Windansea Beach in La Jolla, CA

Windansea Beach lies past all of La Jolla's ritzy hotels, luxury homes and top-notch restaurants. Just down the hill, this beach is packed by sunbathers and surfers on the hot lazy summer days. Windansea Beach in La Jolla, CA with it’s sandstone cliffs, amazing surf breaks and a sandy beach has been a popular hangout for surfers as far back as the 1940s and a gathering spot of the Windansea Surf Club since the 1960s.

The shack on the beach (now a San Diego Historic site) was built by surfers during World War II. The beach is an ideal spot for snorkeling and body surfing. The south end of Windansea is sandier and great for walking along the edge of the water. The north end is fairly rocky and a bit less accessible. You can enjoy the magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean here or just have a picnic in the grass next to the beach.

Please note that there are no public restrooms at Windansea Beach in La Jolla. In the summer, lifeguards are stationed all along the beach and this even includes some weekends of spring and fall. There are two designated surf and swim zones at the beach. However, this beach is wheelchair accessible. If you decide to visit, you can park your car on the street or in the small single lot right next to the beach.

La Jolla Windansea Beach is located around 6800 Neptune Place. If you are coming from the south (downtown San Diego), follow I-5 N toward Los Angeles, take exit 26A for W La Jolla Pkwy, continue onto Torrey Pines Road. Take a left from Torrey Pines Road onto Girard Avenue. Make a right onto Pearl Street then take a left onto La Jolla Boulevard. Take the next right on Nautilus Street and you’re there.

If you are coming from the north (Los Angeles), follow I-5 S toward San Diego, take exit 28 for La Jolla Village Drive, turn right onto La Jolla Village Drive, turn left on Torrey Pines Road and follow the road into downtown La Jolla. Turn left on Girard Avenue then take a right on Pearl Street. Take a left onto La Jolla Boulevard then make the right on Nautilus Street and you’re there.

Windansea Beach is a great place for romantic strolls at sunset and possibly one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California. If you’re coming with small children you should use caution at the beach because the surf often breaks with a lot of intimidating power directly onto the shore.

Make sure you get there early if you plan to visit the La Jolla Windansea Beach. As with most beaches in San Diego, you should get there early in order to be able to get more privacy and the best parking space when the crowds are just starting to arrive. Windansea Beach in La Jolla, California is an amazing place and definitely worth your time to check it out.

The Fifth Most Expensive City in The US, La Jolla, CA

Very few San Diegans would be surprised to hear that La Jolla, California homes rank among the top five most expensive homes in the United States according to a study reported by Yahoo and conducted by Coldwell Banker.

La Jolla means “The Jewel” as Spaniards once called it and it’s a paradise for both the resident and the traveler. It offers heart-stopping views with a breathtaking coastline sitting just north of coastal San Diego. Adding to this stunning natural beauty here you’ll find a world-class La Jolla Village with upscale shopping, fine dining and first- class lodging. La Jolla, CA is home to a top-ranked university (UCSD) and medical school along with a climate that is arguably considered by many to be the best on earth.

Many of us might assume that some of the most expensive homes in the nation are those along the coasts. A lot of us love the warmth of the sun, the beauty of the sea and enjoy spending time in both. And if given the choice, many of us might want to live where we play.

In the latest real estate report study conducted by Coldwell Banker, the east and west coasts of the United States dominate the Top 10 Most Expensive Cities for Home Buyers. California coastal cities hold 6 of the top 10 places with Newport Beach ranking in the first place:

1. Newport Beach, Calif., $1.83 million
2. Palo Alto, Calif., $1.48 million
3. Rye, N.Y., $1.33 million
4. San Francisco, Calif., $1.33 million
5. La Jolla, Calif., $1.21 million
6. Greenwich, Conn., $1.20 million
7. Wellesley, Mass., $1.08 million
8. Pasadena, Calif., $1.04 million
9. Honolulu, Hawaii, $1.03 million
10. Santa Barbara, Calif., $1.02 million

Where To Stay in La Jolla

La Jolla, CA accommodations won't disappoint if you're looking for a seaside cottage, romantic venture, vacation getaway or to stay at a modern building with maximum services for business. Many of La Jolla's hotels will provide business travelers with internet access, meeting rooms, data ports and other types of business services. Leisure visitors will be equally pleased, as hotels here offer luxury services and convenient location to nearby attractions coupled with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

La Jolla Village

The La Jolla Village area offers romance and luxury for leisure travelers. In the middle of the village you’ll find The Best Western Inn by the sea with premium restaurants and shops located just seconds away from the hotel lobby.

The Grande Colonial is considered to be the most famous hotel in the village. The Grande Colonial, La Jolla's premiere hotel, opened its doors for business during the year 1913, charging visitors just $1 a night upon opening. The historical building offers beach views and it has been renovated several times since the opening. The Grande Colonial is in close proximity to the best dining room in La Jolla California.

