Introduction To La Jolla

La Jolla California, is a seaside resort community of around 25,000.  Spanish for "the jewel", it's often times referred to as "jewel by the sea".  La Jolla borders the Pacific Ocean to the south and extends north to Torrey Pines State Reserve and Del Mar, California.

Along the way, La Jolla encompasses neighborhoods like Bird Rock, Windansea, La Jolla Shores, La  Jolla Farms, Torrey Pines, Mount Soledad, and even La Jolla Village.

Residents of La Jolla and business owners refer to the "village" or "town" of La Jolla.  The official postal address for the zip code 92037 is actually La Jolla, and not San Diego as it is for most  communities within the City of San Diego.  Sometimes, tourists get confused and believe that La Jolla is actually a seperate city, which it isn't.

La Jolla is a community of the City of San Diego. La Jolla has several community groups that work to  unify the voice of the area, including several non profit organizations.

With it's palm lined streets, large homes, and tropical climate and atmosphere, La Jolla is like a southern European village with it's own touch of Beverly Hills along the retail shops on Prospect Street.  A lot of the natural charm from La Jolla stems from the presence of the ocean and Mount
Soledad.

Several narrow curvy roads follow the contours of Soledad with hundreds of nice homes overlooking  the ocean, nestled gently on the slopes.  There are several sandy beaches here as well, including the Windansea Beach, La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Beach, and La Jolla Shores.

La Jolla also has the Torrey Pines Golf Course, which was made famous by the PGA Tour Buick Invitational held there each February.  Down the steep cliffs frm the golf course is the famous Black's Beach.

The downtown area of La Jolla is well known for it's jewelry stores, upmarket restaurants, and even hotels.  Prospect Street and Girad Avenue also offer several famous boutiques.  Well known for its architectural and historical presence  is the La Valencia Hotel, which used to welcome movie stars on retreat from Hollywood.

Recently, harbor seals have taken over the Children's Beach, which is a quiet man made cove near the  downtown area.  The seals are protected under  federal law, so removing them is nearly impossible. Now, the beach is open, as the rope is down.   Swimming here is allowed, although it's not  recommended.

Windansea Beach

Past all of La Jolla's ritzy homes, hotels, and well known restaurants, lies Windansea Beach.  Down the hill, this beach is flanked by surfers and sunbathers on hot summer days.  With sandstone cliffs, a sandy beach, and amazing surf breaks, Windansea Beach has been a popular surfing haunt as far back as the 1940s and a gathering spot of the Windansea Surf Club since the 1960s.

The shack on the beach that was built by surfers during World War 2 is now a San Diego Historic site.  The beach is also great for body surfing and snorkeling. The north end of Windansea is fairly rocky, with the  south being sandier, great for walking along the edge of the water.  You can also enjoy a picnic in the grass next to the beach and bask in the splendid views of the Pacific Ocean.

At Windansea Beach, there are no restrooms.  During the summer months, lifeguards are stationed all along the beach, even in some weekends of fall and spring. There are separate swim and surf zones at the beach, with no wheelchair access.  When you visit, you can park on the street or try the tiny single lot near the beach.

Getting to the beach

You can find Windansea around 6800 Neptune Place. From the north, follow I-5 south to the Genesee
Avenue exit then head west.  Turn left on Torrey Pines Road and follow the road into downtown La Jolla.   Turn left on Girad Avenue then take a right on Pearl Street.  Take a left onto La Jolla  Boulevard then make the right on Nautilus Street and your there.

From the south, follow I-5 north to the Ardath Road exit, Ardath Road will become Torrey Pines Road.  Take a left from Torrey Pines Road onto Girad Avenue.   Make a right onto Pearl Street then take a left onto La Jolla Boulevard.  Take the next right on Nautilus Street and your there.
Windansea is possibly one of the most beautiful  beaches in Southern California - and a great place for romantic strolls at sunset.  Parents should use caution with small children at the beach, as the surf often breaks directly onto the shore with a  lot of intimidating power.  

If you plan to visit the Windansea Beach, you should make sure you get there early.  As with most beaches in San Diego, getting there early will help you  get the best parking and more privacy when  the crowds start to arrive.  Windansea is a very amazing beach, and worth your time on hot summer days.

Where To Stay

During the year 1913, La Jolla's premiere hotel, The Grande Colonial, opened its doors for visitors, charging just $1 a night.  Since that time, La  Jolla has blossomed into a resort community, with modern hotels only helping to enhance the shine of the community.

