I have just returned from a trip to San Diego, CA for the Travel Show, and spent most of my free time in my favorite city away from home, La Jolla, CA. I lived in La Jolla for five years, so I knew right where to go for relaxation and to enjoy the wonderful views La Jolla, the “Jewel” has to offer. You get there by flying direct from most U.S. Cities into San Diego airport(SAN), which sits practically on the water in downtown San Diego. The airport is so close to the City that it appears as if you are skimming the tops of the skyscrapers when your plane lands. The airport is still small enough that it is not a frustrating experience, it is decorated with beautiful palm trees and almost always backdrops a blue sunny sky. Ten minutes up “the 5” North Freeway(in San Diego, every freeway is preceded by “the”) you will see one exit to La Jolla. Be sure to take this exit to the “Jewel” of San Diego.
Follow La Jolla Village Drive right into La Jolla to see the most captivating views of beaches, cliffs decorated with the most fabulous homes, resorts, restaurants you will ever want to see. You will never want to leave this little hot spot for the rich, famous, retirees. La Jolla is best taken in for the view in the early hours of the day, mainly because you have the brightest sunlight for the views, but also, after 3:00 p.m. traffic becomes rather difficult. A small car is best for fitting into those tight parking spaces. When you finally arrive to Prospect Street, you will be quite impressed with the parking situation, i.e. or lack of it. You must move your car every 2 hours because the Ticket Officers mark your tires with chalk. There is expensive public parking, but best to find a residential street that allows curbside parking running east/west. Wear your comfortable shoes and get ready for a magnificent experience. If you have arrived in the morning, after doing some perusing of the beautiful shops and glitz, you may be ready for the best brunch or breakfast in La Jolla at the Cottage. Find the slightly hidden step path that goes directly up, near George at the Cove(which we will get to later) to climb up to Cottage, which overlooks the most beautiful view you may see on this day.
The Cottage is an outdoor restaurant, although offers limited seating inside, with a breakfast and lunch menu. Be sure to bring your camera, and I believe you can still strap your dog to post, please do double check that now. Moving on to more exploration, you may want to take in a shop or two. All best shopping is found on Prospect Street, whether its art, jewelry, or couture clothing. You will see all the typical high end chain boutiques, plus a few couture originals. After shopping, you may want to walk on the beach, which is not difficult, since you are practically on the beach. After your walk, you may be a bit hungry for some late lunch. Late lunch is best due to tourists in the summer, at least. I recommend Georges at the Cove restaurant, up top. There is a formal restaurant downstairs for the evening, as well. You will love the trendy restaurant-bar for scrumptious lunches, fantastic cocktails and breathtaking view.
I have supplied picture from this vantage point, keep in mind, after bragging about the weather, it was a bit cloudy on this day. Request seating on the veranda so you can have the very best view. Georges at the Cove( https://georgesatthecove.com)makes a most savory broccoli, cheese and black bean soup from recipe found in Opra’s Cookbook, be sure to sample it. Be sure to order their smoked mussels with side order of their warm bread. You are going to love the mussel sauce with the bread. All of the sandwiches, specials and fish dishes are fantastic. The service we find consistent with average to above average. The beach down below is called Seals Beach or Children’s Beach. This is because the seals gather at this spot to sun bathe on the big rocks, so get your zoom lens ready. There has been some controversy over this bay because of several issues surrounding the seals. Children could feed the seals in the past, special feed was supplied at beach side. I believe they may have discontinued this practice now. Seals can become aggressive if provoked, perhaps this is the reason you cannot feed the seals any longer. If you only have one night, I recommend La Valencia Hotel on Prospect for dinner, https://lavalencia.com.
The view is fantastic, this is the original “Hotel California”, so I have been told. You will love the lavish decor and relaxation available to the public in the lounge and lobby which overlooks the beach with the most fantastic picture window! There is live piano every evening. Must make reservations in the restaurant upstairs several days ahead and have made plenty of room in your dining budget. You can have cocktails in the lounge and send word upstairs, when your table is ready your waiter will fetch you via the old fashioned 4-person dummy waiter elevator and take you up to even a more expansive view. I recommend the sea scallops and always, lobster. Enjoy. Weather: You should include in your carry-on bag, lightweight layered clothing. The beaches are always a bit cool near the water, and some of the high point lookouts get a bit breezy. A scarf and jacket will be helpful for the ladies. Men should always bring a semi formal jacket. Although San Diego and La Jolla are casual resort cities, some restaurants require jacket and closed toe shoes for evening evening. Temperatures in evening can be in 60s, while in the day, can get up to 77 degrees. Other local area recommended sites below: Torrey Pines Glider Port – Blow your mind and watch these gliders jump off into gorgeous mountain valleys. Bring a light jacket, winds are high.
https://flytorrey.com/ Windansea Beach – Just south of La Jolla, my favorite beach of all in this area. It has tanning rocks, its public and has restrooms. It is not overly populated so you can enjoy some seclusion.
UTC outdoor Shopping Mall - 4545 La Jolla Village Dr. This is a wonderful outdoor mall with high end chain stores, with a spattering of couture shops. An enjoyable experience on a beautiful day and they are all beautiful in San Diego/La Jolla.
Pacifica Del Mar – If you have 2 nights, recommend this seafood restaurant about 15 minutes north of La Jolla, in Del Mar. https://pacificadelmar.com. Again, fantastic views and outdoor shopping. For an appetizer to split, try the tuna tar tar in martini glass, fabulous!
Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed just a few of my favorite memories about my most favorite spot in the U.S. If you did, please bookmark or feel free to link to my article so you can share with your friends. Enjoy!
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