After a long day of hiking in Poway, my friends and I decided to spend the rest of the afternoon in La Jolla, an exclusive, upscale suburb of San Diego. La Jolla means “the Jewel” in Spanish which is befitting its name with perfect weather year around, high end fashion boutiques, picturesque coastal bluffs and a scenic seaside.
My favorite hangout is La Jolla Cove, a sandy beach inlet with crystal clear water. This beautiful harbor is also home to sea lion colonies, pesky pelicans and gorgeous blue Brandt’s Cormorants. I enjoyed the time I spent at the beach, watching the noisy sea lions bark for a spot on the rocks. More often than not I would stroll out to the craggy coastline to watch them fight for their small piece of high end real estate. Along the beach, there is a small, cave-like cluster of rocks where I could have a much closer view of the seals. The opening into the cove provides a perfect frame for some amazing wildlife photography.
Often times I would check out the walking path above the cove where I could take in the dramatic cliffs. The stunning views of the shoreline and the cove below are the reason why some refer to this area as the California Riviera.
We decided to stop for drinks at Duke’s La Jolla, to enjoy the views of the upper level which look out into the Pacific. We thought about booking tickets at the La Jolla Playhouse or even playing a round of golf at Torrey Pines Golf Course, but since we were celebrating my friend Kristy’s birthday, we made reservations at George’s at the Cove which gave us plenty of time to stroll Prospect Street with its upscale shops and boutiques.
I never tire of the scenery at La Jolla cove, nor strolling the streets of its downtown. This is truly a Southern California paradise.
Have you had the opportunity to visit La Jolla, California? What are your favorite restaurants and shops? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave your message in the comments section below! Many Thanks for checking out my fun evening in La Jolla and wishing you many Happy Travels!
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What to See and What to Do:
La Jolla Cove – stroll the beaches and check out the amazing wildlife at The Cove!
La Jolla By the Sea – explore the boutique shops and enjoy a fabulous meal in La Jolla!
Where to Stay:
La Jolla Cove Hotel & Suites
1155 Coast Blvd.
La Jolla, CA 92037
Telephone: 858 459 2621
Where to Eat:
George’s at the Cove
1250 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
Telephone: 858 454 4244
Duke’s La Jolla
1216 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
Telephone: 858 454 5888
What to Eat:
- Mexican cuisine, especially tamales
- California wood-fired pizza
- Southeast Asian foods
- Sushi
- Seafood
- Local Wines
What to Read:
- The Dawn Patrol, by Don Winslow
- San Diego Noir, by Maryelizabeth Hart
- I So Don’t Do Mysteries, by Barrie Summy
- Under the Perfect Sun: The San Diego Tourists Never See, by Mike Davis
Photo Guide for La Jolla and nearby San Diego:
- La Jolla Cove
- Downtown La Jolla
- The Botanical Building and Lily Pond at Balboa Park
- Greetings from San Diego mural on the sidewall of Belching Beaver Brewery
- Sunset Cliffs
- Old Town San Diego
