Staying and Playing in La Jolla

Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer.  If a beach vacation is in your plans, head to San Diego’s “jewel,” La Jolla.  Although it has an upscale reputation, there are lots of ways to enjoy inexpensive meals and free things to do.  I’ve lived in La Jolla for 45+ years, so I’ve shopped around plenty to find my favorites. 

Where to Stay

The 5-star, ocean front Pantai Inn has earned a prestigious #1 ranking for La Jolla hotels on TripAdvisor. Perched fittingly on the corner of Coast and Ocean Streets, this small gem sits amid beautifully landscaped gardens and patios overlooking the Pacific.The Pantai Inn pays homage to Balinese art with its furnishings and design. Included in the rate is parking, buffet breakfast, and high-speed Internet. Coffee, tea, bottled water, plus freshly baked cookies are available throughout the day. Turndown service includes chocolates at night. It’s easy to understand how the Pantai Inn received such high rankings with its little touches and attention to detail.

Footloose  

Stroll north from the Pantai Inn along the bluff to The Cove, then double back to the Children’s Pool.  The latter been populated by seals and sea lions, which have become a bitter issue with residents, business owners, and environmentalists.  Wander through the shops and art galleries on Prospect and Girard.  Grab your swim/surf gear and drive to the Shores Beach. At low tide, take a long walk north past Scripps Pier to Black’s Beach (bathing suit optional).

La Jolla Coastline

A Day At the University of California San Diego

Stop first at the Birch Aquarium. It’s part of the internationally famous Scripps Institution of Oceanography.   Don’t miss the newly opened  “Seadragons & Seahorses” exhibit.

Leafy Seadragon

Wander on campus to see the Geisel Library (thanks, Dr. Seuss) and the outdoor Stuart Collection, especially Fallen Star, Sun God, and The Wind Garden. 

Fallen Star

The Theater District features the Mandell Weiss Center for Performing Arts and the historic La Jolla Playhouse.  The latter was founded in 1947 by Hollywood stars Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire, and Mel Ferrer. Over the years, it has won 35 Tony Awards for productions that have gone on to Broadway. 

Get Physical

Take a hike through Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (only one of 14 California State Parks so designated). Six trails loop through the park.  There are free public guided tours on weekends and holidays at 10 AM and 2 PM. Golfers, take note: the world famous Torrey Pines golf course is open to the public.  Want the amenities of a first rate country club for free?  Head to the La Jolla YMCA. You can receive two complimentary day passes to use the facilities: two pools, splash area for kids, weight and workout rooms, yoga and exercise classes, plus sauna, steam room, and lockers. If you are a YMCA member in any other city, you have reciprocity. It’s the best deal in town.

Where to Eat

Here are my choices in the food category; none budget breakers.

  1. Italian – Regents Pizza’s has a complete menu featuring pizza, pasta, salads, plus craft beers galore (www.RegentsPizza.com).
  2. Burgers – The Melt is tucked away in the Shops of La Jolla Village center and dishes out everything imaginable grilled with cheese.(www.TheMelt.com). 
  3. Sandwiches – Mendocino Farms serves unique “farm fresh artisan sandwiches,” plus soups and salads.  www.MendocinoFarms/LaJolla.com.
  4. Hawaiian – Poki One n Half offers a choice of four of bases, seven types of seafood, ten plus toppings, and various sauces (www.OneNHalf.com).Seafood- El Pescador Fish Market and Restaurant has been around for 40 years and features an extensive menu. Their calamari sandwich is my favorite (www.ElPescadorFishMarket.com).
  5. Mexican – Puesto is my go to place for intriguing takes on Mexican fare. Don’t miss their award winning tacos (www.EatPuesto.com).

New Summer Travel Products

Chico Bag – Travel Zip is a trio of small, medium, and large pouches for storing everything from your toiletries, electronic chargers/cords, and wallet to anything loose you want to keep handy.  Order online at Amazon or at www.ChicoBag.com.

Kleen Kanteen – The new thermal, vacuum insulated TKWide line represents another innovation in travel bottles.  There is a choice of nine colors and four different tops (three with swivel loops).  The TKWide can be found at sporting goods stores, REI, Whole Foods, or shop directly at www.KleenKanteen.com.

Helpful URL Information

UCSD – for maps, campus tours, parking, and the Geisel Library, logon to www.UCSD.edu.

Birch Aquarium – there’s free parking and lots of kids’ activities. For schedules, etc., go to www.Aquarium.UCSD.edu.

Stuart Collection -find an art location map and background by logging on to www.StuartCollection.UCSD.edu.

LJ Playhouse – information for the schedule, to purchase tickets, directions, and parking can be found at www.LaJollaPlayhouse.org.

Torrey Pines State National Reserve – discover hiking and walking options at www.TorreyPines.org.

La Jolla YMCA – www.YMCA.org/Locations.

Pantai Inn – more about this special place can be found at www.PantaiInn.com or call 858-224-7600 for reservations.

San Diego Tourism Authority – www.SanDiego.org.

Let’s go!

Howard Hian

www.Travels-with-Hian.com

Thanks to the various websites for information, photos, etc.

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