Top Summer Vacation Spots – La Jolla, San Diego
I don’t know if there’s a place in this country USA Travel Guide has raved about more than San Diego. Incredible attractions, variety to spare, good deals everywhere you turn and, of course, sublime weather – there’s just a lot to brag about. Yet, we have gone all this time without so much as mentioning that sassy little town within town: La Jolla.
We’re righting that wrong right now, because La Jolla is the place to be. And not just because it’s home to disgraced Miss California Carrie Prejean.
La Jolla is a higher-end beach community located within San Diego, California. It’s much larger than a neighborhood, with retail, dining, entertainment and even services to functionally self-subsist, but it is still technically a part of larger San Diego and not its own city. The area is defined by expensive houses, governed communities, upscale shops and dining, the presence of the University of California San Diego (UCSD) and the preponderance of biotech companies.
Like the rest of San Diego and much of Southern California, La Jolla is known for immaculate beaches. If you’ve got a summer beach vacation on the brain, La Jolla should top your list. There are two I have to mention:
- Windansea Beach - If you dig the scene, this won’t be news, but Windansea Beach is one of the top surfing spots in California. The beach is as well known for its iconic history as its clean, dependable breaks. Several professional surfers have called the area home over the years.
- Black’s Beach – Another intense surf destination actually, but that’s not why it’s notorious. Black’s is effectively a nude beach. Though prohibited within city limits, a little less than a mile of beach is located in a nude-allowed State Park. Because enforcing the difference is an unrewarding hassle, the nudes more or less own the place. Just thought it deserved mention.
La Jolla is also home to the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course, a city-owned course so popular that eager golfers will wait in line overnight to get a Saturday morning tee off. Sounds nuts to me, but I don’t play a lot of golf.
Attractions abound in La Jolla. Whether it’s you and a spouse, family, or groups of friends, there will be plenty for everyone. Favorites include:
- Birch Aquarium
- Mount Soledad
- The Cave Store
- The Gliderport
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- La Jolla Cave
- Shopping at The Village
- Trips to San Diego
For hotels in La Jolla, San Diego, we like the Hotel La Jolla at the Shores. It’s a charming boutique property, not too big, and it fits the vibe of La Jolla to a T. Take advantage of the in-room spa service for a particularly posh vacation.
Have fun!
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Guy Said,
July 15, 2009 @ 12:14 pm
Here’s a great website dedicated to San Diego attractions by a concierge who lives, works and plays in San Diego. He can save you a ton of time, energy and money with his expertise and knowledge!
http://www.sandiego-attractions.net
San Diego Vacation Rentals Said,
July 17, 2009 @ 4:04 pm
Windansea Beach is definitely a San Diego local favorite. And if you’re vacationing in La Jolla, it’s just a quick drive to see the rest of San Diego including Sea World, Belmont Park, even the Zoo and the Wild Animal Park! Great post!
Sunday Fateropa Said,
July 25, 2009 @ 3:08 pm
Swami’s and Black Beach are probably the two best spots in San Diego County. Make sure your at least an intermediate before you go there. Pretty large swells. Check out http://www.sdsurfspots.com for more detailed info. Hang Ten!
idk Said,
August 3, 2009 @ 2:55 am
WOW! San Diego is an amazing and beautiful place to vacation at ! I would DEFINITLEY go there again someday
Ramona Quincey Said,
August 6, 2009 @ 12:23 pm
Hi! Great list! I’d like to share a very photo-heavy, well written site about San Diego. I hope you enjoy! Destination Guide San Diego: http://dguides.com/sandiego/
Ramona