Welcome to La Jolla, a seaside village that has inspired artists with its turquoise skies, elegant homes, and palm-lined streets, and has been welcoming locals and travelers with its sunshine for decades.
Let me set the scene for those of you who have never been to La Jolla. This part of San Diego is reserved for families with children as well as adults. The streets and houses are very well-kept. It has a more mature and cultured look and feel and a comfortable structure, in short, I can say it is the address for peace and luxury.
I decided to take a day trip to La Jolla, about 30 minutes from the center of San Diego, also known as the City of the Sun, which has the best sunset views. La Jolla is a Spanish word meaning ‘jewel’. From art galleries to award-winning culinary creations, La Jolla is truly something to behold, with chic restaurants, luxury boutiques, stylish homes overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and cool cars parked on the streets! Primarily a holiday destination, La Jolla has a structure that gives you a sense of serenity.
La Jolla’s coastline ranges from 300-metre ocean cliffs to rocky reefs, secluded coves, and wide expanses of golden sand. La Jolla’s picturesque coastline makes some parts of the beach inaccessible, but the views of waves and riptides crashing against the cliffs and into coves with seals and sea lions are spectacular!
I continue walking in La Jolla, buying a few snacks from the local shops. I pass by chic cafes and restaurants and head towards the beach. A few boutiques on the way attract me with their style and decoration. I buy glasses and a hat from a store that is more affordable than the others as a souvenir of La Jolla:) A picturesque place where everything is intertwined with cozy and comfortable luxury, La Jolla guarantees you luxury and fun. La Jolla, which is not far from the city center, gives me a unique experience in sun-kissed Southern California. Before coming here, I never imagined that I would encounter such an atmosphere.
When I go down to the beach, I am greeted by a huge green space. This is Scripps Park where you can enjoy concerts along the coastline that inspired movies. Since the weather is so nice, it hosts a decent crowd of people having picnics, sunbathing, and spending a nice weekend with their families. The endless sandy beach looks like a “Coast Guard” movie set with surfers! When I go a little further down the coast, I see the famous La Jolla Cove, where seals and sea lions put on a visual show and pose for photographers on the rocks! Although La Jolla Cove is a tiny beach tucked between sandstone cliffs, it is one of the most photographed beaches in Southern California due to its extraordinary beauty! Scripps Pier Beach is a hidden gem. This beach is located under the huge Scripps Pier and is used by surfers waiting to catch the waves. It’s also a popular spot for San Diego-themed Instagram photos because any shots you take from the pier are sure to catch everyone’s attention!
Voted one of the best beach destinations in the world, La Jolla also promises a comfortable stay with its luxury hotels. It also offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Home to the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course and The Lodge at Torrey Pines, the scenic cliffside area offers well-maintained hiking trails with spectacular views and world-class golf. As an amateur golfer, I was immediately intrigued. And at the Torrey Pines Glider port, if you’re brave enough, you can soar over the coastal cliffs or just relax and watch the action above.
A great destination for art lovers, La Jolla is also home to the Birch Aquarium at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and many cultural attractions such as the La Jolla Playhouse and the Museum of Contemporary Art, located near The Village. The University of California San Diego, home to the popular Geisel Library and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, is also located in La Jolla!
La Jolla is a very attractive town for locals and visitors alike, but its biggest attraction must be its beautiful beaches! Thanks to the never-ending sunshine, it deserves the nickname “the jewel” no matter the season.
Puesto Tacos is my favorite place to stop for lunch after a long beach walk. The tacos at Puesto are so fresh and delicious. Located in the heart of downtown La Jolla, this favorite Mexican taco spot offers a creative menu with delicious culinary gems like zucchini and cactus tacos. The interior is also very colorful and vibrant. La Jolla can be pricey, but going to Puesto and tasting their delicious food won’t break your budget.
In my opinion, a visit to La Jolla would not be complete without a pleasant walk through the city center. The best starting point is the intersection of Prospect Street and Girard Ave. Shop at trendy boutiques and popular clothing brands, grab a coffee or ice cream, and then head down to see the seals. Please take note and remember me ?
It’s time to go back to San Diego before the sun sets. Leaving a dream behind, I start writing this article on my way to the city center…Who knows, maybe I will have the chance to see this jewel again!
I wish our paths cross on colorful routes,
May the sunshine be in your heart forever,
See you in the blues,
Banu Demir
Editor & Travel Blogger
Instagram: bluevoyage_blueroute
