Day trip: La Jolla — snorkeling, eateries and seaside walks
Yes — you can do La Jolla as a comfortable half- or full-day outing from San Diego Mission Bay Resort. Drive or bike the 6-ish miles to La Jolla Shores for snorkeling and seaside walks, then return to the resort for dinner at Covewood or to relax by the pool.
In this guide
Plan your timing
La Jolla is commonly described as roughly six miles from Mission Bay–area properties; driving is the fastest option for a day trip. Expect travel times to vary with traffic.
For snorkeling at La Jolla Shores, mornings often have the calmest water and fewer people; late afternoon is a good time to return to the resort for sunset views and dinner.
- Leave early for street parking near La Jolla Shores on busy summer weekends.
- Bring layers — coastal mornings can be cool even on sunny days.
- If you prefer two wheels, the resort sits on the 12-mile Mission Bay loop, which connects to beach areas but may require a longer ride.
| When | Why |
|---|---|
| Morning | Calmer water for snorkeling, fewer crowds |
| Afternoon | Warmer air but busier beaches |
| Evening | Return to the resort for Covewood dinner or poolside relaxation |
Getting from San Diego Mission Bay Resort to La Jolla
Driving or rideshare is the most direct way to reach La Jolla from 1775 East Mission Bay Drive. Public transit requires transfers and will take significantly longer; there is no single direct bus to the airport or La Jolla from the resort.
If you prefer active transport, the resort connects to a 12-mile paved Mission Bay loop for biking and walking that links to nearby beaches, but the full route to La Jolla involves city streets as you approach the shore.
- Drive/rideshare: fastest and most flexible for a day trip.
- Bike: possible for fit cyclists using the Mission Bay loop and coastal bike routes.
- Public transit: involves transfers; allow extra time.
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Drive / rideshare | Most direct; variable travel time with traffic |
| Bike | Use the Mission Bay loop; longer ride but scenic |
| Public transit | Multiple transfers; longer total travel time |
Where to snorkel in La Jolla
La Jolla Shores is the standard spot for beginner-to-intermediate snorkeling: a sandy entry, gentle waves (most days), and opportunities to see fish and kelp beds. La Jolla Cove is known for its marine life and rocky reefs; conditions can be choppier there and beach access is more limited.
If you plan to swim out to the reefs or visit sea caves, consider booking a guided kayak or snorkeling tour with a local operator for safety and local knowledge.
- La Jolla Shores — sandy beach, ideal for snorkeling from shore.
- La Jolla Cove — rocky reef; good wildlife viewing but can have stronger currents.
- Guided trips — operators provide gear, instruction and local safety briefing.
| Spot | Who it's best for |
|---|---|
| La Jolla Shores | Families and first-time snorkelers |
| La Jolla Cove | Snorkelers comfortable with rocky entries and currents |
| Guided tours | Anyone wanting equipment, local guidance, or cave access |
Gear and operator tips
You can bring your own mask, snorkel and fins or rent from local shops and tour operators in La Jolla. Many outfitters run morning tours, which is convenient if you plan to snorkel early and still have time for a late lunch or more sightseeing.
If you rent, confirm what is included (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit if needed) and whether the operator provides a safety briefing and flotation as part of the trip.
- Ask about wetsuit availability — Pacific water temperatures vary seasonally.
- For guided kayak tours that visit the sea caves or ecological reserves, check if reservations are required.
- If traveling with children, confirm minimum ages and supervision rules with the operator.
| Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Is equipment included? | Avoid surprise costs at pickup |
| Are tours guided? | Guides know currents, wildlife locations and safety |
| What are age/minimums? | Ensures the activity is appropriate for kids |
Eateries: La Jolla and back at the resort
La Jolla has many beachfront cafés and casual seafood spots suitable for a post-snorkel lunch; check local listings for current hours and reservation policies. The guide above does not list specific La Jolla restaurant names — research in advance for your preferred cuisine and hours.
On return to San Diego Mission Bay Resort you have dining options on-site if you prefer to stay close: Covewood serves brunch and dinner with bay views, Mission Joe covers coffee and quick breakfast items, and Solrisa offers poolside Mexican-inspired bites.
- Covewood — brunch and dinner with indoor/outdoor patio seating overlooking Mission Bay; happy hour daily Sun–Thu 3:00pm–5:00pm.
- Mission Joe — coffee, pastries, acai bowls and breakfast sandwiches; hours vary, check with concierge.
- Solrisa — poolside menu that includes fish tacos and kid-friendly items; casual, no reservations required.
| On-site venue | Typical service |
|---|---|
| Covewood | Brunch & dinner; waterfront seating |
| Mission Joe | Coffee and quick breakfast items |
| Solrisa | Poolside casual bites and drinks |
Seaside walks and viewpoints in La Jolla
After snorkeling, walk the La Jolla coastline: the Cove area features short cliff-top paths with penguin and seal/sea lion viewing opportunities and scenic overlooks. Paths around La Jolla include paved promenades and short stair descents to viewing points — wear sensible shoes.
If you prefer a longer route, combine the Cove viewpoints with the nearby Scripps Coastal Reserve or the La Jolla Shores shoreline for a mix of rocky reef and sandy-beach scenery.
- Cliff-top walks at La Jolla Cove — good for wildlife viewing from shore.
- La Jolla Shores promenade — sandy stretches and easier beach access.
- Scripps and nearby reserves — quieter trails for a longer walk.
| Walk | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Cove viewpoints | Rocky overlooks and marine wildlife observation |
| Shores promenade | Sandy beach walking and easy entries |
| Scripps Reserve | Quieter coastal trails and tidal pools |
Return, relax and choose a room for a bay view
After your day trip, return to the resort to use the outdoor pools (open 7:00 AM–10:00 PM) or hot tub, and consider dining at Covewood or Plaza Del Sol for evening drinks. Pool cabanas are available for a surcharge if you want a shaded lounge space.
If you want a bay-facing room to watch sunset from your balcony or patio, look for room types that list lagoon or bay views when you reserve — examples on the property include Traditional Room, Studio, Villa, Junior Suite, Suite (Sunset), Grand Suite and others. Confirm view and bedding at booking.
- Pools open daily 7:00 AM–10:00 PM; cabanas available for a surcharge.
- Covenants like firepit evenings and weekly live music may be part of the resort experience—check the resort calendar.
- Popular room names to request (confirm at booking): Traditional Room, Studio, Villa, Junior Suite, Suite (Sunset), Grand Suite.
| Amenity | Resort detail |
|---|---|
| Pool hours | 7:00 AM–10:00 PM |
| Spa | Spa Brezza — reservations required; guests must be 18+ for treatments |
| Fitness center | 24-hour gym; access included in resort fee |
