La Jolla Playhouse

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2910 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
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With a long history of launching some of the most beloved plays and musicals, the La Jolla Playhouse is a standout institution in San Diego’s arts scene.
Jess Tucker
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
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Experience the Arts in La Jolla at the La Jolla Playhouse

Paths to the Weiss Theatre and Forum at the La Jolla PlayhouseThe La Jolla Playhouse is on the Beautiful Ucsd Campus

It’s fair to say that the neighborhood of La Jolla is best known for its beaches, but did you know that it’s also got a blooming cultural scene? Nowhere is this more evident than at the La Jolla Playhouse.

Alongside classic musicals, the Playhouse is always encouraging the development of new performances as well. In fact, many of the favorite shows that have taken Broadway by storm over the years have come from this humble playhouse in La Jolla!

The Playhouse’s History

The La Jolla Playhouse was initially founded in 1947 by Dorothy McGuire, Mel Ferrer, and Gregory Peck. It hosted performances by the Hollywood legends of yesteryear such as Groucho Marx, Vivian Vance, and Eve Arden.

Plays ran until 1959, when the Playhouse closed down until its eventual revival in 1983 at UC San Diego.

Today, the Playhouse boasts a main stage with over 400 seats, outdoor performance areas, and even its own restaurant.

Notable celebrities who have performed on its stage include Idina Menzel, Matthew Broderick, Neil Patrick Harris, Billy Crystal, and John Leguizamo.

Map of the Theaters at the La Jolla Playhouse
Map of the Theaters at the La Jolla Playhouse

Bringing the Arts to San Diego

Whether you’re a San Diegan resident or you’re just in town for a few days, a trip to the La Jolla Playhouse is never a bad idea. There are always new shows being performed, and you’ll always get to see a professional-quality play.

The Playhouse is committed to bringing diverse stories to the forefront. The Playhouse’s mission is to share the latest and greatest in American Theatre with attendees, telling stories that inspire reflection and discussion among audience members.

Local Tips
Student Matinees
The La Jolla Playhouse encourages a love of the arts in kids through their youth performances. Student matinees run through the school year and are intended for a high school audience.

Past and Future Performances at the Playhouse

There’s no need to travel to New York to see what’s new in the world of theater. The La Jolla Playhouse ensures everyone on the West Coast can watch emotional, thought-provoking works right in San Diego.

From its star-studded previous shows to the upcoming works in production right now, here’s the lineup of song and dance performances.

Famous Plays of the Past

Some of Broadway’s biggest plays had their world premiere right here in La Jolla, like Come From Away, Jersey Boys, and more recently, The Outsiders, winner of a 2024 Tony Award for Best New Musical.

Other plays that have graced the stage in the Playhouse’s history include:

  • Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
  • The Who's Tommy
  • I Am My Own Mother
  • Thoroughly Modern Millie
  • Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol
  • Cry Baby
  • Dracula, the Musical

The 2024 2025 Season at the La Jolla Playhouse
The 2024 2025 Season at the La Jolla Playhouse

The Playhouse’s Upcoming Schedule

Looking for the shows slated to perform in the current season? Check out our article covering the La Jolla Playhouse’s upcoming performances for the most up-to-date information on what’s coming soon.

Educational Performances

The La Jolla Playhouse encourages a love of the arts in kids through their youth performances. Student matinees run through the school year and are intended for a high school audience.

The Performance Outreach Program (POP Tour) is centered around community outreach, bringing quality performances to schools and libraries around San Diego County.

Go Biking with Go Pass!
La Jolla - Full Day Bike Rental
La Jolla - Full Day Bike Rental
When visiting beautiful La Jolla, one of the best ways to explore the area is with a bike tour. Using your Go Pass, head over and rent a bike and check out the most popular areas of town like La Jolla Cove, the boardwalk and Mission Bay.
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Local Tips
What is the cheapest way to buy a Go City San Diego pass?

The cheapest way to purchase a Go City San Diego pass is to combine Go Visit San Diego’s exclusive 5% discount with the Go San Diego passes already great deals!

Simply follow our link & use code GVSD5OFF to purchase your pass and begin saving!

Buying Tickets and Other Visitor Information

Waiting at will-call is a thing of the past. Buying tickets at the La Jolla Playhouse is fast and convenient.

Box Office at the La Jolla Playhouse
Box Office at the La Jolla Playhouse

Buying Tickets

Tickets for all plays and musicals can be purchased online on the La Jolla Playhouse’s official website. Prices vary depending on the performance.

The theater offers rush tickets at a 50% discount, but these are only sold in-person an hour prior to performances and aren’t available for all shows. If you have your heart set on attending, buy in advance.

