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Showing posts with label La Jolla California. Show all posts
Showing posts with label La Jolla California. Show all posts

Thursday 1 January 2015

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 spectacular 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 Orange
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

The most popular tour offered by Hike Bike Kayak of
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 Blacks 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.

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.

Grande Colonial La Jolla

Your trip to La Jolla's historic Grande Colonial
begins with your choice of breathtaking ocean views
or views of the village in La Jolla.  You have 55
rooms to choose from or 20 elegant suites.  All
rooms in the Grande Colonial are non smoking.

Built in 1913, this historic hotel is seconds
away from the beach or the always happening village
with its shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
The Grande Colonial guestrooms are unique, with
many offering breezy ocean views from the windows.

The Grande Colonial in La Jolla is located in
the Village of La Jolla on 910 Prospect Street,
within walking distance from the ocean beaches.
The hotel is 15 minutes from Sea World, 20 minutes
from downtown San Diego, the convention center,
and even the airport.

Located on the Grande Colonial property is an
outdoor heated swimming pool, with a health club
located nearby.  All rooms are decorated with
renaissance type furniture with village and ocean
views.  The restaurant in the hotel is called the
Nine-Ten.  The hotel is in a great location,
being within walking distance to fine dining,
boutique shopping, and unique art galleries.

For families on vacation, the Grande Colonial
offers baby sitting for younger children.  There
is exquisite in house dining, and plenty of
hospitality.  In each room, there is air conditioning,
heating, a hair dryer, view rooms, and even in
room movies.

No matter what brings you to La Jolla, the Grande
Colonial is worth a stay.  The rates vary, depending
on what time of year you visit.  This hotel is
one of the most well known in San Diego, pleasing
visitors since 1913.  Once you stay a night in
the Grande Colonial, you'll have a new meaning to
blissful paradise.

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.