La Jolla, on a budget

Description:

La Jolla is known for its lavish facilities, the name means The Jewel, however do not let that fool you into thinking that it is too expensive. In fact this destination on the Pacific Coast is bursting with incentives and discounts. You can still experience the refined art of the Museum of Contemporary Art, for free. You can experience all the majesty of the mighty Pacific Ocean, for free, and you can have a great time shopping at all the La Jolla hot spots, this stop however is free depending on how well you can control yourself. You may be thinking that you will have to sacrifice and settle for a lower class hotel, however this is not true the La Jolla Inn will treat you like a star, and they have complimentary breakfast, whats not to like.

njacobson Author: njacobson
Currently a student at CSU Chico studying Psychology, Neil has been enjoying cycling, backpacking, camping... view profile

Day Note:

La Jolla is know for its sandy beaches, and killer views, there is no reason that your hotel shouldn't offer these same things. That is exactly what the La Jolla Inn offers, beautiful views, great access to the great beaches, and all for less. Your visit to La Jolla will include great food, as well as a healthy dose of sunny beaches, culture and fun. Today is all about the sun and sand of The Jewel of California. Before you head out for your day in the...read more

  • La Jolla Inn

    La Jolla Inn - La Jolla
    check rates
    from $109
    • user rating

    Description:

    Thank you for your interest in the La Jolla Inn. We are a small, non-smoking European Inn located in the heart of La Jolla just steps away from the deep blue Pacific Ocean. We have 23 European style rooms, including 2 suites. Most rooms offer a private balcony with lovely ocean views. The rooms feature handmade quilts and flower bedecked balconies with sublime views of the Pacific Ocean! All of our rooms feature a queen size bed, cable, coffee makers, hair dryers, refrigerators, air conditioning, iron and ironing boards. We will start your day with a delicious complimentary continental breakfast and the daily newspaper, served in the privacy of your room or on our very own sundeck, overlooking the ocean. Then the rest of the day is yours to explore the shops, gourmet restaurants, art galleries and famous beaches of La Jolla. Sea World, the San Diego Zoo and Downtown San Diego are all within a short drive. In the afternoon, complimentary beverages and our award winning home fresh baked cookies are served in the library. Coffee and tea are available throughout the day. We invite you to come and experience La Jolla and the La Jolla Inn. My staff and I will make every effort to make your... read more

  • Ellen Browning Scripps Park

    Ellen Browning Scripps Park - La Jolla
    • Contact:

    • +1 619 236 5555
    • Location:

    • 1133 Coast Boulevard
    • (north of Ocean Street)
    • La Jolla,CA92037
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    Named for newspaper heiress and early La Jolla resident Ellen Browning Scripps, this community park offers one of the best views along the Southern California coastline. The park overlooks La Jolla Cove where clear Pacific waters crash against the rocky shoreline. Countless tourists and locals flock to this park for daytime picnics on the perfectly manicured lawns surrounded by palm trees. The grounds are also ideal for evening strolls while watching glorious sunsets. For those seeking a glimpse of the local seal population Children's Pool Beach is located at the south end of the park.

  • La Jolla Caves

    La Jolla Caves - La Jolla
    • Contact:

    • +1 858 459 0746
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 1325 Cave Street
    • La Jolla,CA92037
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    Climb 145 steps down into Sunny Jim Cave, the largest of the grottoes in La Jolla Cove. The area is now run by the Cave Store, which displays historic photographs of La Jolla and offers a small concession where visitors can purchase souvenirs, postcards and T-shirts. A trip here provides a fascinating glimpse into what lies under, as well as over, the scenic California coastline.

  • Tidepools at La Jolla Cove

    Tidepools at La Jolla Cove - La Jolla
    • Contact:

    • +1 858 454 1444
    • Location:

    • 1100 Coast Boulevard
    • La Jolla,CA92037
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    Visit the La Jolla Cove which is a tiny beach in between the nearby sandstone cliffs for its extraordinary beauty. This most photographed beach in Southern California is worth visiting for its tide pools. At high tides, the rocks on the sandy part of the beach trap water and leave behind a tide pool. Adults and kids alike love the idea of peering into them and enjoying around them. However, do check the tide times before you go to the beach, as the tide pools at La Jolla Cove can be enjoyed best at low tides.