No matter if you're looking for a modern building and maximum services for a business or romantic  venture, seaside cottage, or vacation - La Jolla's accommodations won't disappoint.  For business travelers, many of La Jolla's hotels will provide Internet access, data ports, meeting rooms, and other types of business services.  Leisure visitors are equally pleased, as hotels here offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, coupled with luxury services and nearby attractions.

Business district
In the high technology side of La Jolla, a number of modern hotels cater to primarily business  travelers.  The Hyatt Regency La Jolla is  conveniently located off I-5.  The Hyatt is a sleek, rusk colored building, with a contemporary building with incredible business conveniences.

East of I-5, the Marriott La Jolla is located among a cluster of business establishments, including corporate buildings.  Offering extensive meeting room space and an executive floor, the Marriott is very popular among business travelers.

The Village
While the professional area of La Jolla will cater to business travelers, the village area offers luxury and romance for leisure travelers.  The Best Western Inn by the sea is located in the middle of the village, with premium restaurants and shops seconds away from the lobby.

May consider the most famous hotel in the village area to be The Grande Colonial, which is very well known for its $1 per day rate upon opening.  The historical building has been renovated several times, now with beach views and in close proximity to the best dining room La Jolla has to offer.

Shoreline
A block away from the ocean is Hotel Parisi, which is considered by many to be the most luxurious of all hotels in the entire area of La Jolla.  This Mediterranean style hotel offers plenty of elegance, from the flowing fountain outdoors to the VIP  seating that's provided for hotel guests at the nearby exquisite restaurants.

The Prospect Inn of La Jolla offers style and extended stay rates while the Cove Suites provides studio type apartments as well as secretarial  services for the business traveler who seeks the best of seaside accommodations.

Hotel La Jolla offers garden and beach view rooms, with interior decorating by top designers of  Beverly Hills.  
Those who are looking for a more secluded stay should try Scripp's Inn, which is located at the southern tip of La Jolla Cove.  This hotel features an ocean view from every room, with a location on the beach that's still tucked away from the business nature of the cove.

La Jolla continues to shine and amaze with it's first class hotels.  Whether you visit for business affairs, leisure activities, or both, you can find everything you need and then some in the splendid town of La Jolla.

Weekend Getaway In La Jolla

Translated, La Jolla means "the jewel", which is an apt name for a splendid and beautiful town full of blue water.  One of California's best oceanside  towns, La Jolla is also home to many of the best beaches in the state.

When you visit, you'll notice that there are many things to do.  If your looking for something to do,

here are 5 great things to occupy your time: 

1.  Beaches - When you hear that San Diego has great beaches, it's the truth.  La Jolla Cave, La Jolla Shores, and Windansea are the best in San Diego, and possibly even the state.

2.  Birch Aquarium - Although it's a small aquarium, it's packed with a lot of interesting stuff and best of all - it won't wear you out.

3.  La Jolla Playhouse - This theater company is highly known around the world.

4.  Walking tour - Hike Bike Kayak will offer you a splendid one hour tour that focuses on the beauty and splendor of the La Jolla Coast and the history of the city.  

5.  Kayaking - The Hike Bike Kayak company also offers a tour of the La Jolla sea caves, with no experience required.

A weekend trip to La Jolla is an excellent time to enjoy a leisurely brunch.  The Cottage serves great cruisine in a beach bungalow atmosphere,  while the Marine Room at the Sea Lodge was voted the best Sunday brunch in the area several times in a row.  If your looking for a simple  breakfast, with great views and few tourists, follow Coast Blvd. to the Goldfish Point Cafe.

For a getaway for the weekend, La Jolla is a hard place to beat.  There's plenty to do here, with the beaches in the summer.  If you visit on hot days, you'll spend a majority of your time on the beaches - and loving every minute of it. 

Torrey Pines Glider Port

For over 75 years, the Gliderport in Torrey Pines has been the learning place for aviation greats such as the Lindbergh's, Boyles, and many other greats.  First established as a soaring site in 1928, the Gliderport has defined the world of motorless flight.  Today, the Gliderport is home to hang gliding, paragliding, scale models, and even sailplane flight.

The Gliderport also provides quality, instruction, certification, tandem flights, equipment sales, adventure tours, repair services, and even year round flying conditions.  From the first day of instruction to master pilot and instructor certifications, the Torrey Pines Gliderport can support all of your needs with flying.

