The Sands La Jolla has an unbeatable location, right in the middle of Bird Rock near Bird Rock Beach, Tourmaline Surf Park and the world-famous surf haven of Windansea Beach. It's just a short walk to any of these beautiful beaches, where you can spend the day in San Diego’s amazing year-round weather. The area is also very family-friendly with tons of things to do for kids of all ages!
La Jolla is always popping with great beaches, cafes, and shops to explore. There are plenty of things to do here that are very affordable. The area is a perfect mix of family-friendly beaches, trendy shops, and fun activities for the entire family. There's even a beautiful aquarium nearby, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
With such a beachy location, there’s no shortage of nearby activities and attractions to get the heart racing. Consider buying a Go City San Diego pass in advance, which offers great discounts on everything from surfboard and gear rentals to admission prices to local attractions. The Go City pass is the best deal for any visitor to La Jolla, especially if you plan on seeing all that the town has to offer.
Use our discount code (GVSD5OFF) to get additional savings on the Go City San Diego pass!
The Sands La Jolla features plenty of attractions within walking distance and some just a quick drive away.
Check out the list below for some of the best attractions nearby!
San Diego Zoo
The world-famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park is a quick 20-minute drive from the Sands La Jolla, off of I-5.
The zoo offers some incredibly unique opportunities to see exotic animals that are native to more extreme environments. A visit is a breathtaking way for visitors to learn about animals and how they have adapted over time. There are also shows on the weekends featuring special guests, providing entertainment for the whole family.
The zoo is an attraction that any visitor to San Diego should visit during their trip, especially if you have children. Admission is very affordable and the zoo offers plenty of fun activities for kids before or after a visit.
The Birch Aquarium at Scripps
The family-friendly Birch Aquarium at Scripps is just a short drive from the hotel off of La Jolla Blvd., around 15 min. away by car.
This aquarium features some incredible animal displays, including tropical fish, penguins, and even an octopus. There's also plenty of beautiful art in the facility to help entertain both kids and adults while you wait for your shows or explore exhibits.
La Jolla Beaches
The beaches in La Jolla are known for their world-class surfing as well as their beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. The beaches here are perfect for a day under the sun.
A few popular beaches include Shell Beach & Boomer Beach, both very family-friendly and not too crowded.
The La Jolla Cove is another wonderful La Jolla beach and great place to view sea lions and the unique La Jolla cliffs. The is popular with swimmers as it is rather protected from the waves and has a buoy swimmers love to swim to.There's also a lovely jogging trail that runs alongside the beach.
The beaches are a perfect place to sit and relax as well as learn about some of North America's most precious sea life in some of San Diego’s best tide pools. There are even kayaks available for rent near the beach for an additional fee.
These beaches are a must-see during any visit to La Jolla, especially if you have children or enjoy playing in the ocean!