Southern California has many places that merit a visit for a weekend getaway. One location to consider is La Jolla, with its exquisite coastline, breathtaking ocean views, and proximity to San Diego. Visitors to this hilly seaside town enjoy both the best of this town and the attractions of San Diego itself. Recently, I explored La Jolla and loved the casual pace the getaway evoked.
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Birch Aquarium
My visit started at the Birch Aquarium, part of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. Although not a large aquarium, I enjoyed it immensely. The exhibits are excellent. I especially liked the section where I learned about Seahorses. One would not believe how many species of seahorses exist.
Speaking of fish, if you are a foodie and love seafood, visit Catalina Offshore Products, located in San Diego, about 15 minutes from La Jolla. Fishmonger Tommy Gomes gave us a tour and tasting of the facility. You learn more about fish than you ever want to know, but you also get to sample some of the freshest fish you have ever tasted.
Lunch in La Jolla
The charm of this country-style restaurant, as well as the food, draws one to Sugar and Scribe Bakery— Fine Food. We enjoyed our lunch outside on the patio. You will not leave hungry, as the portions are large, but save room for the pastries. Chef Maeve’s Irish heritage influences her cooking, which she also adds a contemporary flair.
La Jolla Coastline
A visit to La Jolla should include a walk along the coast. The views are magnificent. Enjoying the smells of the sea and the barks of the sea lions and seals settles one into a relaxed frame of mind.
La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club
Although I did not stay at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, it would be a great place for a great family getaway weekend. Within a few steps of the beach, the resort also offers an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, a 9-hole golf course, and more. The beaches in front of the hotel are pristine and inviting.
The resort opened in 1925 and was purchased by the Kellogg family in 1927. Today, the fourth generation of the Kellogg family runs the resort.
Wine Tasting
About 30 minutes from La Jolla Village is the community of Bird Rock. Here you will find LJ Crafted Wines. Lowell Jooste moved to La Jolla from South Africa, where he made wines. Today, he has created a unique concept for wine, the Wine Stewart, a system that allows wine to be served directly from the barrel as it ages. The wine’s freshness proves that this method is a success.
Sourcing fruit from Napa and Sonoma. Not all wines are available at a given time, but Lowell produces whites, including Chardonnay, Albarino, Semillon, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc. In reds, he produces Pinot Noir, Merlot, Dolcetto, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah.
The tasting room has a pleasant, beachy, coastal-town feel. I loved the use of a surfboard as a table. The décor is inviting, and the wines are excellent.
Instead of buying bottles of wine, you purchase growlers or growlettes. The latter allows one to take home enough wine for two glasses.
LJ Crafted Wines’ logo represents three important aspects of Lowell and his wife, Anne’s, life. The Pelican symbolizes Bird Rock, where they are currently residing and where the tasting room is situated. The olive branch represents peace, which can lead to something fresh and new. The oak branch signifies their South African heritage because, without that culture, they would not be creating the wines they do today. Finally, the ribbon at the bottom ties it all together
On my visit, I sampled the Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Dolcetto, and Cabernet Sauvignon. My favorite was the Sauvignon Blanc, which is a bright, refreshing wine with a bit of sweetness on the finish. I loved that this wine did not overemphasize the grapefruit or grassiness that so often is apparent in this variety. I was also taken with the Dolcetto, with its silky texture and cranberry and blueberry flavors.
Dining at the Marine Room
I highly suggest that any visit to La Jolla include dining at the Marine Room. Chef Bernard Guillas’ passion permeates every aspect of the restaurant. The food is exceptional, and the views, of course, are spectacular, especially at sunset.
I love this metaphor of Bernard’s philosophy. It reminds me of an artist and a winemaker, and aptly applies to a chef. Bernard states in his book, Flying Pans Two Chefs, One World, “Chefs are like scientists, artists, and magicians. A sleek white plate replaces a white canvas. On our palette, we use the natural color of ingredients and textures to awaken all of the senses. It is a journey through the magic of cooking.” Bernard’s palette is the blue of the ocean that surrounds his kitchen, the regional fish, local produce, and other ingredients that make up the components he chooses to utilize each day.
Looking at the dishes served to us on our visit to the Marine Room, the plates, Bernard’s food art is a colorful, appetizing display that tantalizes your senses.
Georges at the Cove
One must visit Georges at the Cove to enjoy the panoramic view for cocktails, lunch, or dinner. Georges is located on three levels. At the top is the outdoor restaurant Ocean Terrace. Level 2 is the cocktail lounge, and below is California Modern for fine dining.
I dined at the Ocean Terrace. I enjoyed the outdoor atmosphere and can imagine the restaurant would be busy during the summer. The food was tasty, as I sampled a salad, Octopus, and short ribs.
Pantai Inn
During my visit to La Jolla, we stayed at the charming Pantai Inn, a family-run hotel, now in its third generation, located across from the beachfront and La Jolla Park. Pantai means “fine white sand beach” in Indonesian and is apt for this property, given its oceanfront locale.
Ideally located within walking distance of La Jolla Village, the tidepools, and the beachfront walk, it is the perfect escape for a relaxing weekend.
The Pantai Inn features 30 guest suites and cottages, many with kitchens. The décor is Balinese and perfectly fits with a beachy atmosphere. The details, especially the wood accents, give the ambiance a warm feel. Almost every room has an ocean view with a balcony. Wake up to sipping your morning coffee out on the balcony while enjoying the vista.
The open lobby reminds me, on a smaller scale, of those in Hawaii. Stop by for coffee and homemade cookies daily. Your stay includes a scrumptious breakfast.
With San Diego so close by, one will not lack activities to pursue. In fact, one weekend getaway in La Jolla is not enough. You will opt to return to see more of what the area has to offer.
Note: Common to the travel and wine industry, this writer was provided with accommodations, meals, and other compensation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, the writer believes in full disclosure.