La Jolla vs Pacific Beach: Where to Live?

Two of San Diego’s most sought-after seaside communities, La Jolla and Pacific Beach both offer coastal scenery, gorgeous architecture, and plenty of opportunities for recreation. Which area is right for you? Let’s dive in and explore the attributes of each neighborhood:

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, La Jolla is known for its quiet charm and beautiful views. The community has long attracted new residents and visitors alike. During the roaring 1920s, tourists flocked to La Jolla to explore its famous caves, which remain some of the most popular geographical landmarks in the Golden State. Throughout the early 20th century, motoring vacationers became entranced by La Jolla's Mediterranean-like waters, inviting beaches, and breathtaking wildflowers. It's no wonder then that after more than a hundred years, this community remains "the jewel" of San Diego.

Views in La Jolla include sunsets that have been voted among the best in America. Additionally, La Jolla is regularly named one of the top beach destinations in the world. Here, you’ll find some of the world’s most awe-inspiring homes. In fact, Coastal Living ranks La Jolla as one of the nation’s “Happiest Towns.” 

It’s the perfect community if you enjoy:

5 beds, 8 baths, 8,878 sq. ft.
Listed by Deborah Greenspan • DRE #01733274 • Pacific Sotheby's Int'l Realty
Listed by Brett Dickinson • DRE #01714678 • Compass
SDMLS #220028502

4 beds, 2.5 baths, 2,685 sq. ft.
Listed by Tiffany Torgan Philips •DRE #01276329 • PRESTIGE PROPERTIES ENT INC.
Contact: 858-504-8433
Listed by Kevin Bass •DRE #01917333 • PRESTIGE PROPERTIES ENT INC.
Contact: 858-504-8433
SDMLS #230001500

5 beds, 6 baths, 10,285 sq. ft.
Listed by Ross Clark • DRE #01830849 • Compass
Listed by Brett Dickinson • DRE #01714678 • Compass
SDMLS #220026106

4 beds, 3 baths, 2,788 sq. ft.
Listed by Richard Stone •DRE #00874215 • Keller Williams Realty
Contact: 858-481-7653
SDMLS #230001797

4 beds, 2 baths, 1,962 sq. ft.
Listed by Barbara Leinenweber •DRE #01826534 • Coldwell Banker Realty
Contact: 619-981-0002
SDMLS #230001070

4 beds, 3 baths, 2,975 sq. ft.
Listed by Craig Lotzof •DRE #01211688 • Compass
Contact: 858-243-4071
Listed by Marc Lotzof •DRE #01046166 • Compass
Contact: 858-243-4071
SDMLS #220028820

5 beds, 3 baths, 2,464 sq. ft.
Listed by Eric Chodorow • DRE #00992609 • Berkshire Hathaway HomeService
Listed by Peggy Chodorow • DRE #00409245 • Berkshire Hathaway HomeService
SDMLS #220025016

Pacific Beach is a great place to live if you enjoy a more lively atmosphere. Located on the northern side of scenic Mission Bay, Pacific Beach is home to one of San Diego’s most active nightlife scenes. P.B. features an abundance of beach bars where you can savor drinks and conversation while watching the waves roll in—this is just one of the reasons it has earned its reputation as being the party capital of San Diego. Homes in Pacific Beach average between $650,000 for condos and $2.8 million for typical 4-bedroom homes. The architectural styles here range from cozy craftsman to Spanish cottages, to art-deco, and mid-century modern. Many of the luxury beachfront estates here display the smooth lines of contemporary minimalism.

The neighborhood is also known for its impressive collection of historic buildings and notable events. In 1888, The American Driving Park racetrack opened and Wyatt Earp raced his horse there. It was also the site of a swordfight on horseback between Ella “La Jaguarina” Hattan and a Bavarian swordsman that drew 7,000 spectators—an astounding number for the 1880s.

The community has been designated as a historic district by the city council and some buildings have been designated as local landmarks by the Historical Resources Board. If you’re looking for that nice mix of history, vacation-like atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife, Pacific Beach might be the community for you.

In fact, it’s the ideal spot if you’re looking for:

Sound like a good spot for you? Check out homes available now in Pacific Beach.

7 beds, 6 baths, 3,930 sq. ft.
Listed by Vincent Crudo • DRE #01424098 • Compass
Listed by Alida Crudo • DRE #01357181 • Compass
SDMLS #NDP2211277

6 beds, 3.5 baths, 2,336 sq. ft.
Listed by Patrick Cairncross •DRE #01984531 • Berkshire Hathaway HomeService
Contact: 858-922-4884
Listed by Steven Cairncross •DRE #00859218 • Berkshire Hathaway HomeService
Contact: 858-922-4884
SDMLS #230001589

4 beds, 2.5 baths, 2,025 sq. ft.
Listed by Steven Cairncross •DRE #00859218 • Berkshire Hathaway HomeService
Content: 858-735-1045
Listed by Lisa Perich •DRE #01489346 • Berkshire Hathaway HomeService
Contact: 858-859-3370
SDMLS #230000812

4 beds, 2 baths, 2,454 sq. ft.
Listed by Jacob Kienbaum •DRE #01985791 • Jacob Kienbaum, Broker
Contact: 619-206-9777
SDMLS #230000157

5 beds, 3 baths, 3,289 sq. ft.
Listed by Lee Shaprut •DRE #01950393 • Berkshire Hathaway HomeService
Contact: 858-888-5251
SDMLS #220028897

3 beds, 3 baths, 1,430 sq. ft.
Listed by Lisa Davenport •DRE #01422713 • Seashore Properties
Contact: 619-261-5963
SDMLS #220025602

3 beds, 2 baths, 1,902 sq. ft.
Listed by Daniel Beer • DRE #01504952 • eXp Realty
Listed by Brian Danney • DRE #01834669 • eXp Realty
SDMLS ##220026809

Whether you're in the market for a new home, or just want to keep up with the latest news in San Diego real estate, we've got you covered. Call or text The Cassity Team at 619-800-6178 for all the latest insights. You can also fill out the form below to follow along as we share updates on everything from local hot spots and community events to our local real estate market.

All listings provided courtesy of SDMLS.

Last updated at 1/30/2023 at 11:20 AM PST.

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