Girard Avenue and Prospect Street
Girard Avenue and Prospect Street
Girard Avenue and Prospect Street
4.5
About
Fashionable streets in La Jolla that offer expensive shops, boutiques, art galleries and elegant restaurants.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










Top ways to experience Girard Avenue and Prospect Street and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
207 within 3 miles
Attractions
98 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
291 reviews
Excellent
132
Very good
117
Average
39
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Traveler161
12 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We stayed at the Grande Colonial, right in the heart of the village. We had no car on this trip. One in our party has walking issues, so everything we did was geared toward that. The hotel currently only has room service breakfast due to COVID so we ate breakfast at Richard Walkers right across the street. Very friendly, short wait, and good typical breakfast food. We had dinner at The Spot. Great salads and burgers, and good vibes. Gerard Street has an Indy book store, Warwick’s, a hardware store to putter around in, and lots of other shops. Lots of coffee shop choices too, with plenty of outdoor seating. Less than a mile up Gerard is a farmers market, only open on Sunday’s. Going toward the water, Seal Beach is 5 minutes away and follows along the coast to La Jolla Cove and more seals and sea lions.
Written May 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Perry_from_SoCal
Orange, CA123 contributions
Apr 2012 • Family
Many shops don't have public restrooms, and if you have someone that needs to go, find these shops and enjoy what they have to offer as well. GIRARD STREET: Waricks is a GREAT place: lots of stationary, travel items, books, jewelry, and 1 toilet...Across the street is the Anthenium (a music library). Admission is free, and the restroom has 2-3 stalls, but you'll want to spend some time here since there are only 11(?) Antheniums in the world so I was told. PROSPECT STREET: the La Jolla Financial Building (parking Structure) 2nd floor has a restroom but there are no signs indicating that. When you exit the elevator, go right then left, and you'll see the door with a restroom sign on it. It's rough out there people.
Written April 30, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2beans2000
San Diego, CA3,094 contributions
Oct 2018 • Friends
A lovely area to stroll and window shop or find great gifts, books, or clothes whether you are looking for beautiful shawls and cashmere (Sigi Boutique or J McLaughlin), hip teen attire (LF or Zia) athleisure (Lulu Lemon or Lorna Jane).
Toys at Gepettos and taffy/candy galore at Balboa Candy Store. Jewelry at many stores but be sure to visit the long-standing Bowers Jewelers, a Village tradition.
Coffee and a cookie at Girard Gourmet or around the block to Brick and Bell Cafe for a walnut scone or acai bowl. Peets Coffee is next to Sigi on the west side of the street at Wall Street and Girard or Elixir is on the east side tucked in on the bottom level of the shops at the corner of Wall Street and Girard.
Do your shoes need a fix or polish? Stop by to see Turin at Cinderella Shoe Repair in Silverado just steps off of Girard. Or perhaps you’ve decided you need new comfortable walking shoes... then visit Eurocomfort Shoes on Girard. They have the most comfortable walking shoes in so many styles. I go there before every international trip to get walking shoes.
Feeling like cooking tonight, or need a hostess gift for your dinner at a friend’s hone? Stop by Sur la Table at the south end if Girard Ave. Always so many fun items as gifts or to finish off your own kitchen. They teach great classes there, also so sign up for your free night if you are visiting La Jolla!
Girard Avenue has so much to offer. By now you must be hungry.... interested in more than a cookie/coffee? How about the greatest diner in San Diego? Harry’s Coffee Shop, a family run, neighborhood diner beloved by all! It’s on the south end of Girard Ave open 6:30am-3pm.
Maybe a bit more elegant than a diner? Bistro du Marche is a fabulous French bistro open for lunch and dinner just a few more blocks south. They have the most amazing mushroom ravioli.
For something between diner and French bistro, there are Spice and Rice, a Thai restaurant and next door is Isola, an Italian restaurant... both are casual and offer a wide range of delicious appetizers and entrees.
By now you are ready to enjoy a passegiata, a leisurely stroll after your meal, so saunter back down Girard Ave to the north and you’ll happily find yourself walking down a small hill to the Cove park and watching the ocean waves break along the coastal rocks. It’s beautiful, breathtaking at high tide, and calming. Watch at sunset and you’ll close the afternoon with shades of blue, violet, orange and red.
