, and wildlife encounters. Popular options include scenic electric bike tours, which cover iconic sites like La Jolla Cove and Windansea Beach, as well as kayaking trips that take you inside sea caves and along marine-rich coastlines.

For those interested in learning more about the area’s past, the Historic La Jolla Walking Tour provides a leisurely stroll through historic landmarks.

Adventure seekers can challenge themselves on slot canyon hikes, or get the adrenaline pumping with a surfing lesson. Keep reading for detailed reviews and insights to help you decide which tour suits your interests best.

1. SoCal Riviera Electric Bike Tour of La Jolla and Mount Soledad

This guided 2.5-hour electric bike tour takes you through La Jolla’s most eye-catching sights and up to Mount Soledad, the city’s highest point. You start at San Diego Tours & Rentals, where you’ll receive your e-bike, a quick safety briefing, and some snacks before heading out. The tour offers a relaxed pace, making hills easier to conquer with the motor assist.

The route includes Ellen Browning Scripps Park, home to sea lions and artist colonies, and the Children’s Pool, where seals gather on the beach. You’ll also stop at Windansea Beach for photos and explore tide pools along Camino De La Costa.

What really stands out is the panoramic view from Mount Soledad, where you’ll see sweeping Pacific Ocean vistas. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and the combination of scenic beauty and wildlife spotting. One said, “Fun and informative tour that was pretty relaxed and a lot of fun,” which sums it up well.

Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers who want a rundown of La Jolla’s highlights while enjoying an easy ride with excellent views.

2. Cali Dreaming Electric Bike Tour of La Jolla and Pacific Beach

For a slightly shorter but equally rich experience, the Cali Dreaming E-Bike Tour is a superb choice at around $99. It’s a 2-hour 10-minute guided ride that takes you from La Jolla to Pacific Beach, exploring sea lions at La Jolla Cove, Windansea Beach, and some of San Diego’s most luxurious neighborhoods.

The guide provides local tips for exploring beyond the tour, making it a great way to get your bearings. The tour emphasizes up-close views of La Jolla’s coastline and relaxing beach stops.

Many reviewers mention how easy and enjoyable the bikes are, with one saying, “The bikes were top notch and comfortable,” and appreciating the guide’s friendly demeanor. It’s ideal for families or casual riders who want a mix of scenery, wildlife, and local flavor. The highlight for many is seeing the sea lions and seals, which really brings the coast to life.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a relaxed, scenic ride with plenty of wildlife viewing and photo opportunities, without a lengthy time commitment.

3. Incredible Slot Canyons to the Pacific

If you’re craving a hiking adventure, the Incredible Slot Canyons to the Pacific ranks high at #3. This strenuous 2-hour tour in Torrey Pines explores sandstone slot canyons, wind caves, and rock grottoes with waterfalls. Ropes and gloves are provided, and your guide is experienced at making the challenging parts safe and fun.

The real magic comes from discovering spectacular vistas after climbing through narrow canyons and reaching the cliff edges overlooking the Pacific.

Guests highlight how the guide’s passion makes the experience memorable, with comments like “An incredible and life-changing experience.” Expect muddy patches and some physical effort, but the reward is breathtaking scenery and a sense of adventure. It’s perfect for reasonably fit travelers looking for something a bit more physically engaging.

Bottom Line: For adventurous spirits ready for a vigorous hike with stunning ocean views at the end—this is a must.

4. Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two

At number 4, the Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two offers a 90-minute paddling adventure in the La Jolla Ecological Reserve. You’ll explore diverse habitats and paddle into the Seven Sea Caves, including Emerald Cave, the only north-facing cave in California. Your experienced guide shares insights into local wildlife like otters, harbor seals, and sea lions, making it as educational as it is scenic.

Rated 4.5 stars with over 760 reviews, this tour is praised for its expert guides and the chance to get inside caves inaccessible to boats. It’s suitable for beginners since all equipment is included, and no prior experience is needed. The highlight is the chance to see marine life up close and paddle through beautiful caves.

One reviewer mentioned, “Brady and Julie, our guides, were fantastic—friendly, knowledgeable, and fun,” pointing to the quality of the experience.

Bottom Line: Ideal for eco-minded travelers looking for an up-close sea cave experience in a small-group setting.