If you've ever wanted to pursue a career in flying, the Torrey Pines Glider Port can help you achieve that very goal.  You can learn everything you've ever wanted to learn about flying, as well as get your license or certificate.  There are many types of flying you can learn, even if you have no prior experience.

The Gliderport also operates the most successful paragliding school in North America.  Their team
of highly trained instructors and support staff ensure that their students recieve the highest level of flight training available.

Depending on your skills, they offer classes from beginner to advanced.  They also offer a wide range of special clinics and classes for pilots of all levels to upgrade their knowledge and skills.

With plenty to do nearby, the Gliderport is a great place for your learning.  If you plan to travel to La Jolla for the Gliderport, you can rest assured that there will be plenty to do with your free time.

If you've ever wanted to learn how to fly, the Torrey Pines Gliderport is where you need to be. The costs are very reasonable and the Gliderport is in an excellent location.  All you need to do is check them out - and let your journey begin. 

The Birch Aquarium

Smaller and more intimate than other aquariums, the Birch Aquarium is one place where you can get close to all of the animals, and still take your time to simply enjoy being there.

Due to its intimacy, adults and children alike are energized by the aquarium.  You can watch an  octopus flow up and down the glass, or watch a  jellyfish move slowly through the water.  This is
an excellent thrill, for everyone in your family.

The most popular exhibit at the Birch Aquarium is the sea horse exhibit.  It offers many different species, from the tiny miniature sea horses that are under an inch tall, to the taller and more amazing sea dragons.

The many interactive exhibits at the aquarium will help you lean the history of oceanography.  By  taking a simulated trip in a deep water submersible, you'll learn the wonders and oddities of the deep ocean, even though it may move a bit too slow for smaller children.  Children of all ages enjoy  the exhibits that illustrate how the ocean products appear in every day items.

If you are planning to take pictures of the exhibits, be aware of the glass and the reflections.  If you can, move in close (around a foot away) and set your flash to a 45 degree angle.  Make sure that you don't get too wrapped up in taking photo's  inside the aquarium - as you may end up missing  the show going on outside.

If you are visiting La Jolla as a vacation or if you live there, the Birch Aquarium is worth a visit.  There are some amazing exhibits here, with something for everyone.  You can spend hours and hours here, making it one place you shouldn't hesitate to check out.

Restaurants-And-Bars

With many different establishments perched on top of cliffs that overlook the famous La Jolla Cove, the restaurants in this city are more well known for their unforgettable atmosphere than anything else.

Many restaurants in La Jolla have successfully combined spectacular ambience with creative culinary innovations.  With this in mind, La Jolla manages to please all types of tourists with plenty of restaurants throughout the city, offering formal dining, nightlife, and quiet views of the ocean.

Business district

There are several top notch restaurants that shine in the business district.  Donovan's Steak And Chop House pleases customers with it's elegant dining room, vast wine list, and premiere red  meat entrees.  If you seek traditional Italian, Tutto Mare offers an electric atmosphere with great Italian food.

When it comes to the nightlife, Humphrey's La Jolla Grill features dramatic dining for two with live entertainment.  The Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery is another great spot, with great cruisine and plenty of brews.

The Village

The downtown area of La Jolla offers some of the best eating in San Diego.  This section is easily 

the most trendy, offering quick coffee shops and a wild nightlife.  Harry's Cafe Gallery  offers plenty of twist, welcoming morning crowds with homemade breakfast and innovative works of art.

During the evening hours, Roppongi Restaurant Bar and Cafe sets the stage as one of La Jolla's notable trend setting spots, offering you plenty of varieties.  In the heart of the village there is an ultra trendy venue known as The Spot, which serves steak and ribs.

The Shoreline

Even though La Jolla boasts the city's most trendy eateries, dining along La Jolla Cove is a memorable experience for any tourist or visitor. Several restaurants line the cove, with each one offering  epectacular views of the Pacific ocean.

Trattoria Acqua boasts gazebo dining with modern pizza and pasta entrees, while Forever Fondue  

offers an artistic menu.  George's At The Cove  and the Crab Catcher are both perched on the  cliff of La Jolla Cove, featuring splendid views from their respective terrace dining facilities. 

For cozy dining experiences on the shoreline, La Jolla residents dine by the fireplace at Cody's or choose to feast on Mexican specialties at Alfonso's of La Jolla, which is a restaurant  well known for it's margaritas and burritos. 

