The art of the automobile is on full display at La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, a three-day celebration of classic and supercars in San Diego County. Taking place in late April along the bluffs of Ellen Browning Scripps Park, the annual event invites car enthusiasts to ogle rare and restored automobiles while sipping bubbly and listening to live music on the oceanfront lawns in La Jolla.
What is the La Jolla Concours d’Élegance
First launched in 2004, the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance brings more than 170 cars to the Southern California enclave, blending automotive excellence with luxury lifestyle experiences. The pageant of cars includes an “icons of speed” class featuring record contenders like the McLaren F1, along with pre- and post-war vehicles, muscle cars, Formula 1 vehicles, and more.
What to Do During the La Jolla Concours d’Élegance
A general-admission ticket includes entry to the main event on Sunday, when you can view cars while sipping bubbly and enjoying live music by the sea. Opt for a VIP upgrade for access to the soiree Friday night, featuring a chef’s tasting of over 15 San Diego restaurants right on the lawn of the Concours d’Elegance field. There’s also a VIP package that provides access to an exclusive lounge with food and wine pairings, more bubbly, and craft cocktails during the main event.
For aficionados, the Tour d’Elegance package is a full day driving experience on Saturday that begins with breakfast on La Jolla’s Prospect Street. Then, a coastal drive ends with a catered lunch at a private estate in Rancho Santa Fe with its own track and private collection of cars on view.
Visitors can also enjoy the event even without a ticket. Head to La Jolla Village on April 25 from 5–9 p.m. for the family-friendly Porsches & Power showcase featuring around 80 Porsches and hypercars parked along Prospect Street.
Where to Stay During the La Jolla Concours d’Élegance
A handful of hotels have limited-time partner discounts for stays during the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance. They include the La Jolla Cove Hotel, which offers front-row seats for guests with balconies overlooking Scripps Park where the event takes place. Another partner is the Mediterranean-inspired La Valencia Hotel, which has suites, villas, and vintage-chic rooms with views of the Pacific. Enjoy a nightcap in the hotel’s reborn Whaling Bar: the legendary Whaler cocktail is made with cognac, coffee liqueur, and ice cream.
What Else to Explore During the La Jolla Concours d’Élegance
Soak up more artistic beauty at the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, which showcases paintings, photography, and video created after 1950. Don’t miss its ocean-view outdoor sculpture garden. Just south are the La Jolla tidepools—visit during low tide for the best views of marine life.
Explore more of San Diego by heading downtown, then turn east on I-8 to take in more views from San Diego County’s desert. Climb the Desert View Tower for vistas in Jacumba Hot Springs, where you can soak in one of three healing pools before heading back to your hotel.