Photos of the Coastal Village Shops in La Jolla, California

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Village of La Jolla Boutique Shops and Art Galleries

La Jolla is one of the best villages in the world to go shopping for unique items. The beauty of the area attracts artists and other creative types from around the world who seek inspiration from the local environment to design one-of-a-kind products sold in boutique shops. Most shops are either locally owned or are one of just a handful of shops found only in exclusive communities. If you do not want to open up your wallet, you should at least consider window shopping. Despite its exclusiveness, La Jolla merchants are not pretentious. You will not feel out-of-place. As one art gallery manager told me, “even billionaires can show up in t-shirts and flip flops. La Jolla is a place where people can be themselves and not feel like they have to dress up and be noticed.”

Art Galleries
Here are a few things to look for:

• World renowned landscape photographer (and upcoming NBC Reality Show Star) Peter Lik of Australia not only has a gallery of his works in La Jolla but he recently bought a home in La Jolla.
• Not to be outdone, world renowned wildlife photographer (you have likely seen his work in National Geographic, Smithsonian, and Life magazines among others) also has a gallery in La Jolla and comes to the Village to meet with his mentor, who lives in town.
• Wyland also has a gallery in La Jolla. (Yes, the large whale painting you may have seen on a building wall between the San Diego Airport and Downtown San Diego is one of his famous Whaling Walls.) Currently, his works are 50% off because the gallery needs to clear out of their space when the lease is up near the end of 2010.
• You will find some art galleries that sell works of famous artists whose works have withstood the test of time like Picasso, Rembrandt, Dali, and Warhol. You will find other galleries who promote the works of top contemporary artists from around the world.

Local Shops

• There are quite a few antique shops in La Jolla. (Unique pieces are needed to fill up the La Jolla mansions.) One of my favorites is Ark Antiques. The shop is staffed by volunteers and the profits go to animal charities. Many of the antique shops teamed up to create and antique walking map of La Jolla. You can pick one up from any of the antique shops or get one on a La Jolla sightseeing tour with TourGuideTim.
• Tour guests frequently comment that they love seeing so many independent merchants still surviving in this modern day of big, mass-merchant retailers. Many of the local merchants sell custom wares such as belt buckles, jewelry, and other one-of-a-kind items designed and hand-made by local artists. Help keep this tradition alive by supporting these independent shops.

Did I see that you offer tours?
Yes! Enjoy the convenience and insider’s perspective on what to look for when you visit La Jolla. If you take the full guided bus tour from Downtown San Diego to La Jolla, which includes stops at Mount Soledad, La Jolla Shores and Torrey Pines along the way, you will still have 1.5 hours of free time to explore the Village Shops of La Jolla. However, if you love window-shopping, you can skip the part of the tour that visits La Jolla Shores and Torrey Pines and instead spend over 3 hours shopping! Tours are offered every day (except Sunday) from 12PM – 5PM.

Reserve your spot now by clicking the ‘Reserve Now’ button or learn more on why you should take a La Jolla sightseeing tour with TourGuideTim.

More Photo Slideshows of La Jolla!
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View Pictures of Seals, Sea Lions, Brown Pelicans, and Cormorants
View Pictures of Kayakers and Snorkelers Having Fun in the Ecological Reserve
View Pictures looking down over San Diego from Mount Soledad
Current: View Pictures of the Boutique Shops and Art Galleries
View Pictures of La Jolla Shores Beach and Local Shops