Up front, this is not a trip report. Rather, this is based on research conducted for a surprise impending trip granted me by my fabulous wife for my birthday.
I’ve been compared to Red (Morgan Freeman character in Shawshank Redemption) from time to time, for my ability to follow lines of investigation and locate gems of information.
I thought I’d share some of those findings.
La Jolla – San Diego
Spanish for “the jewel”, La Jolla (lə-HOY-ə) is a gem of a destination in southwest California with sexy curvy coastlines and beaches with a beautiful backdrop of luxuriantly green hillsides. To fit with the Monte Carlo comparisons, the hills are filled with lavish homes and not surprisingly this neighbourhood in San Diego is one of the most expensive in the American housing market. Toss in a mix of world class restaurants, magnificent hiking areas with a splash of the arts and you have a true jewel by the sea. To top it off, The Jewelhas what has been called a perfect climate.
“September is the best time to be in San Diego. The daytime temperature is in the high 70s, the night time temps are in the low 60s, the ocean is still in the mid-60s, and the crowds are gone. I call it San Diego’s secret season.” (La Jolla Travel Information)
#Eastwooding
Speaking of houses, presidential candidate Mitt Romney is the community’s latest celebrity resident, purchasing a beachfront home in 2008. As Curbed reports below, not everyone is thrilled about his plans for a mega expansion:
“What happens when a filthy rich Boy Scout tries to quadruple the size of his house in La Jolla while also running for president of the United States? Wackiness, natch! The New York Times is the latestoutlet to check out Mitt Romney‘s plans to massively expand his house in La Jolla (which Richard Gereonce rented) and, for the paper of record, they do some serious gossipmongering and dirt digging, getting the neighbors to say all kinds of bitchy things (although the neighborhood does seem to love the Secret Service).” (Curbed)
More Akin To Beverly Hills?
National Geographic highlights La Jolla as San Diego’s Beverly Hills and still others compare it to the French Riviera:
“…downtown La Jolla is a beautiful place to visit, featuring high-end boutiques and palm tree-lined streets. Walk from Scripps Park up winding streets and look at all the stores and cafés. Stop at La Valencia Hotel, located in the heart of La Jolla village. Built in 1926, it is known for its amazing views and pink facade.Drive to the top of Mount Soledad in La Jolla. The hill, situated between Interstate 5 and the Pacific Ocean, has panoramic views of downtown San Diego and the ocean. At the top is the Mount Soledad Cross, which stands at 29 feet and is a well-known landmark of San Diego.”
Either way, National Geographic names it as one fantastic fall destination.
From SAN to La Polla
- Public transport: the MTS bus #30 from downtown will drop you off right on Silverado Street at Herschel in the heart of La Jolla.
- Taxi from downtown is approximately $40 plus gratuity for a meagre 12 miles. Renting a car might be a more cost-effective option, but not a necessity.
The Gameplan
This looming getaway is all about sun, rest, relaxation and rejuvenation with some exploration thrown in for good measure.
Our arrival date is timed beautifully with the promises of music, art, shopping and fine dining of the Haute La Jolla Nights festival taking place that evening.
Beaches (NatGeo)
- “La Jolla Cove, one of Southern California’s most photographed beaches. The water here is calm, and you can see colorful fish and abundant sea life. Surf and boogie boards are not permitted. Get there early for a great spot by the caves that enclose this beach. Above La Jolla Cove lies Scripps Park, a good place to picnic, lounge, or just enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Boomer Beach in La Jolla is a great place to spot the sea lions that call La Jolla home. Bring a camera along for some beautiful nature and wildlife shots.
- Windansea Beach has been a a haven for surfers since the 1940s. The beach is split into two sections, one section for beach bathers and the other for surfers. The shack located here is also one of San Diego’s historical landmarks—built by surfers during World War II.
- Observe seals and sea lions in their natural habitat at the Children’s Pool. Swimming here is discouraged because of the significant number of animals nearby, but the sight of them basking in the sun is itself worth seeing.
- La Jolla Shores is a classic beach haven with sidewalks lined in palm trees and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The Shores consist of a small play area, beach (great for swimming), and lawn (perfect for a picnic lunch and a game of Frisbee). Summer months bring swarms of people, so be sure to get there early to claim a spot or arrive in the late afternoon to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.”
La Jolla (MoonJazz /Flickr)
The Great Outdoors
Besides hiking and biking, La Jolla is simply a utopia for those wishing to partake in surfing, snorkling, kayaking, canoeing and paddle-boarding.
