La Jolla “The Jewel” is a seaside city spanning 7 miles of curving coastline along the Pacific Ocean, surrounded on three sides by ocean bluffs and beaches. The area was mapped as pueblo land and contained about 60 lots during the Mexican period. Several of the lots were acquired and subdivided by Charles Dean in 1870 but when he could not proceed with developing the land, Frank T. Botsford and George W. Heald took it on during a real estate boom in the 1880s. Their efforts were joined by the completion of the railway connecting La Jolla to the rest of San Diego and by 1900, La Jolla had 100 buildings.
A notable resident in La Jolla’s early history was Ellen Browning Scripps, a journalist and publisher who devoted herself to philanthropic endeavors. She commissioned many of La Jolla’s most notable buildings, to include the La Jolla Recreational Center and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, where she previously lived. Her financial support also launched the Scripps Memorial Hospital and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, which became part of the University of California.
Before UC San Diego was established, it was previously a military base for the Marine Corps from 1917 through 1964. Because the population of La Jolla grew due to World War II, the base became less suitable as a firing range due to the residential development. Thus, the base closed in 1964 and became the campus location for UC San Diego. Today, the university is the second largest employer in the city and is well-known throughout the nation for its research expenditure.
From beaches to shopping, to arts and dining, La Jolla offers something for everyone of all ages to enjoy. Watch a show at one of the theaters at the La Jolla Playhouse or explore captivating art at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Stroll through the walking district of downtown La Jolla, featuring exquisite shopping and dining in The Village and The Shores, where The Marine Room can't be missed, featuring oceanfront high-tide breakfast and dinner. A few notable hotels include the La Valencia Hotel, The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club with rooms that step out to the sand, as well as The Shores Hotel and its restaurant. Take a dip into the ocean at one of the many beaches surrounding the city, kayak into the La Jolla Cove, or watch seals bask in the sun at Children’s Pool. Head away from the coast towards the I-5 to the newly renovated Westfield UTC mall or The Shops at La Jolla Village, or north to the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course, home to the annual PGA tour event.
When exploring real estate options in the city, La Jolla is comprised of many neighborhoods, including La Jolla Farms, La Jolla Shores, Bird Rock, La Jolla Mesa, Muirlands, and La Jolla Village, to name a few. Due to its hilly nature, many of the homes enjoy ocean views, even those inland that seem far from the water. There is also a strong commercial presence with many office buildings throughout the area.
