Be Treated Like a Jewel in La Jolla

Description:

Ten minutes north of La Jolla proper, you'll find this triumphant Craftsman-style creation at the edge of the Torrey Pines Golf Course. The Lodge brims with clinker-brick masonry, art glass windows and doors, Stickley furniture, and exquisite pottery. Most rooms fall into two main categories. The less expensive are an unstinting 520 square feet and lavished with Tiffany-style lamps, period wallpaper, framed Hiroshige prints, and lots of wood accents; views face a courtyard carefully landscaped to mimic the rare seaside environment that exists just beyond the hotel grounds. More expensive rooms overlook the golf course and the ocean in the distance; most of these have balconies, fireplaces, and giant bathrooms with separate tub and shower. The 9,500-square-foot spa specializes in treatments utilizing coastal sage and other local plants, and there's an elegant pool. An excellent restaurant named after painter A.R. Valentien features superb seasonal vegetables; Valentien's wildflower watercolors line the walls, and his personal effects and medals are found in glass bookcases.

Description:

These two gorgeous municipal 18-hole championship courses are on the coast between La Jolla and Del Mar, only 20 minutes from downtown San Diego. Home of the Buick Invitational Tournament, and the setting for the 2008 U.S. Open, Torrey Pines is second only to Pebble Beach as California's top golf destination. Situated on a bluff overlooking the ocean, the north course has the postcard-perfect signature hole (no. 6), but the south course is more challenging, has more sea-facing play, and benefits from a $3.5-million overhaul in 2002. In summer, course conditions can be less than ideal due to the sheer number of people lined up to play, and "tee scalpers" aren't uncommon. Tee times are taken up to 90 days in advance by automated telephone system ($39 booking fee). Golf professionals are available for lessons (which assure you a spot on the course), and the pro shop rents clubs. Greens fees on the south course are $160 weekdays, $200 weekends; the north course is $90 weekdays and $113 weekends. Cart rentals are $40, and twilight and senior rates are available. Tip: First-come, first-served tee times are available from sunup to 7:30am. Single golfers also stand a good chance of getting on the course if they just turn up and get on the waiting list for a threesome.

Description:

This Spa is located near the Torrey Pines State Reserve and the Torrey Pines Golf course. It offers a 9,500-square feet spa with 16 treatment rooms, ayurveda massages, thalassotherapy, Cobble Stone massage, honey botanical wrap, and Hydrotherapy treatments. The rooms are well decorated and have top-of-the-line amenities. The resort also offers a variety of activities for its guests, such as, yoga, hikes and nature walks, kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, golf, croquet, and a state-of-the-art fitness room.

Description:

A.R.Valentien, restaurant located in the comfortable Lodge at Torrey Pines is an ideal dining place. Overlooking the Torrey Pines Golf Course you can have your meal along with the amazing view. Named after the renowned Californian artist, this place serves sumptuous meals and refreshing drinks. An ideal place to dine after a day at the course.

Description:

La Jolla Village is one of the the most happening areas in La Jolla. Situated on the northeast of La Jolla Heights, you can find whatever you name in the village. Shop at the La Jolla Village square where you can purchase flowers, trendy clothes, watch good cinema and even reside in the grand hotels in this area. Visit this place with sufficient time on your hands as there is just too much to do here.

Description:

La Jolla Playhouse is one of the premiere venues on the West Coast, bringing a healthy dose of live theater to San Diego. A non-profit professional theater associated with the University of California, San Diego, the theater provides a number of educational opportunities for children, teens, and adults alike. The Playhouse sponsors roughly six productions per year; previous productions that originated at the Playhouse before finding Broadway success include The Who's Tommy, Billy Crystal's 700 Sundays, and Jersey Boys.

Description:

Sister restaurant to Humphrey's by the Bay in San Diego, the Grill offers fine food perched on top of the Sheraton La Jolla Hotel. Light, open Asian-flavored decor provides a cheerful background for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The signature Prixe Fixe meal offers dramatic dining for two, beginning with a bottle of Chardonnay or Merlot, proceeding with a soup or salad course, a selection from eight entrees and a shared dessert. Entree choices include Halibut Macadamia, Prime Rib, Filet Mignon or the "Taste of San Diego" shrimp.

Description:

This establishment features contemporary French impressionist and post-impressionist works of art. Step into the small gallery and feel as if you have entered another world. As classical music plays overhead, view paintings from Blanchard, Cortes, Labrofont, La Loue, Loir and Marcel Dyf. In addition to French art, the gallery also represents a small group of American and European contemporary artists, including Park, Dy'ans, Briks, Roos and others. The pieces are framed and displayed in groups, separated by the artist. All works of art may be purchased. See website for more.

Description:

Among the plethora of art galleries in La Jolla, this establishment is particularly notable for its highly impressive collection. Featured works have included Head of a Woman by Pablo Picasso, The Clown's Funeral by Henri Matisse, and Self Portrait with Raised Sabre by Rembrandt. In addition to the incredible selection of paintings, lithographs and prints, the gallery also features sculptures by Jiang and Wilkinson. Serving the La Jolla community for several years, this gallery has continually searched the globe for works by established masters and talented newcomers.

Our Local Expert Says:

Always part of Restaurant Week, check out the set (and moderately priced) menu that Azul offers during the summer and winter season!

Description:

This restaurant is located on a hill just above La Jolla Cove, featuring an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful green plants and white tablecloths enhance the elegant atmosphere. While the menu changes daily, regular patrons order the Paella Mariscos (rice and shellfish) or the Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb when available. Children can choose from a special menu, offering pizza, chicken strips and fish sticks. House wine is offered. You may bring your own bottle, but a USD15 corkage fee applies.

