An Ocean Gem: La Jolla’s Impeccable Coast

Mingling liberally with the fancy crowd are surfers, baby strollers and kids playing Frisbee. The lapping tides seem to welcome everyone. Could it be the fantastic views – almost impossible to avoid and often fully panoramic along this curvy coastline? Perhaps it’s the presence of all the friendly sea critters sharing the local spaces? Natural beauty conspires with good intentions in this corner of San Diego, creating one of the most treasured stretches of beachfront community in the country.

Fun if by Land…

It goes without saying that the major attraction in La Jolla is the Pacific Ocean and all of its splendor. It’s the constant backdrop of the whole coastal area. But before turning our heads seawards, let’s make sure we don’t miss what the ground under our feet holds. Just uphill from the much-frequented La Jolla Cove area, upscale establishments await exploration. A stroll through the streets leading towards the main drag will yield nick-knack stores, casual dining destinations and cafés.

Further up on the Prospect Avenue strip, prepare to find fine restaurants, boutique shopping and global name-brand stores. But just adjacent to this commercial center is another world of natural treasures. Before turning your full attention to the ocean, consider a trek up the high cliffsides for the rewarding views to be found atop. Or head downward with the intrepid spelunkers who visit the La Jolla Caves (easy to access thanks to a long wooden staircase).

…True if by Sea

One thing about the ocean in La Jolla: you’ll never be alone, and not just among humans. Just off the edge of town, you will be sharing the shore with the playful resident seals. Delighted visitors will find the fun-loving rascals frolicking and basking on all sides of La Jolla Cove. The creatures have the right-of-way on the sands, so please keep a respectful distance! Meander south down towards the Children’s Pool La Jolla and Seal Rock to find more pods of these entertaining marine mammals.

Ready to dive into the water? There’s plenty to do! Kayak excursions will take you into La Jolla Caves by way of the ocean, where even more seals gallivant. The local kelp beds harbor an amazing array of undersea life for snorkelers and SCUBA divers to view. And of course, there are the waves and the folks who surf them. Find the best breaks in the area for the ride of your life!