Stay in La Jolla if you want to paddle into sea caves, snorkel with garibaldi, poke around tide pools and hear the sea lions bark at the Cove, then walk to dinner in the Village. Stay in Coronado for one wide, flat, glittering beach, the Hotel del Coronado and a quieter island closer to downtown and the airport. La Jolla’s coast is mostly coves and cliffs; La Jolla Shores is its easy sandy swimming beach. Both are expensive, and La Jolla has more variety in where to eat.
If you choose La Jolla
La Valencia Hotel: the 1926 “Pink Lady” above La Jolla Cove.
La Jolla Shores Hotel: right on the sand at La Jolla Shores, 8110 Camino Del Oro.
Grande Colonial: the historic hotel in the Village, a short walk to the Cove.
La Jolla Shores Beach: La Jolla’s sandy swimming beach, and where kayak, snorkel and surf outfitters launch.
If you choose Coronado
The Hotel del Coronado, opened in 1888 at 1500 Orange Ave., is the landmark stay, on a broad beach that suits an easy swim day.
Related La Jolla guides
FAQ
Is La Jolla or Coronado better for families who want an easy swim beach?
Coronado’s beach is the easier swim day. If you stay in La Jolla, use La Jolla Shores.
Is La Jolla or Coronado better for ocean wildlife?
La Jolla. Kayak, snorkel and sea cave tours launch from La Jolla Shores, and sea lions haul out at the Cove.