Description:

Expand your knowledge and appreciation for both music and the arts at this expansive library. This location holds collections of videos, books, periodicals and other literature all devoted to fine arts. Beyond the library, Athenaeum holds year-round exhibitions of fine art as well as concerts, featuring jazz and chamber music. Studio art classes are also available to the public.

Description:

Believe it or not, in the refined coastal town of La Jolla, you can experience all the beauty and power of animals in their native habitat. World-famous nature photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen has gathered his most impressive work at this La Jolla Village gallery. Finely framed art is available. Guests may also purchase prints of his work in the form of posters, art cards, calendars, journals, books, screen savers and videos. See website for online galleries, online shopping and more.

Description:

This warmly stylish space is the place for market-fresh cuisine, prepared by Jason Knibb, another member of San Diego's cadre of skilled young chefs. Knibb, who was mentored by such culinary figures as Wolfgang Puck, Roy Yamaguchi, and Hans Rockenwagner, presides over a shifting, seasonal menu that's best enjoyed via small-plate grazings. Past offerings have included espresso and chocolate-braised boneless short ribs, Maine scallops with apple risotto, and harissa marinated shrimp. Or better yet, turn yourself over to the "Mercy of the Chef," a five-course tasting menu for $80, or $120 with wine pairings (your whole table has to play along, though). When you're looking for a classy fine-dining experience without the old-guard attitude, this hotel eatery fits the bill very nicely.

Description:

Ten minutes north of La Jolla proper, you'll find this triumphant Craftsman-style creation at the edge of the Torrey Pines Golf Course. The Lodge brims with clinker-brick masonry, art glass windows and doors, Stickley furniture, and exquisite pottery. Most rooms fall into two main categories. The less expensive are an unstinting 520 square feet and lavished with Tiffany-style lamps, period wallpaper, framed Hiroshige prints, and lots of wood accents; views face a courtyard carefully landscaped to mimic the rare seaside environment that exists just beyond the hotel grounds. More expensive rooms overlook the golf course and the ocean in the distance; most of these have balconies, fireplaces, and giant bathrooms with separate tub and shower. The 9,500-square-foot spa specializes in treatments utilizing coastal sage and other local plants, and there's an elegant pool. An excellent restaurant named after painter A.R. Valentien features superb seasonal vegetables; Valentien's wildflower watercolors line the walls, and his personal effects and medals are found in glass bookcases.

Description:

A restored 1894 beach bungalow, this charming cafe is named for an early resident's hometown (Brockton, MA) and occupies a breathtaking perch overlooking La Jolla Cove. The biggest buzz is at breakfast, when you can enjoy such inventive dishes as soufflé-like "Coast Toast" and Greek "steamers" (eggs scrambled with an espresso steamer, and then mixed with feta cheese, tomato, and basil). Breakfasts are served until noon weekdays, until 3pm weekends. Lunch highlights include homemade soups and salads, as well as such sandwiches as the grilled organic salmon BLT. The somewhat less successful supper menu includes seafood and steak dishes, plus paella, pastas, and grilled meats. But any time you can actually enjoy this spectacular sea view, Brockton's food tastes good. Note: Steep stairs from the street limit wheelchair access.

Description:

The French touch is evident at this day spa featuring seaweeds and marine algae treatments and products from the Brittany coast of France. Enjoy an Austrian moor mud soak, oxygen facial therapy, or your choice of several Vichy salt glow treatments. While women favor most of the treatments, men can also schedule the Gentleman's Facial. Many of the special products used are available in home-use versions and are sold in the Spa Boutique

Description:

The quaint Girard Avenue offers visitors a chance to experience shopping within small, local businesses. There are a number of art galleries, books stores and craft shops that are not affiliated with any corporation. If you are looking for the most modern and fashionable clothing for women, try Melange. Anyone looking for art should be sure to make a stop at Cosmopolitan Fine Arts. Once you are through shopping and in need of some tasty "on-the-go" food, try Girard Gourmet.

Description:

This is one place that can truly cater to your every whim. Herschel and Wall Street has innumerable restaurants ranging from coffee shops to diners, seafood restaurants to French Bistros and Mexican joints. Pamper your taste buds here and then as the finishing touch head to the Creamery for some delectable desserts.

Description:

If cooking is an art, Jean-Michele Diot, chef and owner of Tapenade, is a master craftsman. Using his experience and expertise from working in kitchens of New York and Paris, Diot has finally given San Diego its best French restaurant. Be it Curried Scallops on Corn Pancakes, Chilled Cantaloupe Gazpacho, Grilled Tuna, or Chicken Brochettes...everything is extraordinary. The most recommended desserts on the menu remain the Pithiviers, a dish of puff pastry wrapped around a sweet filling, Apple Galette in bittersweet dark chocolate, Pots de Creme, and Hazelnut Financiers. The restaurant is expensive but perfect for those who want to wine and dine in style.

Description:

Ten minutes north of La Jolla proper, you'll find this triumphant Craftsman-style creation at the edge of the Torrey Pines Golf Course. The Lodge brims with clinker-brick masonry, art glass windows and doors, Stickley furniture, and exquisite pottery. Most rooms fall into two main categories. The less expensive are an unstinting 520 square feet and lavished with Tiffany-style lamps, period wallpaper, framed Hiroshige prints, and lots of wood accents; views face a courtyard carefully landscaped to mimic the rare seaside environment that exists just beyond the hotel grounds. More expensive rooms overlook the golf course and the ocean in the distance; most of these have balconies, fireplaces, and giant bathrooms with separate tub and shower. The 9,500-square-foot spa specializes in treatments utilizing coastal sage and other local plants, and there's an elegant pool. An excellent restaurant named after painter A.R. Valentien features superb seasonal vegetables; Valentien's wildflower watercolors line the walls, and his personal effects and medals are found in glass bookcases.