WHY GO

Unlike most of the southern California coast, La Jolla's waters have great visibility and vary from light turquoise to deep royal blue. With such great water, consistently pleasant weather, and plenty of wildlife, it's hard to find a reason not to go to La Jolla. It's a short 25 minute drive north of San Diego's downtown, so it's an easy day trip from other San Diego destinations or a destination all on it's own.

WHAT TO DO

VISIT THE SEA LIONS

Make your way to Seal Rock to spend time with the harbor seals and Californian sea lions. For the most part, they laze on the sand, but there are always a few playing in the water. You'll know you're close to the destination when a strong "ocean" smell starts wafting through the air. You know, that signature sea lion scent.

The really fun part about Seal Rock is that you can walk down to the sand close to these marine mammals. There is a rope barrier to ensure people keep a safe distance and the seals and sea lions seem to know not to go past it either. If the sand is too close, you can walk out onto the peninsula that creates the natural harbor the seals are so fond of.

WATER SPORTS | Bike & Kayak Tours | 2158 Agenda de la Playa | 858.454.1010

Kayakers and paddleboarders at Goldfish Point

Kayak, snorkel, scuba, paddle board, swim, surf - take your pick! Bike & Kayak Tours, based on Coronado Island and in La Jolla, offer tours of La Jolla Cove, including a kayak/snorkel combo tour. If you bring your own snorkel gear (or rent from a local shop), you can head to the La Jolla Underwater Ecological reserve to see sea lions, seals and Garibaldi, the bright orange state fish of California.

EXPLORE THE TIDE POOLS

Just south of Cuvier Park (near the Museum of Contemporary Art) you'll find La Jolla's tide pools - a great place to find sea urchins, sea anemones and fish.

LAY ON THE BEACH

La Jolla Shores provides a sandy beach option if what you really want to do is lay out on a towel and enjoy a beach read.

GET A PEDICURE | La Jolla Cove Salon | 8008 Girard Avenue, Suite 145 | 858.456.0118

Okay, I'll admit, this one seems a little silly, but image sitting in your pedicure massage chair, flipping through a guilty pleasure gossip magazine, a fresh ocean breeze lightly kissing your face, and a view of the ocean and palm trees. Add to that impeccable service and reasonable prices and you've got the best pedicure experience you've ever had. My mani-pedi combo was $44 (excluding tip). It's a great vacation treat!

SHOP

Prospect Street runs through the heart of the shopping district of La Jolla. You'll find a range of shops from national chains to kitschy beach stores.

VIEW CONTEMPORARY ART | Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego | 700 Prospect Street | 858.454.3541

San Diego's Museum of Contemporary Art is a prime location just off of the coast and it's captivating exteriors beckons for you to come in and explore when you are strolling the coast. The museum exhibits art created after 1950 and specializes in emerging or mid-career artists.

WHERE TO EAT

BREAKFAST

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters | Start your morning with a Trophy Wife or a Sugar Daddy, signature drinks at this local coffee shop. Enjoy your brew on the indoor/outdoor bench at the shop or walk down to the coast to watch early morning surfers.

LUNCH

Brockton Villa | For sea views from the deck, fresh yummy food, and a charming historic location, I recommend Brockton Villa. Split the Asian Chicken Salad and Naughty Burrito with your fellow bruncher to get the best of both healthy and savory worlds. The virgin pina colada was also perfectly refreshing.

Public House | If you're more in the mood for burgers and beers, this is your place. Located in a renovated bungalow, this place has a nice cozy pub feel.

The Cottage | The Cottage is modern and fresh and boasts an outdoor patio.

DINNER

Herringbone | Talk about a charming location. Living trees wrapped in string lights grow inside this 1930's brick warehouse turned restaurant. Live musicians play acoustic tunes in a lounge setting at the front of the restaurant and a giant stylized fish skeleton hangs above the bar in the back of the restaurant. This place is designed to the hilt and the food is taken just as seriously. The Whole Fish Ceviche and Grilled Wild Prawns make me salivate just thinking about them.