With extraordinary views, first rate ambience,  and trend setting creations, La Jolla offers an unforgettable dining experience that tourists for remember for years and years to come. 

One Day In La Jolla

You could easily spend a week in La Jolla, walking on the beach, puttering around town and enjoying meals in great restaurants; but if you only have  one day, you can still enjoy some of the best La Jolla has to offer.

You'll want to start off by going to the beach.  La Jolla Shores is one of the best beaches in the  state of California, with a gently sloping beach and panoramic views.  A sunset or morning walk on the beach is enough to relax even the most stressed individual. The walk is better with the tide going out, as it leaves the beach with a  mirror like water display.

La Jolla is home to some of the best restaurants, with many of them serving excellent cuisine at lunch, although a lower price at night.  This way, you can live large on just the right budget.

Something else you'll want to do is go tide pooling. The Tiny La Jolla Cove is a couple of blocks away from downtown, and accessible by a stairway.  At low tides, the tide pools will have hundreds and hundreds of hermit crabs.

Walking around is also a great way to spend part of your day.  You can go for a window shopping stroll along Prospect Avenue and the side streets there.  With chain stores in sight, you'll  probably find something you must have.

If you have time to stay through the evening, the La Jolla Playhouse is worth your time, as it offers plenty of entertainment for the entire family.

For just a day to spend in La Jolla, there is a lot that you can do.  Once you spend a day in La Jolla, you'll probably find yourself wanting to come back for more - the town is simply that good.

Mount Soledad

Mount Soledad in beautiful La Jolla gives you the chance to enjoy amazing, 360 degree views under  the shadow of a towering cross.  All along the summit, there are many veteran's plaques.  Mount Soledad is truly splendid to look at, as it is a well known fixture to the area of La Jolla.

On Mount Soledad, you stand more than 800 foot high underneath the shade of a 43 foot high cross, and  enjoy the views and splendor the mount provides.  You can enjoy a picnic here, the panoramic views, or  just watch the sunset.  Mount Soledad is also a  great spot for photos, if you like to take photos. 

Beauty - everywhere you look

Below Mount Soledad is the shimmering waters of La Jolla Shores and terra cotta roofs of those that 

are very lucky folks indeed.  To the north you have the coastline that extends all the way up to  range

County.

To the south of Mount Soledad there are views of Mexico with city skyline and everything else the  area has to offer.  And off to the east, there are vistas as far as the eye can see.

The cross

You may be wondering just what the cross is and what it's for.  The story dates back to 1913, when

Pacific Beach residents built a cross out of redwood and set it atop the mountain.  Thieves removed it

ten years later, and the replacement was created in 1934, which was taken out by high winds in

1952.

Soon after that, the Mount Soledad Memorial Association build the current cross to commemorate soldiers of the Korean and the two world wars.

The cross of Mount Soledad has been a subject of controversy, although the problem appeared to be

solved in the late 1990s.  The San Diego Council sold the cross and the half acre of land that surrounds it to the Memorial Association.  

In 2002, mini walls were installed to honor the veterans that are underneath the cross, though they have fueled more controversy from those who feel that the towering symbol highlights Christian vets over others that are there.

For those that live in the area, Mount Soledad and the cross are a true beauty.  For visitors and  tourists, Mount Soledad provides amazing views and the cross seems to add to the detail.

If you ever visit La Jolla, make sure you check out Mount Soledad.  It's very close to the downtown area, and it'll be one thing you'll be glad you made time for.  The cross is something you simply must see - as words can't begin to describe it. 

Marine Street Beach

Located near the upscale community of La Jolla, the Marine Street Beach is a small cluster of high end clothiers, hotels, shops, and galleries.  The  beach is also legendary to body surfers and body boarders due to it's thunderous waves which always seem to crash the shoreline at the right time.

Keep in mind, this beach may not be ideal for families, as there are no public restrooms, picnic areas, and the rough surf conditions aren't well suited for children.  If you have a family, you may want to find another beach.

Even though it isn't the best beach for families, Marine Street Beach offers plenty of privacy and gorgeous white sand that can make for a fun day of sunbathing with friends.  

The rough waves found at this beach have been known to seriously injure swimmers and body  boarders in the past.  If you aren't that experienced with the water, you should always make sure that you repect both the water and the waves here.

