La Jolla California is just a 20 minute ride by going on Interstate 5 north from downtown San Diego. If you are coming from the south (downtown San Diego) take I-5 N toward Los Angeles, take exit 26A for W La Jolla Pkwy, continue onto Torrey Pines Rd, turn right onto Prospect Place and you'll enter the heart of La Jolla Village.
If you are driving from the north (Los Angeles) take I-5 S toward San Diego, take exit 28 for La Jolla Village Drive, Turn right onto La Jolla Village Drive, turn left onto Torrey Pines Road and turn right onto Prospect Place, which is the center of La Jolla Village.
On average, over 7,000 people will visit La Jolla California on a daily basis. With so many people coming to visit such a small place, you can almost bet that finding a parking space could be quite challenging. There aren't any parking meters, although many of the streets closest to the water do have one hour time limits. You can find two hour parking by going a little further out but you'll have to obey the time limits because even in off season, parking enforcement is really strictly enforced here.
If you pay close attention when you visit, you can find a few paid lots that are scattered around the town. If you get closer to the downtown area, the lots will be a little bit cheaper.
Your best bet when visiting La Jolla might be a parking lot that's well hidden - so few people will notice it. If you turn downhill on Coast Blvd from Prospect, you'll find it on the left, right across from the Cave Store. Keep in mind though, vehicles over 6'5" won't fit through.
Even during the off season, finding a parking space is very hard to do especially around the Children‘s Pool Beach area where the La Jolla Seals are. The streets are almost always crowded and for good reason because La Jolla, CA is an excellent tourist attraction, with plenty of fun water and sun for the whole family.