Gaze north and you’ll see the famous sandstone cliffs of Torrey Pines State Preserve. That can be tomorrow’s adventure to explore!
Enjoy!
Toys at Gepettos and taffy/candy galore at Balboa Candy Store. Jewelry at many stores but be sure to visit the long-standing Bowers Jewelers, a Village tradition.
Coffee and a cookie at Girard Gourmet or around the block to Brick and Bell Cafe for a walnut scone or acai bowl. Peets Coffee is next to Sigi on the west side of the street at Wall Street and Girard or Elixir is on the east side tucked in on the bottom level of the shops at the corner of Wall Street and Girard.
Do your shoes need a fix or polish? Stop by to see Turin at Cinderella Shoe Repair in Silverado just steps off of Girard. Or perhaps you’ve decided you need new comfortable walking shoes... then visit Eurocomfort Shoes on Girard. They have the most comfortable walking shoes in so many styles. I go there before every international trip to get walking shoes.
Feeling like cooking tonight, or need a hostess gift for your dinner at a friend’s hone? Stop by Sur la Table at the south end if Girard Ave. Always so many fun items as gifts or to finish off your own kitchen. They teach great classes there, also so sign up for your free night if you are visiting La Jolla!
Girard Avenue has so much to offer. By now you must be hungry.... interested in more than a cookie/coffee? How about the greatest diner in San Diego? Harry’s Coffee Shop, a family run, neighborhood diner beloved by all! It’s on the south end of Girard Ave open 6:30am-3pm.
Maybe a bit more elegant than a diner? Bistro du Marche is a fabulous French bistro open for lunch and dinner just a few more blocks south. They have the most amazing mushroom ravioli.
For something between diner and French bistro, there are Spice and Rice, a Thai restaurant and next door is Isola, an Italian restaurant... both are casual and offer a wide range of delicious appetizers and entrees.
By now you are ready to enjoy a passegiata, a leisurely stroll after your meal, so saunter back down Girard Ave to the north and you’ll happily find yourself walking down a small hill to the Cove park and watching the ocean waves break along the coastal rocks. It’s beautiful, breathtaking at high tide, and calming. Watch at sunset and you’ll close the afternoon with shades of blue, violet, orange and red.
Gaze north and you’ll see the famous sandstone cliffs of Torrey Pines State Preserve. That can be tomorrow’s adventure to explore!
Enjoy!
Written January 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lazy_curmudgeon
Mpls, MN11 contributions
Girard & Prospect is the key corner in downtown La Jolla, a very upscale part of San Diego. Spending a leisurely afternoon walking down Girard, then Prospect, and the side streets, then down Coast Boulevard past Scripps Park is truly a pleasure. There are too many great little shops and restaurants to name, many of them unique to La Jolla but of course they have some chain options. Great people watching, and car-watching for that matter since every other car is a Mercedes, BMW, or Range Rover.
Written May 19, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
illinois travelere
1,760 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
1. parking; two-hour spaces on the street; $5 garage on Herschel Avenue.
2. stores: something for every taste and wallet. Don't miss Warwick's -- one of the best gift selections around and the oldest family-owned bookstore in the COUNTRY.
3. food: again, something for everyone -- chain and independent businesses.
2. stores: something for every taste and wallet. Don't miss Warwick's -- one of the best gift selections around and the oldest family-owned bookstore in the COUNTRY.
3. food: again, something for everyone -- chain and independent businesses.
Written August 21, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2beans2000
San Diego, CA3,094 contributions
Jan 2017 • Family
Girard and Prospect are two of the main streets of beautiful coastal La Jolla. Delightful boutiques such as Sigi and Francescas offer options for the cashmere/classic range to the hip/teen crew. Many new restaurants keep arriving and yet our classics are still my favorite... Brick and Bell for coffee/scones/sandwiches is a busy place for locals; Harry's Coffee Shop is a long-time tradition and everyone goes for home-style breakfast/lunch and friendly diner service and great food. Bistro du Marche by Tapenade provides classic French Bistro cuisine and is excellent on upper Girard. George's on Prospect is haute cuisine but pricey and generally full of tourists. Restaurant 910 in the Colonial Hotel is fabulous and has creative cuisine with fresh ingredients from Chino Farms.
