La Jolla is known for its
outstanding beaches and enjoys the reputation as a
popular shopping and resort mecca. Located on the
northern portion of the City of San Diego, La Jolla is a
community within the city boundaries that enjoys its own
geographic boundaries and identity. This beautiful San
Diego coastal community includes art galleries, fine
clothiers, gourmet restaurants and numerous hotels that
greet travelers to a city built on hills.
La Jolla means "the jewel"
in Spanish, though many consider it San Diego's finest
pearl. Located only 15 minutes north of downtown San
Diego and bordering Pacific Beach, its scenic ocean
views, top notch educational institutions, research
facilities and pricey housing provide an exclusive (if
not elusive) feel to guests who visit the coastal gem.
It's difficult to visit La Jolla (pronounced la hoya -
like the boxer Oscar de la) and not want to stay a
little longer.
Scuba diving, swimming,
surfing, a public boat launch and children's play areas
at La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Cove and the Children's
Pool or Casa allow guests to separate and do what they
like. Shoppers can enjoy the downtown area within
walking distance of some hotels, and sand lovers can
walk to beach to soak up the sun in a region where it
shines over 300 days per year and the average
temperature is around 74 degrees. At time of writing, we
were told that there's a fun way to see the sites. Trips
departing from Colonial Inn on 910 Prospect include
guided 90-minute and 2-hour walking tours. La Jolla
Beaches
La Jolla is known as much for its cultural focus as for
its beaches so you might want to visit many of the
city's galleries, the Museum of Contemporary Art and one
of the finest art festivals in the United States, the
annual Festival of the the Arts and Food Faire. As you
travel the California coast and enjoy an abundance of
fine art, don't be surprised if you see the names of
some of your favorites showing at the annual La Jolla
festival. Festival of the Arts and Food Faire. 9490
Genesee (at Regents Roads) La Jolla 858-456-1268
www.lajollaartfestival.org
Museum of Contemporary Art, 700 Prospect St.
858-454-3451
La Jolla also has the pleasure of calling itself home to
several outstanding oceanic research facilities. Open to
the public are Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of
Oceanography, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla Phone: (858)
453-3474. This aquarium is very popular with families
and school groups. The entire family will enjoy visiting
the lovely buildings atop a hill overlooking the ocean.
Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 N. Torrey
Pines Rd. is another facility open to the public. Call:
858- 453-4100 x 1200