La Jolla Business District hotels cater primarily to business travelers. 

The Marriott La Jolla is located East of I-5, among a cluster of corporate buildings and business establishments. It offers an executive floor and extensive meeting room space. The Marriott La Jolla is very popular with business travelers.

The Hyatt Regency La Jolla is a sleek contemporary building conveniently located off I-5. The Hyatt Regency La Jolla also offers all imaginable business traveler conveniences.

La Jolla Shoreline

Just a block away from the Pacific Ocean is Hotel Parisi. It is considered by many to be the most luxurious La Jolla hotel in the entire area. The Mediterranean style hotel offers plenty of elegance, from the VIP seating that's provided for hotel guests at the nearby upscale restaurants to the exquisite flowing outdoor fountain.

The Cove Suites offers studio type apartments as well as secretarial services for the business traveler who seeks the best of seaside accommodations while the Prospect Inn of La Jolla provides style and extended stay rates. Hotel La Jolla offers beach view and garden rooms decorated by top interior designers of Beverly Hills.

If you are looking for a more intimate and secluded stay you should give Scripps Inn a try. This hotel features an ocean view from every room and it is located on the beach at the southern tip of La Jolla Cove tucked away from the town’s business center.

Whether you visit for leisure activities, business affairs, or both, La Jolla, CA continues to amaze and shine and with it's first class accommodations. Over the years La Jolla has blossomed into a full scale resort town and you can find everything you need in this splendid and elegant place. If you are wondering where to stay in La Jolla, California you’ll find virtually limitless options here.

Weekend Getaway in La Jolla, CA

La Jolla translated from Spanish means "the jewel," which is a well fitting name for a beautiful town full of splendid blue water. La Jolla is one of best of California's oceanside towns and is also a home to many of the best beaches in the whole state.

Over the years La Jolla, California has developed a reputation as a great place to visit and on any given day of the year, on the average, there are over 7,000 people visiting the town. This is an excellent indication that this elegant and charming California cost town has a lot to offer in order to attract the new as well as returning visitors.

When you come to La Jolla, CA you'll notice that there are quite a few things you can do. If you’re looking for some fun and exciting things to do here, below you’ll find a list of 5 great things to get you started:

1. La Jolla Beaches - When you hear that San Diego has great beaches, it's the truth. La Jolla Shores, Windansea and La Jolla Cove are some of the best in the San Diego area and possibly even the whole state of California.

2. Birch Aquarium - is a popular San Diego area attraction and although it's smaller and more intimate than other aquariums, it's packed with a lot of interesting exhibits that will help you experience the wonders of the deep ocean. Best of all it won't wear you out.

3. La Jolla Playhouse - is a theater company that is highly regarded around the world.

4. La Jolla Walking Tour - Hike Bike Kayak company offers a splendid one hour tour that focuses on the splendor and beauty of the La Jolla Coast and on the history of the city.

5. La Jolla Kayaking - The Hike Bike Kayak company also offers a tour of the La Jolla sea caves, with no prior experience required in order to participate.

A La Jolla weekend trip to is an excellent time to enjoy a leisurely brunch. The Cottage has a beach bungalow atmosphere and it serves a great cuisine, while the Marine Room at the Sea Lodge was voted several times in a row as the best Sunday brunch in the area. With great views and few tourists, if you’re looking for a simple breakfast just follow Coast Blvd. to the Goldfish Point Cafe.

La Jolla, California is a hard place to beat for a great weekend getaway. If you visit on hot summer days, you'll probably spend a majority of your time on the beaches loving every minute of it. There's plenty to do here so all you need to do is just come here and create some unforgettable lifelong memories.

Torrey Pines Glider Port, La Jolla, San Diego, CA

The Torrey Pines Glider Port in La Jolla, CA has been the learning place for aviation greats such as the Lindbergh's, Boyles and many others for the past 75 years. The Gliderport was first established as a soaring site back in 1928 and it has defined the world of motorless flight. Nowadays, Torrey Pines Glider Port is home to paragliding, hang gliding, scale models and even sailplane flights.

The Torrey Pines Gliderport also provides certifications, tandem flights, equipment sales, adventure tours, instructions, repair services and it offers year round flying conditions. It can support all of your flying needs from the beginner’s instruction to instructor and master pilot and certifications.

Even if you have no prior experience there are many different types of flying you can learn here. You can learn everything you've ever wanted to learn about flying and the Torrey Pines Glider Port can help you achieve that goal. If you've ever wanted to pursue a career in flying you can get your license or certificate here as well.

One of the most successful paragliding schools in North America is also operated from the Gliderport as well. The team of highly trained instructors and support staff ensures that the students receive the highest available level of flight training there. They also offer classes from beginner to advanced depending on your skills. A wide range of special classes and clinics are also offered for pilots of all levels to further their skills and aviation knowledge.

