This beach community offers a wide variety of beaches, recreation, shopping and nightlife. Named by Spanish explorers as "the jewel", La Jolla is a quiet and sophisticated town.
While all the beaches in La Jolla are wonderful in their own right, there are a few that we wouldn't recommend for families with small kids: Black's Beach requires a half-mile descent on a very twisty road (the beach itself is below a rocky cliff); Windansea is narrow and rocky with little sand -- the surfing and swimming are excellent though; Marine Street Beach is a lovely neighborhood spot, but there aren't any amenities, or lifeguards.
* La Jolla Shores Beach overall is the best "equipped" beaches in the area. Boasting year-round lifeguard services, a nice children's playground and park, volleyball courts and Scripps Shoreline Underwater Preserve, this is fine spot to spend a day. It does get crowded, but the amenities are very convenient.
* La Jolla Cove is a smaller beach located near La Jolla's shopping district. Large rock formations limit big waves, so this a great place to bring younger kids. Street parking only, no lots available. Lifeguards are stationed year-round.
* Children's Pool Beach has many of the same characteristics as La Jolla Beach. Clear water and year round lifeguard service make this beach ideal for the younger set. A very popular snorkeling spot.
Families visiting La Jolla for a beach vacation can choose from a good selection of accommodations including the following:
La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club: The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club offers unparalleled leisure opportunities, including the beachfront Sea Lodge for vacations of a lifetime, the Marine Room for elegant dining on the surf and the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club for unique resort accommodations and recreational opportunities for guests and club members of all ages. This upscale beach resort has its own private beach -- a rarity in this area -- and friendly hospitality, award-winning cuisine and comfortable spacious rooms (many have kitchens and there are complete apartments, too). Amenities include 12 tennis courts, and a 9-hole pitch and putt golf course. For more information, call (800) 640-7702 or (858) 454-7126.
Sea Lodge: Bathed by salt air breezes, this hotel is one of few in San Diego situated directly on the beach. This two acre oceanfront property is on the expensive side but being located on the charming enclave of La Jolla Shores on the edge of the La Jolla Underwater Park, it is well worth the location, balcony rooms and ocean views. For more information, call (800) 640-7702 or (858) 454-7126.
La Jolla Cove Suites: These small, comfortable rooms and suites are located overlooking La Jolla Cove and the ocean. Ask for one of the rooms with a small balcony, so you can relax outside when the kids are asleep and enjoy the view. They also offer great, mid-week rates. For more information, call Phone: (858) 459-2621, or visit them online at http://www.lajollacove.com/index.html.
Shell Beach Apartments-Motel: This is the perfect location for a great family vacation. Located just fifteen minutes from most area major attractions, airports and commercial business areas. Lodgings range from studios to one, two and three bedroom suites. For more information, call (888) 525-6552 or visit them online at: http://www.lajollacove.com/
Younie Company: This rental agency handles homes and condominiums in the La Jolla area. For more information, call (858) 454-3023.
The La Jolla area is great for a family beach vacation because of its many attractions. In addition to the beach, make sure to visit the Stephen Birch Aquarium Museum at The Scripps Institute of Oceanography, Ellen Browning Scripps Park, and the Torrey Pines State Reserve. This beach town is also great because it's so close to the attractions of San Diego. Make sure to visit the San Diego Zoo, Sea World of California, Mission Beach with its boardwalk area, and the Space Theater and Science Center in Balboa Park.
For more information, call the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau at 619-236-1212 or visit them online San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau http://www.sandiego.org.
