By Jodee Weiland
In the last two weeks of February this year, my husband, Rick, and I traveled to the County of San Diego. While there, one of the places I wanted to visit was the beautiful coastal town called La Jolla.
I had been told by family and friends alike that it was an absolute must on my places to see while visiting San Diego County. I was told it was one of the most beautiful coastal views in southern California, and although I have not seen the entire coastline of southern California yet, I have to agree that the La Jolla coastline would be hard to beat.
La Jolla is a picturesque town with breathtaking scenic areas along its coastline. The town itself is absolutely delightful to visit and walk around. There are shops to visit where you can find something for everyone. Beyond that, there are art galleries that will delight your senses, performance venues that will entertain you, and a variety of restaurants that will satisfy your taste buds. Art and culture choices are abundant with places to visit like the Athenaeum Music and Arts Library, the La Jolla Symphony, and even the town’s own theater, The La Jolla Playhouse, plus so much more. There are concerts, plays, and art exhibits galore to view for those who may be interested.
But what I found to be the most interesting and relaxing at the same time was that perfect jewel, the La Jolla coastline. We walked from the town to Scripps Park that overlooks the ocean, a park where in the summer they have concerts. We followed the walkway there to Shell Beach,where we saw one of the most fantastic views I have ever seen. We continued to walk along the walkway, while enjoying the ocean views until we reached the Seal Rock where you can observe up close the ocean and the seals who reside there. It was a wonderful way to enjoy our afternoon and far surpassed my expectations.
Beyond visiting the town itself, it was interesting to learn something about its residents, present and former. Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel was a celebrity resident of La Jolla, and you will often see evidence of this in 3-dimensional art displays in front of the town’s various art galleries and elsewhere throughout the town. Some others who have lived or still live here are the novelist Ann Rice; actor Gregory Peck; novelist Raymond Chandler; painter Richard Allen Morris and so many others that I could fill the page with names.
I can’t recommend enough what a wonderful place La Jolla, California, was to visit. Although we were staying in Carlsbad, California, another beautiful oceanfront town, we found that with a car, a map, and a GPS, there was so much to see and do in all of San Diego County. The distance between the city of San Diego and Carlsbad was less than an hour’s drive depending on traffic, and everything in between was easily accessible as well, either by using Interstate Highway 5 or Highway 1 along the coast. They even have an Amtrak train called the Coaster that runs from Oceanside to San Diego for those who don’t want to drive. Nonetheless, to get to the town of La Jolla and truly enjoy the sights, you need to drive there. If you should decide to visit this great area of southern California, be sure to make the time to visit La Jolla. I’m certain that the memory of the ocean views will warm your heart for years to come, and you will dream of going back again sometime soon as we now do. Put it on your wish list, and then one day make it happen. You won’t regret it! Enjoy!
Wow! I can hardly wait to go back there
There are so many artist colonies out there!! Love them!
It is definitely an area where any visitor can find an abundance of art and other cultural venues as well. I enjoyed many of them while I was there. Sounds like you had the opportunity to do the same…that’s great!
Great shots, Jodee! My husband and I visited La Jolla three years ago and I vividly remember that wall in your header photo. So much fun being able to stand there and listen to the barking seals. Hopefully I’ll be able to go back some day. I live in Vegas for goodness sake. It’s so close!
Thanks, Kim! If I lived in Vegas, I would drive there more often than I care to think about…I love La Jolla, but I live in Chicago, so a car ride to La Jolla is not in the cards. The header I referred to is on my home page actually. The header on this post is specific to this post. Both are from La Jolla though. Thanks for stopping by to chat!
What a beautiful place. I have never been to California! I have always wanted to go.
It is so beautiful that it will leave you speechless and feeling so peaceful, you will hate to walk away! I love it it and visit whenever I get the chance. Thanks for stopping by to chat!
San Diego is such a beautiful area. We always go to the beach in Carlsbad when we are there, but have never been to La Jolla. Thanks to your post we will be visiting there on our next visit to So Cal.
La Jolla is beautiful! You will definitely love it…the views are spectacular! I’m glad my post will take you there on your next visit. We stay in Carlsbad when in San Diego, and it is a lovely town with beautiful stretches of beach to enjoy as well. Thanks for stopping by to chat!
Wow…breathtaking. Yet, another place I want to visit. Great shot Jodee.
Thank you, Lisa! It took very little talent to get this shot…La Jolla is that beautiful! You’ll love it, if you visit. Thanks for stopping by and visiting!
Absolutely gorgeous!! I haven’t been to California since I was a kid and would love to go back. This brings back some great memories and I love the pictures! I think it may be time to plan for a trip so I can see these places up close, haha.
It is gorgeous…so gorgeous that I used part of one of these pictures for the header of my blog! You should go back to visit if you can. It is definitely a wonderful trip to make with so much to see and do. I hope you get the chance. Thanks for stopping by to visit and chat!