Out of the nearly 29 million tourists that visit San Diego each year, a significant portion are attracted by the seaside village of La Jolla. Dubbed “The Jewel of San Diego,” this coastline community has a cove that has been included in multiple top 10 rankings of the most beautiful beaches in the country. As such, it’s essential to preserve its charms, whether you’re a local or a tourist.
Sustainability is one of the ways the community of La Jolla is taking care to do exactly this. Through eco-friendly efforts, La Jolla can continue being a shining gem for San Diego. That said, these initiatives hinge not only on the locals but also on every visitor who enjoys La Jolla. If you plan on visiting La Jolla soon, here are some tips on contributing and having a sustainable travel experience.
Support eco-friendly restaurants
No trip is complete without sampling local delicacies, and La Jolla is especially rich in fresh food. Its proximity to the ocean offers multiple sources of sustainably sourced seafood, and it also has a number of thriving farmers’ markets where eco-friendly restaurants procure their organic ingredients. There are a lot of vegan and plant-based cafes around the area as well. There are many options for eco-friendly eateries in La Jolla, especially now that San Diego has imposed a statewide ban on all single-use styrofoam food containers in an effort to reduce litter. Some restaurants, like La Jolla’s Burger Lounge, are even Green Restaurant Certified, meaning they’re devoted to serving good food and being environmentally friendly. You can also drop by eco-friendly places like Green Door Cafe and Olive and Basil to taste the best of what La Jolla has to offer.
Bring sustainable beach gear
With La Jolla Cove being world-renowned for its beauty, its imperative to take a dip in its refreshing waters when you visit. Make your beach trip to La Jolla perfect by bringing environmentally friendly equipment to keep you safe and ensure that you have a fun time. Protective eyewear, like sunglasses with UV protection, now comes in eco-friendly options made with recycled plastic bottles. You can find these collections from the brand Eyebuydirect, which is in partnership with organizations like Planet, which are dedicated to protecting the environment. You can also protect your skin by wearing ocean-friendly sunscreen that won’t be toxic to marine life. Products like the All Good SPF 50 Sun Butter are certified organic, and they donate a portion of their sales to support the United Plant Savers as well. Additionally, Everything But Water is a brand located in La Jolla that offers swimwear made out of organic cotton and upcycled nylon.
Shop at stores with Earth-centric initiatives
Make sure to commemorate your trip to La Jolla by purchasing some souvenirs from local boutiques. There are many shopping options in La Jolla, including local artisans and earth-friendly stores. You can find a selection of handmade clothing, high-quality accessories, and home goods made from sustainably sourced natural materials. Many of these establishments also give back to the community by donating to organizations dedicated to preserving La Jolla. If you’re in the area, visit shops like Aviator Nation, Vuori or Whiskey and Leather to experience the joys of a sustainable shopping spree. You can also find sustainable self-care products, like soap and body wash, from La Jolla-based line BRIXY. Their products are vegan, cruelty-free, and come in biodegradable packaging.
Familiarize yourself with local rules and regulations
Since La Jolla has an abundance of picturesque cliffs and caves, it’s also home to marine life, specifically groups of sea lions that stay by the shoreline. Flocks of tourists marvel at these magnificent creatures as they sunbathe, becoming another special kind of attraction at La Jolla. However, experts advise tourists to keep their distance and avoid disturbing the animals. This aligns with being eco-friendly, as it directly entails respecting nature and wildlife in their habitats. It’s fine to snap a pic or two but steer clear of disrupting any animals located at La Jolla Cove. If you want to contribute to La Jolla’s booming eco-tourism sector, you can also choose to stay at one of its eco-hotels, such as Orli La Jolla.
Travel with green transportation
San Diego is embracing sustainable transportation initiatives, and La Jolla is a very pedestrian-friendly place. “Park Once, Linger Longer” is the perfect motto for La Jolla as its beaches, walking trails shopping and dineing are all within a few blocks of one another. You can also reduce your ecological footprint using alternatives like electric bikes, golf cards, scooters and even segways to get around town. Additionally, La Jolla’s cycling routes allow you to travel in an eco-friendly manner while enjoying the sights and sounds of the community around you.