During the summer months and on peak weekends during the fall and spring, there are lifeguards  stationed on the beach.  You should plan to park on the  street at Marine Street Beach, as there are no public lots.  You should try to get here early, as it can be very hard to find a parking space, especially during summer and on the weekends.

Getting there

If you are coming from the north, take I-5 south. Take the exit at Genessee Avenue, head west, then make a left on Torrey Pines Road.  Go down the hill into downtown La Jolla, turn left on Girad Avenue then right on Pearl Street.  Turn left at La Jolla Boulevard then right on Marine Street. 

From the south, take I-5 north to Torrey Pines Road.  Once you arrive in La Jolla Downtown,  simply follow the same directions from above. 

La Jolla Village Tour

A trip to sunny La Jolla isn't complete with a tour of the city's downtown area, known by locals as the village.  With trendy shops, galleries, and nice  places to eat, La Jolla Village is something you need to tour on foot to appreciate.

If you are traveling from a distance and must drive to the village, parking is not easy.  The downtown streets offer two hour free parking, although your best bet will probably be one of the garages along Fay Avenue where a flat rate will ease your mind of parking worries for the entire day.

Once you have found a place to park, you should begin your tour at the corner of Fay Avenue and  Prospect Street.  Here, you'll find some of the most famous restaurants in the downtown area,  including Moondoggie's and Il Forno.

As you pass by the restaurants, you'll see the  Arcade Building, which resembles an old hybrid  style.  The Arcade Building leads to an alleyway  with many specialty shops.

After you explore the treasures of the Arcade Building alley, continue your tour North along Prospect Street and you'll come to a stretch of art galleries. If you appreciate art, you'll love everything  the village has to offer you.

Just across the street from the art galleries, you'll find The Grande Colonial Hotel.  This hotel is famous and well known for its rate of $1 per day since the opening in 1913, has been renovated many times and now ranks as one of the best landmarks in La Jolla Village.

As you continue your walk down Prospect Street, you'll encounter Girard Avenue, which offers you plenty of shops and eateries.   

La Jolla Village

The Village of La Jolla is the vacation showcase of La Jolla.  The village offers postcard type beauty, with elegant homes, lush real estate, resorts, luxurious hotels, and even the best in intimate bed and breakfast lodging.  The La Jolla Village is the gateway entrance to some of the most amazing beaches San Diego has to offer.

The village consists of a 30 block downtown La Jolla area that's home to over 1,400 businesses that are fully committed to vacation pleasure to the over 7,000 people that visit the village each and every day.

In the village you'll find all the conveniences that grace the shores, such as world class shopping and quaint boutique shops.  Upscale restaurants, intimate cafes, museums, art galleries, and  attractions such as the Birch Aquarium can be found here as well.

The La Jolla Playhouse is in the village as well. It has earned over 200 awards, including the 1993 Tony for outstanding regional theater.  The Playhouse is a creative haven that attracts more then 150,000 theater enthusiasts each year.

Most visitors to the La Jolla Village like to walk the shoreline around Scripps Park and soak up the perfect weather and majestic views of the oceanfront panorama.  If romantic tranquility is what you
seek, late afternoon and early evening strolls are less crowded and at dusk you can catch some of the most stunning sunsets.

The beaches of La Jolla are the biggest tourist attractions here.  All you need to do is choose  your style of water recreation and relaxation.   Swimming, surfing, bodysurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sun bathing, or just watching others swim. Make sure you arrive early to avoid the crowds, then stay late to catch the beauty of the moonlit skies.

La Jolla Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle of La Jolla is an area that's intersected by three major freeways - I-5, I-805, and State 52.  The Triangle lies east of La Jolla Village and ten minutes north of downtown San Diego.

The established residential community blossomed into a financial triad of high rise office  buildings, full service hotels, shopping, and plenty of restaurants.  

The Golden Triangle also offers the business traveler and vacationer all they need within a self contained area of business, retail, shopping, hotels, dining, and boutiques.  The Golden Triangle is also located close to the oceanfront beach  area of the village and all the vacation attractions
that San Diego has to offer.

La Jolla Travel Guide

La Jolla is a well known tourist attraction, and by all accounts is the "jewel" in San Diego.  Perched on the bluffs that overlook the Pacific Ocean, the city has captivated millions over the years, and continues to do so to this very day.

With it's quaint village feel, expansive views, and easy to access coast, it can be said that La Jolla is a great attraction.  If you had to break La Jolla down into 3 main areas, it would be the beach, the restaurants, and the shopping.