Come to La Jolla and enjoy the people, the coastal walks, our wonderful boutiques and small business restaurants. Enjoy!
Come to La Jolla and enjoy the people, the coastal walks, our wonderful boutiques and small business restaurants. Enjoy!
Written January 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tubetop
La Jolla, CA159 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
Girard and Prospect is a great walk around area with some nice shops and great little restaurants. This is one of San Diego's premier neighborhoods and feels like you could be strolling through a beachside community in France.
Written December 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mammoth56_13
Menifee, CA59 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
Unique boutiques, shops, galleries and restaurants abound in La Jolla Village. One can purchase both San Diego souvenirs and high end fashion items. Diverse restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets are widely-available, some with ocean views, and several with outdoor dining areas. If one wearies from shopping and dining, it is just a short walk down to the wonders and beauty of scenic La Jolla Cove.
Written December 26, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aLITTLESpoiled
Laguna Beach, CA229 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
C'mon, People! What about Etceteras, Girard Avenue Collection, Warwick's, Robina...??? Lovely local boutiques! And coffee at Pannikin, lunch at George's, music at Eddie V'S, a Marilyn margarita and Happy Hour at The Hake? Girard and Prospect Streets, while hit by the recession, offer a choice apart from international chains you find in every other city. These are hard-working small business owners, not some hoity toity folly-makers. Buy local, get to know the shopkeepersfor win-win pleasure.
Written October 30, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YooperLJ
La Jolla California145 contributions
Jun 2012 • Family
Don't believe the price hype. Find a reasonable parking spot or garage and just explore. Yes, you'll see Cartier and the like, but, honestly, I've lived here for a long time and there are surprises in store. Many artistic boutiques for that one of a kind item that is not overpriced. In addition, some of the chains (gap, banana republic) are LESS than the major malls. I don't know why, it just is. Do yourself a favor and go into LaValencia when your feet are tired, sit in the patio and have a glass of wine/iced tea and have an amazing cheese platter. Or, go to any of the Mexican restaurants along Prospect (cross of Girard) and get good solid food at a decent price. Sushi? Roppongi. Evening only. Lunch is hit/miss. GREAT sushi bar. Also give Finch's a try if you can find it. It's new and an oasis in the hustle and bustle. Very healthy menu and some of the best service anywhere. It's on Girard a block or so north of the stoplight by Vons on your right if you're driving south. My favorite shopping break place. Granted, bring your wallet, but you won't break the bank if you shop around and you'll find something that you can't find anywhere else in the world. Great artists, jewelry; look for the little shops. OH! Don't forget the Living Room for some great coffee (local hit). They also have a bar. It's at the end of Girard near the ocean. All in all, a fun day to shop, nibble and enjoy. Just get that parking spot. Early in the day, say about 10a, is your best price point. They raise parking rates as the day goes on and unless you have a handicapped sticker, 2 hours is max on the street and she WILL give you an unwelcome ticket.
Written June 10, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What nice hotel is within walking distance and has beach access?
Chaching1197
Puyallup, WA135 contributions
Inn by the Sea at La Jolla is the one that is closest to the beach around this area. They were renovating in March. Not really sure how it is though as we stayed at Grand Colonial Hotel which is a little up the hill from the beach but only about a 5 minute walk.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingGirard Avenue and Prospect Street - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Girard Avenue and Prospect Street
- Hotels near Girard Avenue and Prospect Street:
- (0.10 mi) Redwood Hollow - La Jolla Cottages
- (0.05 mi) Fabulous La Jolla Village Getaway - Steps to Beach
- (0.09 mi) Panoramic Ocean Views, Spacious Condo, One Block from The Beach!
- (0.17 mi) Scripps Inn
- (0.13 mi) across from Cove Beach La Jolla
- Restaurants near Girard Avenue and Prospect Street:
- (0.14 mi) Smallgoods Cheese Shop & Cafe
- (0.20 mi) The Taco Stand
- (0.21 mi) El Pescador Fish Market
- (0.30 mi) The Cottage La Jolla
- (0.28 mi) Sugar and Scribe
Girard Avenue and Prospect Street Information
Excellent Reviews | 132 |
---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 117 |
Girard Avenue and Prospect Street Photos | 35 |