5. La Jolla: 2-Hour Kayak Tour of the 7 Caves

This 2-hour kayak adventure is perfect if you want to see all seven caves along La Jolla’s coast. Rated 4.5 stars and appealing for its close-up exploration of sandstone formations, this tour takes you past Jim’s Cave, Arch Cave, and Clams’ Cave, with opportunities to spot sea lions, dolphins, and sharks.

It’s suitable for most skill levels, with paddling instructions included. Many reviewers appreciate how the tour combines marine wildlife sightings with stunning geological features. One said, “We saw sea lions, dolphins, and even a shark,” which highlights the rich marine environment.

Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a comprehensive cave tour with wildlife spotting, especially if you’re comfortable paddling in open water.

6. Explore San Diego Tide Pools with a Marine Biologist

Rated perfect 5-star, this Tide Pool tour offers a one-hour guided look at the creatures living along La Jolla’s shoreline. Your guide, an experienced marine biologist, points out hermit crabs, sea stars, and other critters, providing insights on conservation. It’s especially good for families and anyone interested in learning about marine life in a relaxed setting.

Reviewers praise the guide’s knowledge, with one stating, “Matt was very knowledgeable and identified everything we found,” and kids love the hands-on aspect. Wearing water-friendly shoes is recommended for comfort during this educational walk.

Bottom Line: Perfect for curious kids and adults eager to understand local marine ecosystems without strenuous activity.

7. Historic La Jolla Walking Tour

This Historic La Jolla Walking Tour provides an engaging 2-hour stroll through the neighborhood’s past. Led by a friendly guide, you’ll visit landmarks like Wisteria Cottage, the Museum of Contemporary Art (which incorporates Ellen Scripps’ former home), and St. James by-the-Sea. Along the way, you’ll hear colorful stories about local philanthropists, artists, and even murderers.

Rated 5 stars, this tour is appreciated for its informative storytelling and insider tips on local dining and activities. Reviewers mention how much they learned and enjoyed the sea lion sightings along the route.

Bottom Line: Ideal for history buffs wanting a leisurely and colorful overview of La Jolla’s unique past.

8. Behind-the-Scenes at Petco Park Tour

For sports fans, the Petco Park Behind-the-Scenes Tour offers an insider look at America’s #1 Ballpark. You’ll visit luxury suites, walk the major league dugout, and see Hall of Fame exhibits—all in an 1 hour 20-minute guided experience.

Rated 4.5 stars, visitors love how close they get to baseball’s inner workings. One reviewer shared, “It was a cool experience to see the behind-the-scenes,” highlighting its appeal for fans and curious travelers alike. The tour includes Wi-Fi access, and it’s suitable for all ages.

Bottom Line: Great for baseball enthusiasts or families wanting a memorable stadium experience beyond game day.

9. La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour (Single Kayak)

Rated a perfect 5 stars, this Single Kayak Tour is tailored for the independent explorer. Over 2 hours, you paddle your own kayak through the ecological reserve, with the chance to see sea lions, dolphins, and even whales. The guide shares insights into the marine environment, making it a very personal experience.

Many reviewers appreciate the high-quality equipment and the peaceful paddling in the protected waters. One said, “Luka was a lot of fun! Beautiful views of coast,” emphasizing the tranquility and marine encounters.

Bottom Line: Best suited for confident paddlers wanting total independence with a guided overview of La Jolla’s marine life.

10. Kayak Tour of the 7 Caves

Offering a 2-hour small-group paddle, the Kayak Tour of the 7 Caves is great for those who want to explore every sandstone cave along La Jolla’s coast. Rated 4.5 stars, it’s particularly recommended for marine life sightings and geological features. Guides assist with paddling and take you past Jim’s Cave, Arch Cave, and Clams’ Cave.

The tour is praised for its personalized experience and the opportunity to see sea lions, dolphins, and sharks. One reviewer said, “They personally brought us into a cave so we could experience the inside,” which highlights the intimacy of the tour.

Bottom Line: Perfect for explorers who want to see all caves and encounter diverse marine wildlife with expert guides.

