Things to do
The Shoal La Jolla Beach hotel is only minutes from San Diego's hottest spots!
Here are some of our neighboring attractions:
San Diego Zoo
Located 10 Miles from the Shoal La Jolla, is the renowned San Diego Zoo. At 99 acres, the San Diego Zoo is one of the largest and well-known zoos in the world. Housing over 3,700 animals and 650 species in mostly cageless exhibits. Voted the top 10% of zoos in the world by TripAdvisor in 2015, 2018 and 2023, the San Diego Zoo is sure to please.
Birch Aquarium
Located just north of La Jolla is Scripps Birch Aquarium. Dive into the world just beyond the shore and see some wonderous marine life. You might even catch a glimpse of some new hatchlings!
La Jolla Tide Pools
Enjoy a walk along the Southern California coast and catch a glimpse of some of our most beautiful flora and fauna. If you're feeling extra adventurous, kayak and diving are just a few of the activities you can enjoy in La Jolla!
Village of La Jolla
Walk around the Village of La Jolla and enjoy shopping at some local owned businesses. Whether you're hungry for a snack, tasty meal or just a quick cup of coffee, Village of La Jolla has plenty of dining options to choose from!
University of California San Diego
If you are a prospective student, guest speaker, or just visiting someone on campus, our hotel is the perfect location for you! By extension, our hotel is also a great distance from the La Jolla Playhouse located on the southern end of campus. Come out and see for yourself, Go Tritons!
Seaworld
Located just 7 miles from The Shoal La Jolla is SeaWorld Theme Park & Animal Experience. Offering numerous thrilling marine-themed rides and shows- SeaWorld is an excellent choice for family entertainment. The park offers special seasonal events throughout the year to entertain and educate their visitors about marine life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the San Diego Zoo from The Shoal La Jolla?
The zoo is about a 10-mile drive from the hotel, making it a comfortable half-day or full-day trip depending on how much of the 99-acre grounds you want to cover. With nearly 3,700 animals across 650 species — most in open, cageless habitats — it's earned a spot among the world's top-rated zoos on TripAdvisor for several years running, so it's worth budgeting real time for the visit rather than squeezing it into a quick stop.
What is there to do at the La Jolla Tide Pools?
Right along the coastline near the hotel, the tide pools are a spot to slow down and explore Southern California's shoreline up close — think tidal creatures, coastal birds, and native plant life. For guests wanting more than a scenic walk, the area also opens up to kayaking and diving, so it works equally well as a quiet morning stroll or the starting point for something more active.
How far is SeaWorld from La Jolla hotels, including The Shoal?
SeaWorld sits roughly 7 miles from The Shoal, close enough for an easy day trip without eating into your whole stay. Beyond the marine-themed rides and shows, the park runs seasonal events throughout the year, so what's on offer can shift depending on when you visit — worth checking their calendar if you're timing a trip around something specific.