Photos of the Coastal Village Shops in La Jolla, California

Pictures and Photos of the boutique shops and art galleries 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.”

La Jolla Art Galleries

Here are a few things to look for:

  • 2011 Conservation Photographer of the Year, Thomas Mangelsen has a gallery in La Jolla featuring photos of wildlife he has taken all over the world.
  • The Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery is an excellent place to find works of notable contemporary artists
  • World renowned landscape photographer Peter Lik of Australia not only has a gallery of his works in La Jolla but he recently bought a home in La Jolla.
  • 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.

Shopping in La Jolla

  • 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.
  • There are many independent merchants and boutique shops 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. Others import unique items from abroad such as African Wood Art, Glass Art, and European Designer Clothing and Shoes. Help keep this tradition alive by supporting these independent shops.

The Best Ways to Visit La Jolla

Coastal San Diego Tour

Enjoy the convenience and insider’s perspective on what to look for when you visit La Jolla. Join my Coastal Tour from Downtown San Diego to La Jolla. You will have the flexibility to depart the tour and spend from 1.5 hours to 3 hours on your own to explore the Shops in La Jolla.

Learn more about Coastal San Diego sightseeing tour with TourGuideTim.

More Photo Slideshows of La Jolla!

View Pictures of the Spectacular La Jolla Cove and Beach Bluffs
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

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