Our Neighborhood

UC San Diego and the International House are located in La Jolla, California. La Jolla is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of San Diego, located 12 miles (19 km) north of downtown San Diego. The climate is mild with an average daily temperature of 70.5°F (21.4°C).

Although living off campus can be costly, La Jolla is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on three sides and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches along the west coast, providing the perfect setting for recreational activities such as surfing, bike riding and sunbathing. Downtown La Jolla is a beautiful community lined with restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques, perfect for a stroll or having a nice evening.

A Short Walk from I-House:

• Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
• UC San Diego Natural Reserve: Explore, volunteer, or just soak in the beauty
• Torrey Pines State Beach/Natural Reserve: Walk around and hike above or below the cliffs while you enjoy beautiful views
• La Jolla Playhouse: Diverse and adventurous new works from San Diego's Tony Award-winning theatre
• Torrey Pines Golf Course: Nationally famous municipal golf course and range
• Torrey Pines Gliderport: Learn to paragliding or hang glide, or watch others, across the street from campus

Beaches:

• This beach listing gives locations of all the major local beaches, directions and bus routes, and information about activities that can be done at each beach

Other Area Attractions & Activities:

• San Diego County Fair: Runs mid-June to early July at the Del Mar Fairgrounds
• Del Mar Races: Thoroughbred horse racing at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and Racetrack
• University Towne Centre (UTC): Newly remodeled and expanded mall / shopping center contains shops, restaurants, a gym, and movie theater
• AMC 12 La Jolla: Movie theater near Ralphs supermarket
• San Diego Safari Park: Theme park located about half an hour northeast of campus
• San Diego Zoo: The world-famous zoo is on the grounds of Balboa Park, about 20 minutes southeast of campus
• Sea World: About 10 minutes south of the campus
• Mission Trails Regional Park: Hike up Cowles Mountain and see the city, or mountain bike through the trails
• Mission Bay Aquatic Center: Learn a watersport or rent many types of equipment

Transportation Options:

• Transportation options available to UC San Diego students
  • U-Pass: free bus and trolley pass for enrolled students
  • PRONTO for visiting international program students
• San Diego Metropolitan Transit System: Timetables and locations of public transportation throughout San Diego County
• Amtrak: Information about Amtrak train schedules and destinations
• COASTER: Information about COASTER train schedules to get to downtown San Diego from North San Diego County locations