Historic La Jolla Walking Tour

Overview

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.

City: La Jolla

Sun 18 Jan

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $70.00

Make a reservation

Sun 18 Jan

Starting at $70.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Numerous gems unknown even to locals

Overview of Ellen Scripps’ many contributions

Many fun facts

Background on architecture

Additional Info

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

What To Expect

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

Show 7 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (107)

Pattie_M

May 2024

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.

126manishab

May 2024

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.

AnthonyD3018

May 2024

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.