Historic La Jolla Walking Tour
Historic La Jolla Walking Tours
5.0
Georgette H
13 days ago
Chas was excellent! He has a deep knowledge of La Jolla’s history and was also very insightful about current trends, conservation efforts, and the local community. He’s a natural storyteller and presents the history of the region in a dynamic, engaging way that keeps you fully immersed. He does a wonderful job tailoring the experience to his audience, which made our private tour feel very personal and enjoyable.
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.
Departure Point
- 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.
- 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.
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: St. James by-The-Sea Episcopal Church743 Prospect St, La Jolla, CaliforniaOne of Ellen Scripps’ many gifts to La Jolla. We learn what makes it unique.Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Girard Avenue and Prospect StreetAbout 16 Km Northwest of San Diego, Girard and Prospect Avenues, La Jolla, CaliforniaWe will not tour the museum, but it is the site of Ellen Scripps’ home in La Jolla, which is incorporated into the museum.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: La Jolla Cove1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CaliforniaThe 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.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Ellen Browning Scripps Park1133 Coast Blvd, , La Jolla, CaliforniaSt. James by the Sea is a beautiful church. But what stands there now is not the original structure. Where did it go?Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Children's Pool850 Coast Blvd, , La Jolla, CaliforniaGround Zero La Jolla. There is a lot of history at and near this intersection, and we have the photos to prove it!Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Coast Boulevard ParkCoast Blvd, La Jolla, CaliforniaThe 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?Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego700 Prospect St, , La Jolla, CaliforniaLa Jolla Cove is the site of caves, sea lions, cormorant rookeries, and unparalleled beauty.Duration: 15 minutesStop At: The Cave Store1325 Coast Blvd., , La Jolla, CaliforniaSouth 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.Duration: 20 minutesStop At: La Jolla Recreation Center615 Prospect St, La Jolla, CaliforniaThe last thing Ellen Scripps gave to La Jolla while she was still alive. Beautiful break wall and lots of seals.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: La Jolla Historical Society780 Prospect St, La Jolla, CaliforniaWe’ll see The Wedding Bowl and the La Jolla Tide PoolsDuration: Not AvailableAdditional Information
- 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
- Numerous gems unknown even to locals
- Overview of Ellen Scripps’ many contributions
- Many fun facts
- Background on architecture
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.
Departure Point
- 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.
- 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.
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: St. James by-The-Sea Episcopal Church743 Prospect St, La Jolla, CaliforniaOne of Ellen Scripps’ many gifts to La Jolla. We learn what makes it unique.Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Girard Avenue and Prospect StreetAbout 16 Km Northwest of San Diego, Girard and Prospect Avenues, La Jolla, CaliforniaWe will not tour the museum, but it is the site of Ellen Scripps’ home in La Jolla, which is incorporated into the museum.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: La Jolla Cove1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CaliforniaThe 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.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Ellen Browning Scripps Park1133 Coast Blvd, , La Jolla, CaliforniaSt. James by the Sea is a beautiful church. But what stands there now is not the original structure. Where did it go?Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Children's Pool850 Coast Blvd, , La Jolla, CaliforniaGround Zero La Jolla. There is a lot of history at and near this intersection, and we have the photos to prove it!Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Coast Boulevard ParkCoast Blvd, La Jolla, CaliforniaThe 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?Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego700 Prospect St, , La Jolla, CaliforniaLa Jolla Cove is the site of caves, sea lions, cormorant rookeries, and unparalleled beauty.Duration: 15 minutesStop At: The Cave Store1325 Coast Blvd., , La Jolla, CaliforniaSouth 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.Duration: 20 minutesStop At: La Jolla Recreation Center615 Prospect St, La Jolla, CaliforniaThe last thing Ellen Scripps gave to La Jolla while she was still alive. Beautiful break wall and lots of seals.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: La Jolla Historical Society780 Prospect St, La Jolla, CaliforniaWe’ll see The Wedding Bowl and the La Jolla Tide PoolsDuration: Not AvailableAdditional Information
- 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
- Numerous gems unknown even to locals
- Overview of Ellen Scripps’ many contributions
- Many fun facts
- Background on architecture
Need To Know Info
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and SavingsCustomer Reviews
5.0
based on Groupon 124 reviews
100% Verified Reviews
All Groupon reviews are from people who have redeemed deals with this merchant. Review requests are sent by email to customers who purchased the deal.
Reviewed on
Georgette H
Chas was excellent! He has a deep knowledge of La Jolla’s history and was also very insightful about current trends, conservation efforts, and the local community. He’s a natural storyteller and presents the history of the region in a dynamic, engaging way that keeps you fully immersed. He does a wonderful job tailoring the experience to his audience, which made our private tour feel very personal and enjoyable.
barbarajP4962SG
This is a wonderful tour to learn about and enjoy La Jolla. Chas is a walking encyclopedia on the history of the town and makes it all fun and interesting- even with a binder of historical photos! Also good for learning sites and food recommendations. We will always remember this visit and the legacy of Ellen Scripps.
Navigator501284
I have lived in San Diego since 1990 and have had the opportunity go on many fun tours. This tour of guided by Chas, was truly fascinating. Chas also was super knowledgeable about the history behind the tour as well.
J118EWpetral
I really enjoyed my La Jolla tour with Chas! His explanations were clear, insightful, and filled with interesting historical references. It was an engaging and enjoyable way to learn about the area’s history and character—thank you, Chas, for such a wonderful tour.
Minerva_E
Sightseeing mixed in with a history lesson. Wonderful insights on the historical people who help build this city.