Murals of La Jolla

Do the Murals of La Jolla Art Walk

You need a map and sense of adventure for this fun journey through the lovely town of La Jolla. The “Murals of La Jolla” project began in 2010 as part of SoCal’s commitment to public art, and you can explore 15 unique murals—some hidden, others in plain sight.

Start by parking for free along Coast Boulevard (though there is a 2-hour limit), or in the La Jolla Financial Building parking garage on Prospect Street ($9 for 2 hours or $15 all day). Using this map as your guide, head first to "Raymond Chandler at the Whaling Bar," artist Raul Guerrero’s homage to La Jolla’s historic La Valencia Hotel. Grab some ice cream at Haagen-Dazs right across from the mural to fuel up for the 14 other murals.

Some murals, like Kota Ezawa’s "Once Upon a Time in the West," cover entire sides of buildings. Then there are vibrant and abstract murals, like the three-story mural "Landing" by Heather Gwen Martin, that hide away in the side alleys of La Jolla.

Be sure to check out the newest mural, near the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, "Bill 2" by Alex Katz, celebrating the fusion of art, music, and dance by honoring Bill T. Jones, a famous modern-dance choreographer. The oldest mural is "Favorite Color" by Roy McMakin. Not only is it another iconic photo spot, you can interact with this mural by jumping up or reaching low to try to touch your favorite color.

BONUS COAST WALK: Finish the afternoon by doing the 0.4-mile La Jolla Coast Walk Trail. This little-known trail begins where the more famous La Jolla Cove Trail ends, and stretches along the coast between La Jolla Caves and La Jolla Shores. The trail begins at the La Jolla Cave Store and follows a well-marked trail of paths, stairs, and wooden bridges on the cliffs above the rocky shores. At the end of the trail there’s a bench looking back over the bluffs and sea caves, a great place to watch a sunset. Grab some dinner along Coast Boulevard at Duke’s to end your artsy day by the sea.

Dog-friendly except indoors. Directions & Info. 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Man hiking up a trail at Montara Mountain, with a view of the Pacific and Grey Whale sand beach in the background

    From Beach to Summit

    No need to decide between a beach and a mountaintop—this hike includes both! Explore the stunning coastal scenery on this 6-mile out-and-back up Montara Mountain and into Rancho Corral de Tierra.

    View
  2. Picnic and a Pedal

    West Marin has all the right stuff for an afternoon getaway: bike paths, babbling brooks, canopy forests, and secluded picnic spots. Combine a picnic and a pedal at Samuel P. Taylor State Park by biking the easygoing Cross Marin Trail.

    View
  3. Sebastopol Food & Wine Roll

    One apple farm, three charming towns, multiple wineries, and infinite natural beauty. Savor a perfect autumn day in Sonoma County by biking the West County Regional Trail from Sebastopol to Forestville via Graton. It’s a 17-mile (round-trip) adventure. 

    View
  4. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

    Want to be king of the mountain? Head to King Mountain, the 108-acre open space preserve just above Larkspur in Marin. Despite its lofty name, hiking King Mountain proves that simp

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman walking in the Venice Canals of Los Angeles County

    Canal Contemplations

    With its incense-scented boardwalk, bohemian shops, skateparks, and abundance of body builders, Venice is happily eccentric, and artistic. Exhibit A: Its network of European-style canals with charming bridges, offering a tranquil tour of the town’s history.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Yes, Seattle!

    Ready to try something new this winter? Seattle’s ready for you! Beautiful by nature with its Puget Sound setting, surrounding mountains, and nearby national parks, winter in Seattle can be a magical and festive time. Ever been in a hot tub boat?...

    View
  3. Wine Down, Dine Out in Lake Chelan

    The fertile soil around Washington State's Lake Chelan is ripe for more than just the amazing apples. Vineyards here yield high quality grapes, and some of the country’s best less-discovered wineries. Locals know it, and you will too when you start choosing from the more than 30 wineries in the region.

    View
  4. What's Up, Winthrop!

    It’s not just its location close to Washington State’s spectacular and less visited national park (North Cascades) that makes Winthrop such a winsome mountain town. This lively enclave in the Methow Valley bristles with a whimsical blend of Wild West charms, contemporary culture, and a mosaic of outdoor adventures—from river to lake to waterfalls, and beyond.

    View