Looking for a fun day trip or weekend getaway that’s an easy drive from OC? If so, consider a visit to the seaside village of La Jolla in north San Diego County. La Jolla is “the jewel” in Spanish, and this upscale enclave truly shines with its beautiful beaches and an array of activities, including arts and culture, shopping, dining, surfing, golfing, hiking, and more.
With several art galleries located along Girard Avenue and colorful murals that can be found around La Jolla, art enthusiasts have much to discover in the Village. There’s also the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, a historic music and arts library in the heart of downtown. Patrons can enjoy art exhibits in the Atheneum’s three gallery spaces, as well as intimate classical, jazz, and new music concerts. Other cultural gems include the La Jolla Playhouse (founded by Gregory Peck) and the Geisel Library at the University of San Diego, which honors Theodor Seuss Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, who was a longtime La Jolla resident. Additionally, the Museum of Contemporary Art’s La Jolla location features a stunning view of the Pacific, along with its myriad exhibits. Although currently closed due to a major renovation and expansion, the Museum of Contemporary Art should certainly be kept in mind for future visits.
La Jolla’s picturesque coastline can be enjoyed at Scripps Park, where folks go to picnic and watch Fourth of July fireworks and concerts during the summer months. Just south of the park is the Children’s Pool, where the famous seal colony has taken up residence. Although there is no longer swimming permitted here, people are allowed to walk along the seawall for a close-up view of the sea mammals. The Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography is another fantastic place to view marine life—don’t miss the fascinating sea horses exhibit or Tide Pool Plaza, where one can get up close and personal with sea stars, sea anemones, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, lobsters, and other ocean organisms.
Golfers know La Jolla as the home of the legendary Torrey Pines Golf Course, which hosted the 2008 U.S. Open and will play host to the U.S. Open again in 2021. With a spectacular ocean view, the world-class golf destination is open to San Diego residents and visitors. Outdoor enthusiasts will want to spend a day at the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve—its 2,000 acres of land feature the Torrey pine, various wildflowers, and well-groomed hiking trails. At the Torrey Pines Gliderport, visitors can soar over the beach cliffs on a hang glider or just hang out and observe the action. Other outdoor activities around La Jolla include surfing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking.
As for accommodations, La Jolla features a diverse range of properties, from luxury resorts to trendy, boutique hotels. Located atop La Jolla Cove, La Valencia Hotel has been the place to stay in La Jolla since it opened in 1926. Known as “The Pink Lady,” this Mediterranean style, oceanfront resort features vintage coastal luxury in the heart of the Village. For those who wish to stay closer to the Torrey Pines Golf Course, then the AAA Five Diamond Lodge at Torrey Pines is highly recommended. Overlooking the Pacific, this posh resort offers poolside cabanas, a croquet lawn, and complimentary chauffer-driven cars, among other amenities.
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