Translated, La Jolla means “the jewel”, which is an apt name for a splendid and beautiful town full of blue water.  One of California’s best oceanside towns, La Jolla is also home to many of the best beaches in the state. Located at 8200 Camino del Oro, La Jolla Shores is a sandy beach around a mile long, adjacent to a residentual dwelling.  During the summer months, the waves at this beach are normally the most gentle of all San Diego beaches, although the rip currents can be very strong at times.

For this very reason, novice scuba classes are held at La Jolla Shores.  The grassy park of Kellogg Park is located behind the main lifeguard station and provides an excellent area for picnicking.  A wide cement boardwalk parallels a large area of the beach between the sand and the park. The beach of La Jolla Shores is adjacent to the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Ecological Reserve.  The removal of objects from this area as well as fishing are prohibited.  The Scripps Pier lies at the north end of the beach, although the pier isn’t open to the public.

Within the City limits, La Jolla Shores has the only beachfront boat launch.  Small boats can be launched directly into the surf at foot of Avenida de la Playa, which is south of the lifeguard station.  This can be a rough terrain area, so you may need to have
a four wheel drive vehicle.

If you like to surf, there are specified areas on the beach where the waves tend to be small.  For scuba diving, the south end of the beach is widely used by scuba driving classes.  During the summer months, La Jolla Shores can tend be very crowded.  You should try to go in the morning, as the crowds aren’t as bad.  This is a great beach during those hot summer days, with plenty to do for your entire family.

When you visit, you’ll notice that there are many things to do.  If your looking for something to do, here are 5 great things to occupy your time:

1.  Beaches - When you hear that San Diego has great beaches, it’s the truth.  La Jolla Cave, La Jolla Shores, and Windansea are the best in San Diego, and possibly even the state.

2.  Birch Aquarium - Although it’s a small aquarium, it’s packed with a lot of interesting stuff and best of all - it won’t wear you out.

3.  La Jolla Playhouse - This theater company is highly known around the world.

4.  Walking tour - Hike Bike Kayak will offer you a splendid one hour tour that focuses on the beauty and splendor of the La Jolla Coast and the history of the city.

5.  Kayaking - The Hike Bike Kayak company also offers a tour of the La Jolla sea caves, with no experience required.

A weekend trip to La Jolla is an excellent time to enjoy a leisurely brunch.  The Cottage serves great cruisine in a beach bungalow atmosphere, while the Marine Room at the Sea Lodge was voted the best Sunday brunch in the area several times in a row.  If your looking for a simple breakfast, with great views and few tourists, follow Coast Blvd. to the Goldfish Point Cafe.

For a getaway for the weekend, La Jolla is a hard place to beat.  There’s plenty to do here, with the beaches in the summer.  If you visit on hot days, you’ll spend a majority of your time on the beaches - and loving every minute of it.