| La Jolla Jewel Weekend La Jolla, California The meaning of the name La Jolla (pronounced la hoya) is the subject of some disagreement. Some say it comes from a Native American word meaning "cave," while others say it evolved from the Spanish word "la joya," which means jewel. Judging from the singular beauty and charm of the place, "jewel" sounds about right. Few places on Earth offer a comparable array of riches for travelers of every persuasion. You can contemplate an abundant variety of natural wonders and enjoy myriad activities year-round thanks to a beneficent climate. Upscale shopping, gourmet dining, art galleries, even an oceanarium await those whose tastes run to more indoor pursuits. A day in La Jolla is a treat. But let's spend the weekend and sample even more of the treasures this Southern California jewel has to offer. Surf's up early and so should you be if you want to catch some of the greatest wave action on the California coast! No need to own your own equipment because surf shops abound in this coastal community. Everything from wetsuits to swim fins to goggles can be yours for the renting. Intimidated by the idea of trying to stand up on waves determined to slap you down? Not to worry, you can rent a boogie board and lie down on the job. Use our route planner to find hotels for your next trip. |  | |||||||||
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| Scripps Institution of Oceanography 8602 La Jolla Shores Dr La Jolla, CA 92037 Call (858) 534-3474  |  | La Jolla serves up not only a feast for the senses, but also a banquet for the brain. La Jolla has been the home of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography since 1905. The Institution, which became part of the University of California, San Diego in 1912, is a world-renowned leader in oceanographic research and instruction. Explore Birch Aquarium at Scripps, where permanent exhibits, interactive activities and hands-on tidepools, instill a sense of the fascinating science of oceanography in visitors. The Birch Aquarium is located at 2300 Expedition Way and is open every day from 9am-5pm; it closes for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. | | |||||||
| La Jolla Shores 8200 Camino del Oro La Jolla, CA 92037 |  | La Jolla Shores is a long, flat beach ideal for swimming, sunning, scuba diving, or surfing. Choose from many accommodations such as La Jolla Shores Hotels, a resort with amenities including The Shores restaurant, a pool and hot tub, tennis courts, and fitness center. Neighboring La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club boasts a restaurant, pool, par-3 golf course, and 13 tennis courts. Both resorts are located right on the beach and have ocean views and balconies from most rooms. Just around the corner are surf rentals, coffee shops, and a couple of charming restaurants. | | |||||||
| Prospecting the Coast Walk La Jolla, CA Call (619) 236-1212 | | Whether your taste runs to Armani or to metaphysics, in La Jolla you'll find a shopper's paradise. On Prospect Avenue and the Coast Walk, upscale shops litter the landscape. Art galleries, handmade jewelry, designer clothing and antiques abound. You can max out the healthiest credit card limit with no trouble at all, or just keep your wallet in your pocket and enjoy a good browse. | | |||||||
| Prince of the Tide Pools La Jolla, CA | | Prowl the beaches of La Jolla at low tide to witness the free show Mother Nature puts on daily. Be sure to wear rubber-soled shoes, otherwise you'll risk getting green stains on your pants from slipping on the wet kelp and moss that slime the rocks. Check out the zillions of crabs, snails, and starfish that the receding waters expose in the rocky depressions where they abide. Enjoy the strange sensation of having sea anemones grip your probing finger. Marvel at the rhythms of the tides. The best spots are a short stroll along the water's edge to the south of La Jolla Cove. Just ask the natives, they're happy to point you in the right direction. | ||||||||
| La Jolla Cove 1100 Coast Blvd La Jolla, CA 92037 | | La Jolla Cove offers dining opportunities that provide much more than simple sustenance. The combination of great food and gorgeous scenery will satisfy the soul as well as the appetite. A picnic on the grassy expanse of the Ellen Browning Scripps Park can be genuinely blissful, and there are several charming restaurants in the nearby village of La Jolla that feature a wide array of fantastic cuisines. George California Modern and Azul La Jolla, both at 1250 Prospect Street, and the Mediterranean Room and Tropical Patio of the La Valencia Hotel at 1132 Prospect all offer delicious food and spectacular ocean vistas. A great after-lunch stroll north from the Cove (about a mile) will put you atop a graded cliff walk. Marvel at the scenery, and pause to catch your breath at one of the many park benches installed along the path. Just south of the Cove, join the throng watching the sea lions loll on the beach and frolic in the water. You might even spot migrating whales out on the horizon. | ||||||||
| Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego - La Jolla 700 Prospect St La Jolla, CA 92037 Call (858) 454-3541 | | Art is served in La Jolla by the Museum of Contemporary Art, located at 700 Prospect Street right on the ocean. Browse the huge and constantly changing collection of post-1950 paintings and sculpture at this companion to the gallery in downtown San Diego. A cafe, bookstore, and outdoor sculpture garden enhance this beautiful experience. The museum is open daily from 11am-5pm (closed Wednesdays), and from 11am-7pm on Thursdays. It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. | ||||||||
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La Jolla Jewel Weekend