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. .

The Children's Pool Has Gone to the Dogs....er Seals

To fully appreciate La Jolla's Children's Pool - the lovely little cove along Coast Boulevard where the seals hang out - it helps to know the back story.

In 1931, philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps funded the construction of a sea wall around the cove so that La Jolla kids would have a safe place to swim. All was well until about ten years ago when seal numbers in the area increased noticeably and, in fact, the area became a rookery.

At this point, some La Jollans began defending the rights of the seals and others became very vociferous about how this should be a place for children, blah, blah, blah. At times the battle bordered on ridiculous and, of course, it ended up in court.

The city (remember, La Jolla is part of San Diego) roped off the area so that humans couldn't pester the seals, but in 2005 a judge ordered the rope removed. The judge also directed the city to reduce the bacteria level in the area so that it would be safe for swimming.

The California Supreme Court has refused to overturn the ruling, and to dredge or not to dredge is hotly debated every week in the two La Jolla newspapers. In the meantime, pro-seal volunteers patrol the area 24/7 and answer visitors' questions.

March and April are great months to visit the Children's Pool because it's pupping season - and while you're there, you might say thanks to the seal's tireless supporters.