Care has been taken to ensure there are no bad seats in the house, but if you want our recommendation, the views from the Center or Orchestra sections tend to be best.

Tables Outside the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre at the La Jolla Playhouse
Tables Outside the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre at the La Jolla Playhouse

The Best Time to Visit

Shows run throughout the year, so there’s never a bad time to visit. Check out the upcoming performances and see what catches your eye.

The holiday performances are a treat, whether played straight like in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol or given a tongue-in-cheek twist with Your Local Theater Presents: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, Again.

Featured Hotel
La Valencia Hotel
La Valencia Hotel
Boutique
Boutique
Families
Families
Luxury
Luxury
4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars
With a perfect location in the heart of La Jolla, a glamorous and elegant setting, and oceanfront views, you’ll be enchanted by the Pink Lady of La Jolla.
Prices Starting at $325
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Popular Hotels Nearby
Popular Hotels
Price
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
$235
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Grande Colonial La Jolla
$249
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Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
$237
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Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego - La Jolla
$152
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Parking and Other Details

San Diego Trolley Passing the Convention Center
San Diego Trolley Passing the Convention Center

The La Jolla Playhouse is at 2910 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037. It is part of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) campus.

The closest public transit stop is the UCSD Central Campus Station stop on the Blue Line trolley. There are also bus stops within walking distance.

Bus Stop in Front of the La Jolla Playhouse
Bus Stop in Front of the La Jolla Playhouse

Parking

Parking is free at the South Parking Structure, accessible via Gilman Drive.

The theater offers a free shuttle service right to the Playhouse doors from the parking lot, which is about a 5-minute ride. Alternatively, the walk is about ½-mile on Theatre District Drive.

At the La Jolla Playhouse Campus
At the La Jolla Playhouse Campus

Accessibility

The Playhouse is wheelchair-friendly with accessible entrances and restrooms. For wheelchair-accessible seats, contact Patron Services before booking. You can even pre-request a pickup from the parking lot by golf cart.

There are also assisted listening devices, closed captioning, audio description, and other services for patrons who have impaired hearing or vision.

La Rue Restaurant at La Valencia Hotel
La Rue Restaurant at La Valencia Hotel

Stay Nearby

Looking to stay in La Jolla for a night or two? Our team loves La Valencia Hotel, a gorgeous hotel with Mediterranean influences that borders the La Jolla Cove beach.

Popular Activities

Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Discounts Available
Learn More
Guided La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour
Guided La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour
$144 per 2 people
Buy Now
La Jolla Kayak & Snorkel Tour
La Jolla Kayak & Snorkel Tour
$188 / group up to 2
Buy Now
Surf Lessons in La Jolla
Surf Lessons in La Jolla
$134 per person
Buy Now

Tips for First Time Attendees

Lot Parking
Lot Parking

Use these tips to make your first visit to the Playhouse worthy of a standing ovation.

Bus Crossing Pacific Soul Statue in Downtown San Diego
Bus Crossing Pacific Soul Statue in Downtown San Diego

When Should You Arrive?

Doors open 90 minutes before each scheduled performance. We recommend getting there about 20-30 minutes ahead of time, especially if you’re using public transit or taking the shuttle from the parking lot.

James Place Restaurant at the La Jolla Playhouse
James Place Restaurant at the La Jolla Playhouse

What Facilities Are Available?

The Playhouse has its own restaurant, James’ Place, where you can enjoy a full meal and a drink or two prior to your show. It’s open from 5:00 pm to close Tuesdays through Sundays.

There’s also a classic concession stand that opens an hour prior to showtimes, plus multiple restrooms.

Surfer Checking Out the Waves at Windansea
Surfer Checking Out the Waves at Windansea

What Else Is There to Do in La Jolla?

The biggest draw of La Jolla is its beaches, many of which are popular surf spots. When you get a Go City San Diego pass using our discount code, you can save on surfboard rentals, other beach gear, and admission for attractions all around San Diego.

We also recommend the La Jolla Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour as one of the best ways to get a feel for the neighborhood’s culture and history.

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Stay Nearby

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Boutique Hotel
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
from $235 / night
View Hotel
Grande Colonial La Jolla
Luxury Hotel
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
Grande Colonial La Jolla
from $249 / night
View Hotel
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
Family Friendly
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
from $237 / night
View Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego - La Jolla
Near UTC Mall
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego - La Jolla
from $152 / night
View Hotel
Show more San Diego Hotels >>
Tours & Adventures
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Discounts Available
Learn More
Guided La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour
Guided La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour
$144 per 2 people
Buy Now
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