In Search of the Best Beach

Even though I live here, La Jolla’s beautiful beaches still take my breath away. To best sure you see the most scenic viewpoints, follow this route:

Starting at the south end of La Jolla - at La Jolla Boulevard and La Cañada Street - take La Cañada towards the ocean. You’ll have a good view of Bird Rock – literally a big rock offshore covered with birds – on your left just after you pass Avenida Cresta. This landmark gives its name to the surrounding neighborhood and is a popular surfing spot.

Continue north on Camino de la Costa, past a gaggle of beautiful homes, and jog left at Palomar Avenue. Now you’re on Neptune Place - witnessing drop-dead gorgeous Windansea Beach. The surf shack on the beach is a designated historical landmark. For decades, Windansea’s surf has attracted the world’s best riders. It was also featured in Tom Wolfe's book The Pump House Gang. For more information, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windansea_Beach

As you follow the coast, you'll pass the Children's Pool (see my April 6 post: “The Children's Pool Has Gone to the Dogs....er Seals”) en route to the La Jolla Cove. From here, walk along Coast Walk (a pedestrians only dirt trail). The path, which starts to the left of The Cave Store (http://www.cavestore.com/), offers one of the most beautiful blue-water vistas in our Golden State.

After stretching your legs, take Prospect Street to Torrey Pines Road and make a left turn. Turn left again onto Princess Street and you’ll find yourself passing the Marine Room, home to the best beachfront dining in town (http://www.marineroom.com/).

Continue along the water, past the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club (http://www.ljbtc.com/) to La Jolla Shores Beach – another great spot for walking and very popular with kayakers.

To see more beaches, continue up La Jolla Shores Drive and turn left onto North Torrey Pines Road. Turn left at Torrey Pines Scenic Drive and follow signs to the Torrey Pines Gliderport (www.flytorrey.com). This spot offers a rare up-close-and-personal view of hang gliders and paragliders (tandem rides offered for the uninitiated). It is also my favorite off-the-beaten-path place for lunch. (See June 2 post: “A Picnic Table with a View.”)

From the Gliderport, continue north on Torrey Pines Road for a beautiful view of Torrey Pines State Beach. The Reserve (http://www.torreypine.org/) above the beach offers more great views...guaranteed to take your breath away.

La Jolla Shores vs. “the Village”

In addition to dispensing La Jolla travel information via this blog, I also answer questions on TripAdvisor’s La Jolla Forum. It’s recently become apparent on this site that many visitors aren’t aware that what we locals call “the village” is not the same place as “the Shores.”

The village (think Prospect Street and Girard Avenue) is great for shopping and dining, but (about a mile away) the Shores is THE PLACE for wiggling your toes in the sand, surfing, and kayaking. In addition, Avenida de La Playa – the main street in the Shores – is home to some of La Jolla’s best restaurants.

Admittedly, The Cove is great for snorkeling, but La Jolla Shores Beach is the best overall for families. Surf Diva (858-454-8273) offers surf lessons for females of all ages, and Menehune specializes in teaching kids to hang ten http://www.menehunesurf.com/ Kayak rentals are available at La Jolla Kayak (2199 Avenida de La Playa, 858-459-1114; http://www.lajollakayak.com/).

Most folks seem to know that The La Jolla Shores Hotel (http://www.ljshoreshotel.com/) is right on the beach. In addition, you might consider staying at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. It's right next door and offers free parking, as well as a private, less crowded beach. Their website is http://www.ljbtc.com/

The “B&T” is primarily a private club, but savvy visitors can take advantage of the resort’s wide variety of accommodations, including two-bedroom, two-bath units.

I live about a mile from La Jolla Shores Beach and walk along this beautiful stretch of sand several times a week year around.

I also dine in the Shores regularly. My favorite place is Osteria Romantica, 2151 Avenida de la Playa, Tel 858-551-1221, http://www.osteriaromantica.com/

Book early for dinner during the summer. It’s easier to get a table at lunch because all the nearby parking is consumed by beach-goers. Osteria Romantica’s food is great, and I love the waiters – imported directly from Italy.

Fabio and his staff will make you feel like familia. .

Getting Hitched in La Jolla

These days, about 20% of marriage ceremonies take place away from home. Given our great weather and beautiful backdrops, it’s no wonder that La Jolla is a popular spot for destination weddings.

Following are a few ideas about places to enjoy your special day:

Cuvier Park, also called The Wedding Bowl, is a small park located at Coast Boulevard and Cuvier Street in La Jolla - directly across from the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art (see photo). The park site is about five steps below street level, which provides some privacy from passersby. It is the most popular spot for weddings along the La Jolla Coastline. There’s more information on the city’s website at http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/shoreline/cuvier.shtml

Darlington House, a beautifully maintained historic villa between the village and the ocean, can be rented for wedding ceremonies and receptions. I’ve attended many events here and always enjoy the rich Spanish décor that includes patios surrounded by colorful flowers - complete with Roman arches and tiled benches. However, my favorite room is the handsome library, inspired by Moorish architecture. For details go to http://www.darlingtonhouse.com/

The Congregational Church of La Jolla is a good choice for those who want to marry in a place of worship. Unlike other denominations, the Congregational Church does not restrict weddings to their members. In fact, it is the most open and welcoming church in La Jolla. The church is located in the village and has a beautiful sanctuary that seats 150. Receptions can be held in the social hall or at one of several hotels located within walking distance http://www.lajollaucc.org/

The Martin Johnson House on the campus of Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UCSD is a wonderful old world cottage on a rise that provides a stunning ocean view. http://www.sio.ucsd.edu/About/Resources/Venue_Rentals/Martin_Johnson/

Scripps Seaside Forum is also on the campus of SIO but, in contrast to the Martin Johnson House, the Forum is brand new and offers a beachfront location. For more information, see http://www.sio.ucsd.edu/About/Resources/Venue_Rentals/Scripps_Forum/

If you need more information on wedding or reception venues, please feel free to post a comment. I want to help you have a very special day in La Jolla.

Photo courtesy Urs Baumann.