- Torrey Pines State Park…catch a glimpse of the massive sandstone cliffs that rise 300 feet above the Pacific Ocean and to see the rare Torrey pine trees. Hiking trails in the park feature unparalleled ocean vistas, spectacular wildflowers, and views of people gliding away from the Torrey Pines Gliderport. One of the park’s most famous hikes starts at the visitor’s center and winds down to the beach below. (NG)
- “For a little exercise take a hike at Torrey Pines State Park. Begin at the top of the park, on the tall sandstone bluffs, and wind your way down sagebrush-lined trails to Torrey Pines State Beach. Walk south to Black’s Beach for seclusion and look for dolphins playing in the surf.” (San Diego Top 10 Attractions)
- “La Jolla is the location of Torrey Pines Golf Course, site each January or February of a PGA Tour event formerly known as the Buick Invitational and now (since 2010) called the Farmers Insurance Open.[40]In 2008, Torrey Pines also hosted the 2008 U.S. Open.” (Wikipedia)
- Suggested great walk (La Jolla Travel Information)
We might just have to attempt to get a look at:
“Adult leopard sharks can reach up to 6 feet in length. They get their name from their markings – dark spots on a gray background – that look similar to a leopard. The pregnant females come to La Jolla Shores every summer for the warm water that helps them birth their pups. The spawning season lasts until October.” (La Jolla Travel Information)
One should also be on the lookout for stingrays in the area, but apparently they are harmless – you just have to do the “stingray shuffle” whereby you move your feet in the water to let them know of your presence.
Indulgence
I’ll be planning to enjoy some local craft-brewed beer at La Jolla Brew House and Karl Strauss Brewing Company amongst others.
To fulfill my gastronomy desires, George’s At The Cove and Nine-Ten are sure to satisfy. In the latter establishment, acclaimed chef (2011 Iron Chef challenger) Jason Knibb serves satisfying seasonal fare. Nine-Ten is also known for their mixology skills, as is the Whisknladle.
“Sunday, September 16 – Friday, September 21 – San Diego Restaurant Week takes place in La Jolla and throughout San Diego. Prix fixe lunch cost $10, $15 or $20 and dinner goes for $20, $30, or $40 depending on which place you pick. At least 180 restaurants are participating. Make reservations as early as possible.” (La Jolla Travel Information)
“High tide” at The Marine Room is supposedly quite the unique dining experience with an amazing view. The Shores Restaurant is yet another option for brilliant views with fantastic food.
Goldfish Point Café is one of La Jolla’s best kept secrets. The regulars – and there are many – include La Jolla Cove swimmers, who gather here for coffee and conversation after their morning workout. The young and the restless also roll in regularly with their laptops and avail themselves of the free wi-fi. Other folks choose this breezy spot for the privacy it offers and the great ocean view. (Location – uphill from The Cove at 1255 Coast Boulevard; open 8am to 3pm daily) (La Jolla Travel Information)
Another gem loved by the locals is The Sandwich Club of La Jolla which offers value, savoury food, and a view of genuine La Jolla. Rubios is known to have the community’s best fish tacos. We will be avoiding Bistro 101 and Alfonso’s on Prospect Street which have mediocre reviews.
La Jolla Open Aire Market will be on the agenda for browsing supreme on Sunday from 9am to 1pm.
We’ll also have to keep our eyes peeled for Dustin Hoffmann who, rumour has it, frequents the Whaling Bar atLa Valencia.
Theatre and Arts
- The La Jolla Playhouse is a not-for-profit theater located on the UCSD campus founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck and several other Hollywood stars.
- The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is positioned strategically overlooking the Pacific Ocean and hosts rotating exhibitions of world-renowned contemporary modern art and sculpture.
- The La Jolla Athenaeum Music and Arts Library plays host to exhibitions of famous artists and features jazz and chamber music shows.
- The La Jolla Art Association Gallery is more known by the locals than tourists (8100 Paseo del Ocaso; open daily from 11am – 5pm).
- “Any time – Stop at the entrance booth at UCSD and pick up a brochure about The Stuart Collection of outdoor art. I can’t think of a better way to pass a few hours than walking around the beautiful campus locating and admiring the creative works. The 18th piece “Fallen Star” was added last November. It’s a three-quarter-sized version of a small house perched on the top of the seven-story Jacobs School of Engineering building.” (La Jolla Travel Information)
Institutes
All of the following call La Jolla home:
- The Salk Institute
- The Scripps Institute
- Scripps Institute of Oceanography
- San Diego Supercomputer Center
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies
- Geisel Library is named for Dr. Seusswho was a long-time La Jolla resident. One can do a self-guided tour at any time and for a limited time UCSD is also offering free guided tours.
Life in La Jolla
Is, then, La Jolla truly comparable to Monte Carlo or Beverly Hills or even the French Riviera? I’ll have to report back in a couple of weeks, but I’ll leave you with this statement:
“Many make the mistake of thinking La Jolla is just a tourist destination or an “out of the way upscale shopping mall.” Even though it’s true these are La Jolla’s two main economic pillars, people in the know think of La Jolla as it truly is – a beautiful, self-contained community affording the quality and diversity of life for the young and not so young most commonly reserved to the cosmopolitan centers of the world while preserving its small town charm.” (La Jolla Blue Book)
Reference
- Map
- NatGeo Fall Best Trips
- Fodors
- La Jolla By The Sea
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- Haute La Jolla Nights
- La Jolla Blue Book
- “Insider” tips – Elizabeth Hanson
- San Diego 10 Best
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