La Jolla, California is an upscale beach community that generates quite a few visitors. La Jolla Village is the downtown area of this community that charms visitors from around the world. Stroll down Prospect Street where you can peruse the eclectic galleries and shops. Some of the areas best restuarants are located here as well. Many La Jolla restaurants boast ocean views and highly acclaimed chefs.
Visit Seal Beach and watch the seals slither through the water, and flop on shore to bask atop the rocks. Survey the underwater kelp forest tank in the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Take a ride up to Mt. Soledad and see an incredible panoramic view of the Pacific and San Diego's surrounding landscapes. Dine along the La Jolla Coves and admire the majestic views. There are a varitey of upscale hotels and bed and breakfasts in La Jolla Village.
La Jolla Cove
The La Jolla Cove is commonly known for its clear water and abundance of fascinating sea life including: starfish, rays, seals, sea lions, sea bass, various native fish, and the intriguing but harmless leopard shark. Due to its nomadic nature the leopard shark can only be seen during July & August. For the experienced diver, there is even an underwater canyon with a kelp forest. Other water activities to choose from include swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. If you'd rather stay on land, you can walk along the path and take in the sights. Along the way you can watch the pelicans soar above the water, and then aggressively plunge down to scoop up fish in their elastic gullets. Further down the coves you will find the Children's Pool; that was originally built as a swimming area but is now a protected area for a community of seals lounging on the rocks, and frolicking in the water.
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La Jolla Village
The charming little downtown area in La Jolla is known as La Jolla Village. The Village also is home to a bisiness district, but it is mostly known for the variety of shops and restaurants it contains. Charming boutique stores and galleries line Girard Avenue. Some of San Diego's top restaurants are located on Prospect Avenue. La Jolla Village's "Pink Lady", the La Valencia Hotel captures the charm of the La Jolla Village.
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Birch Aquarium
This is the public face of the world renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography. It is located just east of UC San Diego with a stunning view of the Pacific and showcases over 5,000 different animals. See Shark Reef, the 13,000 gallon tank that is home to Pork Jackson sharks, reef sharks and brownbanded bamboo sharks. Visitors are awed by the live coral reef that is on display as well as three living tidepools where you can touch and learn about animals with the Aquarium's staff.
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La Jolla Shores
Located at 8200 Camino del Oro, La Jolla Shores is a sandy beach about one mile long. The waves are generally more gentle than other beaches in San Diego. It is adjacent to one of the largest underwater parks in the U.S., he San Diego La Jolla Underwater Ecological Reserve. You can rent kayaks and explore the park or learn to surf at one of the local surf schools. Families flock to this La Jolla Beach so get their early to get a parking spot in the lot adjacent to La Jolla Shores. La Jolla Shores is also home to the famed La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, the only club in San Diego right on the beach.
La Jolla Shores Info:
Lifeguards: There is a year round lifeguard station staffed daily from 9:00 a.m. to near dusk.
Restrooms and Showers: Public restroom and showers can be found north and south of the main lifeguard tower.
Beach Fires: Beach fires are only to be in the containers (available on a first come/first served basis) provided on the sand. Only charcoal, wood, or paper products can be burned on the beach the fire maybe not exceed twelve inches above the top of the fire container. Please extinguish the fire before you leave.
Regulations:
Dogs (must be on leash at all times) are allowed on the beaches only from 6:00pm - 9:00am.
Alcohol is prohibited at all times
Parking: A lot is located at Calle Frescota next to the lifeguard tower. In summer, this lot fills to capacity early in the day.
La Jolla Restaurants
La Jolla is one of San Diego's culinary meccas. With so many delicious restaurants to choose from, one really can't go wrong when dining in La Jolla. There are great restaurant spots like Harrry's diner and the Cottage and wonderful upscale restaurants like George's and Jack's La Jolla that boast beautiful food and beautiful views.
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