Weekend Getaway to La Jolla, CA
Something for Everyone in Unique Coastal Community Near San Diego
Apr 17, 2008
As you plan your California and Western United States travel itinery consider La Jolla, California as one of your destination visits. The name La Jolla, which means “The Jewel” in Spanish was first given to this scenic oceanfront spot several hundred years ago when Spanish explorers to the area encountered the many beautiful coves, beaches, and bays of the area. La Jolla is located approximately 12 miles north of downtown San Diego and is about 25 minutes by car from San Diego’s International Airport, Lindbergh Field. La Jolla is less than a day’s drive from anywhere in California, Arizona and Nevada and during the summer you will see license plates from all across the U S.
Temperate Climate Year Round
La Jolla offers visitors one of the best climates in the continental United States with year round temperatures ranging from 60-70 degrees (F) or 18-23 (C).
Accomodations
La Jolla offers a wide range of accommodations to suit the needs and budget of most visitors. For beachfront accommodations try the Sea Lodge (858-454-7126) or La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club (858-454-7126) which are the only beachfront hotels in La Jolla. In town the historic Hotel La Valencia (858-454-0771) and Grande Colonial Inn (858-454-7126) offer premium accommodations in the heart of the village. Dining choices are excellent with George’s At the Cove (858-454-2544) being a long time favorite. Manhattan of La Jolla (858-459-0700) offers great Italian fare and Zenbu (858-454-4540) is a must for fresh seafood. For great dining, entertainment and people watching be sure to stop into Jack’s, La Jolla (858-456-8111) where the crowd is young and vibrant. Make time to enjoy a breakfast at Harry’s Coffee Shop (858-454-7381), a La Jolla landmark and perhaps a Latte at Pannikin (858-454-5453) at the top of Girard Avenue.
Activities Abound
There is something to do for almost everyone visiting La Jolla ranging from ocean sports such as surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and kayaking to people watching, and tide pool explorations. La Jolla Shores located on the north side of La Jolla is home to many businesses renting kayaks, snorkeling gear, and other equipment to better explore the La Jolla Cove, a National Underwater Preserve. A note of caution to visitors that it is illegal to remove any wildlife from the La Jolla Cove. Hiking at Torrey Pines preserve on the north end of La Jolla offers outstanding views of the Pacific Ocean and the clothing optional Black's Beach. For tennis players, the La Jolla Tennis Club (858-454-4434) is an outstanding recreational tennis facility which is open to the public for a small daily fee and guests of the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club have access to that facilities’ private courts. Golfers will want to venture up the hill to Torrey Pines (858-452-3226), a 36 hole public golf course which will be home to this year’s U.S. Open golf tournament in June. While some of the family might be off kayaking or hiking the beach, no visit to La Jolla is complete without a stroll through the village to shop in world class boutiques, art galleries, and jewelry stores. Be sure to bring your credit cards.
Things to See
Sightseers to La Jolla will want to stop in to the world renown Scripps Birch Aquarium (858-534-3474) located just up the hill from the village of La Jolla. Check out the sea lions who make their home in a protected cove called the “Children’s Pool", just south of the La Jolla Cove. Farther south by bike or car you will find the scenic beaches called Marine Street and Wind 'n Sea, the latter made famous as a setting for Tom Wolfe’s novel “The Pump House Gang”. Continue south from Wind 'n Sea Beach and you find Camino De La Costa, known as the "street of dreams". Homes facing the ocean on this street often sell for over $20,000,000.
Return Visitors
With its climate, sightseeing, shopping, and countless other activities, La Jolla has a strong repeat visitor population. Give La Jolla a try for a long weekend or brief getaway and you too may find yourself becoming a regular visitor to this unique seaside community.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
