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San Diego Magazine /  San Diego Covered /  Major Attractions /  La Jolla

La Jolla

Nestled along 7 miles of gently curving coastline 15 minutes north of downtown San Diego, La Jolla (pronounced Hoya) serves up an intoxicating mix of spectacular scenery, sporting activities, world-class shopping and an impressive assortment of museums and galleries. La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Cove and the infamous Black’s Beach (home of the nude sunbather) offer families, couples and singles a beach for every taste. Farther north lies Torrey Pines State Park and Beach, where century-old Torrey pines mingle with cliff-side hiking trails and breathtaking ocean views.

For golfing with a view, nothing tops Torrey Pines Golf Course, site of the Buick Invitational. Located atop sheer cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the two 18-hole championship courses are challenging and scenic. Between play, catch the acrobatic display of hang gliders as they swoop above.

To get up-close and personal with creatures of the deep, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography’s Stephen Birch Aquarium-Museum presents marine life in realistic habitats and interactive exhibits. Nearby on the UCSD campus is La Jolla Playhouse, known for its nationally acclaimed productions.

For shopping, dining, museums and galleries, take a walk along Prospect Street in the heart of La Jolla. Here, you can dine above the Pacific at George’s at the Cove, sip drinks at the Whaling Bar in the historic-landmark La Valencia Hotel, view cutting-edge exhibits at the newly renovated Museum of Contemporary Art and take home a memento from the town’s many shops and galleries. Stop at the La Jolla Cave & Shell shop on Coast Boulevard for a 133-step descent through a lighted man-made tunnel to a cave at water’s edge.

Directions: Head north on Interstate 5 and take the La Jolla Pkwy exit for the village of La Jolla, or the La Jolla Village Drive exit for the aquarium and Torrey Pines Golf Course.