Home to some of the best coastline in the county, La Jolla offers beach goers and sun lovers the  chance to play, relax, and bask in the sun on some of the finest beaches in the area.  In their beauty, the beaches rival those of Hawaii for their seclusion and serenity.  

From the long white sand of La Jolla Shores to the quiet and relaxing beach off Marine Street, you'll have plenty to enjoy and find your very own piece of paradise.

La Jolla restaurants are world class, playing host to some of the finest chefs and coming chefs in the entire country.  With its year round growing  season, these chefs have some of the finest products to work their collective magic with - creating some of the best meals you'll ever taste.

The village of La Jolla is said to have some of the best shopping anywhere.  There are stores all over

the area, with something for everyone.

Whether it's shopping, swimming, or just checking out the area, La Jolla is truly a place to vacation or just visit.  Summer is the best time to visit, as the beaches here are truly beautiful.  If you've wanted to go somewhere different, La Jolla is where you need to be. 

La Jolla Shores

Located at 8200 Camino del Oro, La Jolla Shores is a sandy beach around a mile long, adjacent to a residentual dwelling.  During the summer months, the waves at this beach are normally the most gentle of all San Diego beaches, although the rip currents can be very strong at times.

For this very reason, novice scuba classes are held at La Jolla Shores.  The grassy park of Kellogg Park is located behind the main lifeguard station and provides an excellent area for picnicking.  A wide cement boardwalk parallels a large area of the beach between the sand and the park.

The beach of La Jolla Shores is adjacent to the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Ecological Reserve.   The removal of objects from this area as well as fishing are prohibited.  The Scripps Pier lies at the north end of the beach, although the pier isn't open to the public.

Within the City limits, La Jolla Shores has the only beachfront boat launch.  Small boats can be  launched directly into the surf at foot of Avenida de la Playa, which is south of the lifeguard station.  This can be a rough terrain area, so you may need to have a four wheel drive vehicle.

If you like to surf, there are specified areas on the beach where the waves tend to be small.  For scuba diving, the south end of the beach is widely used by scuba driving classes.

During the summer months, La Jolla Shores can tend be very crowded.  You should try to go in the  morning, as the crowds aren't as bad.  This is a great beach during those hot summer days, with plenty to do for your entire family.

La Jolla Sea Caves Tour

San Diego is the kayak tour of the well known La Jolla Sea Caves.  On this tour, you can witness the abudant wildlife and amazing views of the La Jolla Cove with your guide who will be an amateur naturalist.

Not only will you kayak up the caves at La Jolla Shores, but you'll also witness dolphins swimming, along with sea lions playing.  From your kayak, you can see Mount Soledad to the east, the bluffs of Torrey Pines State Reserve to the north, and La  Jolla Cove to the south.

You can take the La Jolla Sea Caves tour every day at 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:30 PM.  Starting in June, the tours are every half hour.  To make a  reservation, all you need to do is call.

What to expect
On a typical day, you should be prepared to get wet.  The tour launches into the waves from the end
of their street.  You meet at their shop, where you'll check in, sign waivers, etc.  You'll also recieve
a lifejacket and paddle.  

You'll need to bring the following with you:

-  Sunglasses with retainers
-  Sunscreen
-  A change of clothes
-  Bathing suit
-  Towel
-  Sandals

The tour is very popular with tourists and locals alike.  Hike Bike Kayak can accomodate age ranges from 6 - 65.  They also have bike trailers and trail a bikes for children that are 1 and older.  This  way, anyone can take in the beauty and mystique  this tour offers.

Cost and availability
The cost of the La Jolla Sea Caves tour is $50 per person for singles, and $45 per person for tandem kayaks or couples.  If you can go with someone else, that would be easier choice.

La Jolla Entertainment

Each and every year, La Jolla draws countless tourists from around the world.  With its picturesque terrain, incredible views and charming culture, La Jolla is a visitors paradise.  The entertainment for the area consistently pleases the growing tourist population as well, catering to a wide variety of tastes.

Art
La Jolla flourishes and astounds with it's distinguished art galleries.  The community celebrates an  extensive array of art, although most galleries tend to favor contemporary pieces.  The Quint Gallery highlights modern art, featuring paintings in oil and water colors, along with photography and  sculptures.

The Gallery 
La Jolla offers various European and American contemporary artists, housing both paintings and sculptures.  Just down the street is the  Carlton Gallery, which is devoted to sculpture,
and showcases Oriental art as well.