There is plenty to do near the Gliderport and it is a great place for learning or just to hang out. If you’re planning to travel to La Jolla and visit the Torrey Pines Gliderport, you can rest assured that it will be an awesome experience for you and your entire family.

If you always wanted to learn how to fly, the Torrey Pines Glider Port in La Jolla, California is the place where you need to be. All of the costs are very reasonable, the location is excellent and the views are stunning. All you need to do is just to check in and let your unforgettable journey begin.





Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, CA

The Steven A Birch Aquarium at Scripps Oceanography Institute in La Jolla, CA is smaller and more intimate than other aquariums. The Birch Aquarium is a popular San Diego area attraction and it is the place where you can take your time to simply enjoy being there while still being able to get really close to see all of the animals.

Due to its intimate setting, adults and children alike are mesmerized with the Birch Aquarium tour. You can watch jellyfish glide slowly through the water or watch an octopus gently flow up and down the glass. This is an excellent thrill for the whole family.

One of the most popular Birch Aquarium exhibits is the sea horse exhibit. It showcases many different species of sea horses, from the tiny miniature ones that are under an inch tall, to the amazing and much larger sea dragons.

You’ll find many interactive exhibits at the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, CA that will help you learn and better understand the history of oceanography. You can experience the wonders of the deep ocean by taking a simulated trip in a deep water submersible. This truly is an amazing experience even though it may be a bit of a challenging ride if you have smaller children. Children of all ages enjoy the exhibits that illustrate the day to day ocean life of different marine animals and plants.

For the people that love to take photos, be aware of the glass reflections if you are planning to take pictures of the aquarium exhibits. To do this you need to move in close (about a foot away from glass) and set your flash to a 45 degree angle. Don't get all wrapped up in taking too many photo's inside the aquarium because you may end up missing the whole show going on outside.

If you are at La Jolla on vacation, just visiting or if you live here the Birch Aquarium is definitely worth your time. There are some amazing exhibits to see here and there is something for everyone. You can spend hours and hours here checking things out with the entire family, making it one place you shouldn't hesitate to visit when in La Jolla California.




Restaurants, Bars and Nightlife in La Jolla, CA

There are many different La Jolla bars and restaurants perched on top of sea cliffs that overlook the famous La Jolla Cove and the mighty Pacific Ocean. The restaurants in this city are truly spectacular and are well known for their unforgettable atmosphere more than anything else.

Many La Jolla restaurants have successfully combined creative culinary innovations with spectacular ambience. This is a key factor that helps La Jolla manage to please all types of visitors and locals with plenty of restaurants throughout the town that offer nightlife, formal dining, and quiet ocean views.

La Jolla Village
The La Jolla, CA downtown offers some of the best dining options in the whole San Diego area. This is easily the most trendy section of town, offering fine dining, wild nightlife and quick coffee shops. Harry's Cafe Gallery welcomes morning crowds with homemade breakfast with plenty of twists by offering innovative works of art as part of the ambiance.

In the evening Roppongi Restaurant Bar and Cafe sets the stage as one the most notable trend setting spots of La Jolla California. In the heart of the La Jolla Village there is an ultra trendy venue known as The Spot that serves steak and ribs, offering you plenty of varieties.

Business District
In La Jolla’s business district there are several top notch restaurants. If you seek a traditional Italian dining experience, Tutto Mare offers an unforgettable atmosphere with excellent Italian food. Donovan's Steak And Chop House impresses customers with it's first rate dining room, premiere red meat entrees and impressive wine list.

Humphrey's La Jolla Grill is an excellent place when it comes to the nightlife. It features live entertainment with dramatic dining for two. The Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery with it’s great cuisine and plenty of brews is another great nightlife spot.


La Jolla Shoreline Restaurants and Bars
Even though La Jolla Village center boasts some of the most trendy eateries, dining along La Jolla Cove is truly an unforgettable experience for anyone. There are several excellent restaurants that line the cove that offer majestic views of the Pacific Ocean.

The Crab Catcher and George's At The Cove are both perched on top of the cliffs overlooking beautiful La Jolla Cove, featuring spectacular views from their terraces and dining facilities. Forever Fondue boasts an artistic menu, while Trattoria Acqua offers gazebo dining with modern day pasta and pizza entrees.

For a La Jolla shoreline cozy dining experience, the local residents often times choose to feast on Mexican specialties at Alfonso's of La Jolla that is well known for it's margaritas, carne asada tacos and burritos or dine by the fireplace at Cody's.

La Jolla’s Restaurants, Bars and Nightlife offer an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike with their extraordinary views, trend setting culinary creations, endless drink options, elegant ambience and vibrant nightlife.