Roadside Attractions in La Jolla

5 places worth pulling over for in La Jolla, California.

Fallen Star

La Jolla, California

Perched precariously on the edge of a seven-story university building, this fully furnished cottage is a mind-bending art installation by Do Ho Suh. Exploring themes of home and displacement, its interior features slanted floors and slightly tilted furniture that playfully challenge your sense of gravity.

Stuart Collection

La Jolla, California

This unique campus-wide collection features site-specific contemporary sculptures integrated into the UC San Diego landscape. Spanning the entire campus, it includes mind-bending works like a house perched precariously on a building's edge. It's a whimsical outdoor treasure hunt where world-class art meets everyday academic life.

Sunny Jim Sea Cave

La Jolla, CA

Tucked beneath a historic La Jolla gift shop lies California's only sea cave accessible by land. Visitors descend a hand-carved, 144-step tunnel to reach a wooden platform looking out over the roaring Pacific Ocean. The cave's unique opening naturally frames a silhouette that looks remarkably like a vintage cartoon character.

The Mushroom House

La Jolla, California

Perched dramatically on the sands of Black's Beach, this retro-futuristic guest house resembles a concrete mushroom from a sci-fi film. Built in 1968, it was designed to withstand the pounding surf and shifting tides. It remains one of Southern California's most bizarre and iconic architectural landmarks.

University of California, San Diego

La Jolla, California

Nestled along the Pacific, this stunning campus is a wonderland for architecture and art lovers. It features the futuristic Geisel Library, which looks like a concrete spaceship, and the Stuart Collection, a public art trail featuring a house precariously perched on a building rooftop.