Music
Even though art clearly dominates La Jolla's cultural atmosphere, music isn't neglected.  A variety of styles bring music alive to tourists and local residents.  Athenaeum Music and Arts Library has a collection of books and other pieces that are devoted to the musical world.

During summer
 Concerts by the Sea in La Jolla is very popular among locals and tourists.  Located at the La Jolla Cove, this annual concert series presents live music in an oceanside setting.

Theater and film
The La Jolla Playhouse is the most popular theater in the area.  The theater has been around for many years, and now known for it's new plays.  For the world of film, the Cove Theater is an old fashioned theater that shows independant and foreign films that are often neglected by main stream movie theaters.

Nightlife
The nightlife in La Jolla is upbeat and very energetic.  The Spot is a popular nighttime venue, located in the La Jolla Village.  Another great spot is Humphrey's La Jolla Grill.  For those  who are looking to laugh, The Comedy Store is highly recommended.

Outdoor activities
The sunny area of La Jolla amazes with outdoor activities as well.  You can see panoramic views of San Diego County from Mount Soledad or climb through the mysterious caverns provided by the La Jolla Caves.

Gold enthusiasts won't want to miss the Torrey Pines Golf Course, which is the only public course in the entire PGA circuit.  Those who are seeking adventure may want to check out La Jolla from the air with an airborne journey from the Torrey Pines Gliderport.

Whether your looking for art, nightlife, or outdoor adventure, La Jolla has the entertainment you
crave.  There is a lot of things to do here -giving tourists more than one reason to come back for more.

La Jolla Cove

The Cove of La Jolla sits below the Ellen Browing Scripps Park in downtown La Jolla.  The sandy portion of the beach is quite small, with plenty of rocky cliffs.  During high tide, the surrounding rocks will trap the water that stays behind as  mini tidepools when the tide goes out, giving  both children and adults something to peer into.

The La Jolla Cove, 1100 Coast Boulevard, is a very small beach that's tucked between adjacent sand stone cliffs.  Due to it's amazing beauty, the Cove is one of the most photographed beaches in the Southern California area.  Although it's within a short walking distance of the commercial community area of La Jolla, the Cove still retains a style of  it's own.

The north facing has a very unusual amount of coarse sand.  The grassy area of Scripps Park is on the other side, and provides a great area for picnics.  The water visibility at the Cove can sometimes exceed 30 feet, which makes it a very popular area for  scuba divers and snorklers.

The Cove lies within the San Diego Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, which will help to ensure that all marine life remains plentiful.  This area is look but don't touch, with the possession of game being against the law.
La Jolla Cove is an excellent area for scuba diving, especially when surf conditions are low.  Before you head to the beach, you should always telephone the beach information line and check with lifeguards before you dive.

With plenty to offer your entire family, the La Jolla Cove is an excellent beach.  There is plenty of swimming here, with views of the most beautiful water in the area.  If you're looking for a great way to spend a hot summer day - La Jolla Cove is the  place.

La Jolla Beaches

From the family beaches that are most often preferred by tourists to the more secluded coves most desired by surfers, divers, and swimmers, La Jolla beaches offer something for everyone.  From lacks Beach to the north and Windansea Beach to the south, the  La Jolla shoreline consists of steep sandstone cliffs that are seperated by coves and sandy beaches.

They sunny yet beautiful breezes and picture perfect  views are a vacation paradise for tourists and a
water recreation highlight for locals.  There are seven unique beaches that dot the seven mile coastline against a backdrop of real estate, resorts, cliffs, tall palm trees, and lush scenary.

Downtown La Jolla is conveniently located near  most of the beaches which not only provide parking
for beach visitors but plenty of fine restaurants, intimate cafes, culture, art galleries, and other types of commercial convenience.

Between mid day and 4 PM, the crowds at any of the La Jolla beaches can be very big.  The best advice when visiting any of the beaches in La Jolla is to come to the beach early and stay late - so  that you can enjoy the magic of the sunsets and dusk views from across the ocean horizons.

Each beach at La Jolla will offer you something unique with different ways to enjoy the bliss of your vacation.  La Jolla Shores is the most  popular beach for families with the largest  expansion of flat, sandy beaches.  If you enjoy people watching, sunbathing, and lazy days on the beach - La Jolla Shores is where you want to be.