11. Snorkeling Adventure in La Jolla

Rated 4.5 stars, this Snorkeling Adventure lets you see sea turtles, leopard sharks, and sea lions up close. Led by local guides, the tour includes high-quality gear and wetsuits, making snorkeling comfortable even in cooler waters. You’ll visit the Emerald Cave and explore the shoreline’s marine biodiversity. Participants should know how to swim, but no prior snorkeling experience is necessary.

Many reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the chance to see marine animals such as garibaldi and ray. One said, “We never would have done the cave without her,” highlighting the value of expert guidance.

Bottom Line: Best for water lovers eager to see underwater life and explore La Jolla’s famous caves safely.

12. Learn to Surf in La Jolla

This beginner-friendly Surfing Lesson is rated 5 stars. It’s a 1.5-hour class on La Jolla Shores, suitable for absolute beginners and intermediates. The small group of up to five people means personalized attention from experienced instructors. Boards and rash guards are included, with wetsuits available.

The waves are predictable, making it easier to learn, and many find the instruction helpful and encouraging. One review notes, “High energy and very patient,” which sums up the instructor approach. It’s ideal if you want to try surfing for the first time or improve your skills.

Bottom Line: Great for first-timers or those with a little experience looking for a fun, supportive environment.

13. The Plunge E-Bike Tour in La Jolla

Known for its comprehensive route, The Plunge E-Bike Tour covers beaches, wind caves, Mt. Soledad, and the La Jolla Village area over about 2 hours. The e-bike’s ease allows you to enjoy oceanfront views, sea lions, and luxury homes without fatigue. Starting in downtown La Jolla, the tour then climbs Mt. Soledad for panoramic city and ocean views, before cruising down to Windansea Beach.

Rated 5 stars, reviewers praise the friendly guide and the scenic variety. One said, “Enjoyed the ocean views, luxury homes, and the sea lions,” highlighting the diversity of sights. Bottled water and snacks are provided for a comfortable ride.

Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who want a full coastal experience with a mix of nature, architecture, and ocean scenery.

14. La Jolla: 1.5-Hour Surfing Lesson

If you’re new to surfing, this 1.5-hour lesson is a fantastic pick. It’s rated 4.8 stars and takes place at La Jolla Shores, known for its gentle waves. The small groups and experienced instructors make learning accessible and fun. Gear is included, and the lessons are suitable for beginners and intermediates.

Many reviewers note how helpful and encouraging the instructors are—one called the guide “amazing”—and that you’ll be riding waves sooner than you think. It’s perfect for those who want a hands-on introduction to surfing.

Bottom Line: Ideal for first-time surfers who want a supportive, fun environment with quality instruction.

15. Kayak Rental for Two People in La Jolla

Finally, for those who prefer exploring at their own pace, the Kayak Rental for Two offers 90 minutes of independent paddling. Rated 4.5 stars, the rental includes top-quality equipment and access to La Jolla’s ecological reserve, where you can look out for marine mammals and seabirds.

Many reviewers comment on how tranquil and enjoyable the experience is, even with little previous kayaking experience. One noted, “It was so great to be out in the ocean, bobbing on the calm waves.”

Bottom Line: Perfect for independent paddlers or couples seeking a flexible way to explore La Jolla’s waters.

How to Choose the Best Tour for You

When selecting your La Jolla adventure, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. If you want a leisurely introduction to La Jolla’s sights, the Electric Bike Tours are great.

For wildlife lovers, kayaking and snorkeling offer close encounters with sea lions and fish, while history buffs may prefer the Historic Walking Tour. Active travelers might enjoy a slot canyon hike, but keep in mind that’s more physically demanding.

Booking early is recommended, especially in peak summer months, to secure your preferred time and ensure availability. For water-based adventures, check the weather and sea conditions, and for land activities, consider your mobility and comfort with physical exertion.

Final Thoughts

La Jolla provides a range of compelling tours and outdoor activities suited to different interests and energy levels. For a relaxed yet scenic experience, the Cali Dreaming Electric Bike Tour offers a great balance of scenery and comfort.

If you’re looking for adventure, the slot canyon hike or kayaking give you more active options, while history and culture fans can enjoy the Historic La Jolla Walking Tour.

Whatever you choose, La Jolla’s diverse experiences are sure to make your visit memorable. Book ahead, pack your sense of adventure, and enjoy every moment of exploring this stunning coastal community.