Scripps Institute of Oceanography Coastal Reserve
Scripps Institute of Oceanography Coastal Reserve, La Jolla: Address, Scripps Institute of Oceanography Coastal Reserve Reviews: 4.5/5
Scripps Institute of Oceanography Coastal Reserve
Scripps Institute of Oceanography Coastal Reserve
4.5
About
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Scripps Institute of Oceanography Coastal Reserve and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
394 within 5 kms

Mustangs & Burros
207
1 kmRR - RRR • Bar • Seafood • Mediterranean

James' Place
33
0.9 kmRR - RRR • Japanese • Seafood • Sushi

Caroline's Seaside Cafe
343
1.3 kmRR - RRR • Quick Bites • American • Cafe

Greenfinch Restaurant & Bar
91
1.1 kmRR - RRR • American • Southwestern

Splash Cafe
12
1 kmR • American • Cafe • Fast food

Trinitas Cellers & Wine Bar
6
1.1 kmAmerican • Wine Bar
McDonald's - Nmcsd
1
1.1 kmAmerican • Fast food

Rubio's
27
1.2 kmR • Quick Bites • Mexican • Seafood
Panda Express
9
1.2 kmChinese

The Bistro at the Strand
8
1.2 kmSushi
Attractions
107 within 10 kms

La Jolla Playhouse
200
0.8 kmTheatres

Mushroom Beach House
1
0.4 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks

La Jolla Cove
13Â 587
3.6 kmBeaches • Parks

Birch Aquarium at Scripps
1Â 927
1 kmNatural History Museums • Aquariums

University of California, San Diego
340
1.3 kmEducational sites

Black's Beach
352
1.5 kmBeaches

Torrey Pines Gliderport
1Â 451
1.7 kmEducational sites

Salk Institute
232
1.3 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

La Jolla Shores Park
2Â 710
2.5 kmBeaches • Parks

Stuart Collection
25
0.9 kmSpeciality Museums
Contribute
4.5
47 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
9
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
pasowine
Paso Robles, CA5Â 371 contributions
Dec 2019
Friends told us about this place - and where to find some parking! It is an absolute find of a short hike. You go through the native grass/bushes for a bit and then pop out to the edge of the cliffs north of La Jolla. Amazing and spectacular views both up and down the coastline. Since it is not far south of the Gliderport, you often see the pilots come over as well. Some amazing houses and mansions are in view! The trail is a circle so you don't really have to repeat anything either. Not to be missed!
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
GlobalGypsy_13
San Diego, CA2Â 687 contributions
Oct 2019
Not only does Scripps Institute of Oceanography do outstanding scientific research, their main campus in La Jolla faces the Pacific Ocean. Thus, from the 2nd floor cafe that's open to the public, you have a sweeping view of the Pacific. Additional food for thought can be obtained from their sporadic public lectures. Parking on campus or nearby streets is challenging, but worth it.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
iluv2eatntravel
San Diego, CA1Â 872 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
The natural environment here is a joy to explore with hiking trails and side roads leading to beautiful views of the oceans and sea cliffs. Probably the best way to get here is to side street park along La Jolla Shores Dr just after La Jolla Farms Road and hike down (yes the hike back up can be more challenging than the hike down but doable). Scripps Institute of Oceanography has several buildings spread out this vast area but they are situated in such that they do not impair the views.
Written 24 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sunny Dr
Rockville, MD808 contributions
Nov 2019
We had a conference in this place and it is located in the most beautiful location with amazing views. We had lunch outside facing the ocean, watching the surfers and the pelicans. Lovely installations
Written 19 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ElleLaJolla
La Jolla, CA4Â 482 contributions
Oct 2019
Scripps Institute of Oceanography is a lovely campus in La Jolla. What many people don't know is that Scripps has a Coastal Reserve, which is an undeveloped natural area. One of these areas is what locals call the "Knoll," accessible from La Jolla Farms Rd, with native vegetation that changes drastically with the seasons. While dry and brown in fall and winter, spring is a great time to visit because everything is in bloom, and the strong fragrances of sagebrush and other coastal natives are a delight. The reserve has a flat loop trail along the steep bluffs, and the views from these bluffs are beautiful. Coyotes (or at least their scat), rabbits, squirrels and rattlesnakes are often spotted on the trail.
The rest of the reserve can be seen while walking down Blacks Beach Trailhead down to the beach. Access is by a paved road that only grandfathered-in locals can drive down on. Everyone else must walk. It is fairly steep, but well worth it. The road can be found north of the Coastal Reserve entrance on the intersection of LJ Farms Rd and Blackgold Rd.
The rest of the reserve can be seen while walking down Blacks Beach Trailhead down to the beach. Access is by a paved road that only grandfathered-in locals can drive down on. Everyone else must walk. It is fairly steep, but well worth it. The road can be found north of the Coastal Reserve entrance on the intersection of LJ Farms Rd and Blackgold Rd.
Written 13 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JDZatSF
San Francisco, CA855 contributions
Sep 2019
Scripps is a top-notch grad school (part of UCSD) doing important scientific research with a great aquarium (and gift shop) and, possibly, the most beautiful campus there is with the most amazing views.
Written 29 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ellen H
La Jolla, CA348 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
Love visiting this aquarium. Fun for kids as well as adults. Always something new and exciting to see. Hands on exhibits make it amusing too. Beautiful view
Written 7 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Marjorie C
La Jolla, CA31 contributions
Nov 2018 • Friends
I have taken many grandchildren here and they all love it. If you let them lead you, you will see things you might not have ever noticed with your adult eyes. A fun one or two hour adventure and interactive displays are fun for kids as well.
Written 31 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
misopiso88
Seattle, WA27Â 567 contributions
Feb 2019 • Family
If you are looking for a place to watch sunset in La Jolla, look no further than the beach in front of Scripps Institute of Oceanography. Absolutely stunning!
Written 1 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Julie C
Hayward, California, United States7 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
It was a beautiful smaller aquarium filled with many tanks of fish of all colors and sizes. A sea turtle too. It was a must visit spot if you are in La Jolla
Written 1 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Frequently Asked Questions about Scripps Institute of Oceanography Coastal Reserve
- We recommend booking Scripps Institute of Oceanography Coastal Reserve tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Scripps Institute of Oceanography Coastal Reserve tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Scripps Institute of Oceanography Coastal Reserve:
- (1.10 km) Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
- (3.19 km) The Lodge at Torrey Pines
- (1.77 km) Sheraton La Jolla Hotel
- (1.27 km) Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego La Jolla
- (3.87 km) Pantai Inn
- Restaurants near Scripps Institute of Oceanography Coastal Reserve:
- (1.31 km) Caroline's Seaside Cafe
- (1.04 km) Mustangs & Burros
- (2.38 km) Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab
- (3.82 km) Bobboi Natural Gelato
- (2.45 km) Shorehouse Kitchen