La Jolla Cove is another excellent beach, with steep sandstone cliffs offering amazing views and the paradise of sparkling blue water the cove is known for.  The La Jolla Cove is a swimmer's dream come true because of it's gentle water.  Along with the Children's Pool, the Cove is rich with reefs that  attract scuba divers and snorkelers to the abundance of marine life.

There are several La Jolla Caves that were carved by nature into the sandstone cliffs between La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores that help attract ocean kayakers from around the world.  There is  one cave in particular, known as "Sunny Jim Cave" that can be entered through a man made tunnel that leads to a steep descent through a narrow underground tube to a wooden deck.

With plenty of beaches all along the coastline, La Jolla is the place to be during the summer months.  La Jolla is a well known tourist attraction, with well over 7,000 people visiting on a daily basis.  If you enjoy the beach, La Jolla is  going to feel like heaven on earth. 

Getting To La Jolla

La Jolla, located in California, is a 20 minute drive from downtown San Diego by going Interstate 5 north.  Take the exit at Ardath Road, eventually Ardath Road will become Torrey Pines Road.   Continue west on this road, and you'll reach the village  when you see Prospect Place.  Turn right on Prospect Place and you'll enter the heart of La Jolla.

On average, around 7,000 people will visit La Jolla every day.  With so many people coming to such a  small place, you can almost bet that finding a  parking place is a chore.  There isn't any parking meters, although many of the streets closest to the water do have one hour time limits.  You can go
a little farther out for two hour parking, although you'll have to observe the time limits.  Even in off season, parking enforcement is really enforced here.

Even during the off season, finding a parking place is very hard to do.  The streets are almost always crowded, although for good reason.  La Jolla is an excellent tourist attraction, with plenty of water and fun for the entire family.

If you pay close attention when you visit, you can find a few paid lots that are scattered around the town.  If you get closer to the downtown area, the lots will be a little bit cheaper.

Your best bet when visiting La Jolla might be a parking lot that's well hidden - so few people will notice it.  If you turn downhill on Coast Blvd from Prospect, you'll find it on the left, right across from the Cave Store.  Keep in mind though, vehicles over 6'5" won't fit through. 

Children's Pool

Also known as the Casa, the Children's Pool is a small beach partially protected by a sea wall.  The original intention here was to create a fully protected swimming area, although sand has now filled in much of the area that exists to the inside of the wall.

This is a very beautiful beach, offering several panoramic views.  Almost all year long, seals and sea lions are present on or near the beach, with a reserve for these marine mammals, known as Seal Rock being just a bit offshore.

The Children's Pool is within a short walking distance of the commercial area of the community of La Jolla.  You can find grassy park areas a short distance to the north and south.  Several small beaches are nearby as well, including Wipeout Beach to the south and Shell Beach to the north.

Children's Pool is also a popular beach for scuba divers because of the reefs just offshore. These very same reefs can help create very strong currents and other hazards, especially in high surf conditions.

Lifeguard protection Lifeguards are staffed daily throughout the year. In the summer, lifeguard hours are normally 9 AM until dark.  During other times of the year, lifeguards may not begin duty until 10 AM.

Black's Beach

Black's Beach is a two mile long, sandy strip of beach located at the base of the majestic cliffs that can be up to 300 foot high.  Formally known as Torrey Pines City Beach, it's jointly owned by the City of San Diego and the State of California. There is also a glider port atop the cliff that overlooks the beach where hang gliders and even remote control gliders can be seen soaring.

Gaining access to Black's Beach isn't easy due to the high cliffs and lack of stairways.  The safest access is from the adjacent beaches to the north and south, although this way may be obstructed by high tides or surf.

The cliffs here are unstable as well, and slides can occur anytime, so it's always best to stay  away from them.  There's no permanent lifeguard station at this beach either.  There are some on duty mid day from Spring Break through the end of the October.

Keep in mind, most California beaches experience very strong rip currents.  Black's Beach is no exception, as the rip currents can get very strong here.  To be on the safe side, always swim near shore or near a lifeguard.

The water activity at Black's Beach is virtually unregulated.  Surfers and swimmers may mix, but they are all required to employ care and avoiding hurting each other.

Black's Beach is also an excellent beach for  surfing, especially at the south end.  Scuba diving isn't recommended here, due to access problems and surf conditions.

Even though access can be hard, Black's Beach is still an excellent beach.  It offers plenty of seclusion, views, and sand for the kids.  If you've never been here, this beach can easily prove to be one of your favorites in the entire area of San Diego.