  • Children's Pool

    Children's Pool - La Jolla
    • Contact:

    • +1 858 221 8884
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 850 Coast Boulevard
    • (at Jenner Street)
    • La Jolla,CA92037
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    Originally designed as a safe place for children to wade, this pool is now a haven for sunbathing seals. As the seals took over, the spot's popularity increased, bringing in even more children. But nowadays, the children are only spectators, as the area is often closed to swimmers because of seal-made pollution. The man-made cove is also a popular spot for scuba divers. You can venture out across the water walkway, watching seals and humans-both in their shiny black suits and flippers-slip away into the ocean. Nearby, you will find the beautiful La Jolla Cove and tide pools.

  • Alfonso's of La Jolla

    Alfonso's of La Jolla - La Jolla
    • Contact:

    • 1 858 454 2232
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 1251 Prospect Street
    • La Jolla,CA92037
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    As you are passing through the picturesque city of La Jolla, stop by this inexpensive, popular Mexican restaurant. The outdoor seating is most popular, offering bright red tables and greenery. Inside, the wooden bar holds a prominent spot, decorated in colorful Mexican blankets. For your meal, consider Steak Picado, which includes beef sautéed with Mexican sausage. Pollo Sasonadao is also popular, served on weekends only. Of course, the most famous entree on this restaurant's menu is the Carne Asada Alfonso. Savor charcoal-broiled steak, served with cheese enchiladas, refried beans, rice and tortilla.

Day Note:

Once you are able to rouse yourself from sleep, head downstairs and enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Day two is all about the arts, with visits to art museums and aquariums. Your morning begins at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego La Jolla. This facility offers over 3,000 permanent works, featuring sculptures, paintings, photos, as well as films. One of the best things about this prestigious museum is that it is free every third Thursday, perfect today...read more

  • La Jolla Inn

    La Jolla Inn - La Jolla
    check rates
    from $109
    • user rating

    Description:

    Thank you for your interest in the La Jolla Inn. We are a small, non-smoking European Inn located in the heart of La Jolla just steps away from the deep blue Pacific Ocean. We have 23 European style rooms, including 2 suites. Most rooms offer a private balcony with lovely ocean views. The rooms feature handmade quilts and flower bedecked balconies with sublime views of the Pacific Ocean! All of our rooms feature a queen size bed, cable, coffee makers, hair dryers, refrigerators, air conditioning, iron and ironing boards. We will start your day with a delicious complimentary continental breakfast and the daily newspaper, served in the privacy of your room or on our very own sundeck, overlooking the ocean. Then the rest of the day is yours to explore the shops, gourmet restaurants, art galleries and famous beaches of La Jolla. Sea World, the San Diego Zoo and Downtown San Diego are all within a short drive. In the afternoon, complimentary beverages and our award winning home fresh baked cookies are served in the library. Coffee and tea are available throughout the day. We invite you to come and experience La Jolla and the La Jolla Inn. My staff and I will make every effort to make your... read more

  • Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego La Jolla

    Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego La Jolla - La Jolla
    • Contact:

    • +1 858 454 3541
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 700 Prospect Street
    • La Jolla,CA92037
    • Map

    Description:

    MCASD La Jolla has a permanent collection of more than 3,000 works from different genres created after the 50s. There are paintings, sculptures, works on paper, photography, video, film, and installation. MCASD is an established patron of the arts and has helped many artists achieve success. MCASD maintains an extensive collection of minimalist, pop, conceptual, installation, Latin American, and Californian art. MCASD's downtown San Diego location is also worth a stop. On the third Thursday of each month, the museum is open from 11 am to 7 pm. For more information please see the website.

  • Birch Aquarium at Scripps

    Birch Aquarium at Scripps - La Jolla
    • Contact:

    • +1 858 534 3474
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 2300 Expedition Way
    • Scripps Institute of Oceanography
    • La Jolla,CA92161
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    Lovers of all types of marine life will delight in a tour of this world-renowned aquarium and oceanographic museum. Splendid examples of marine life of all sizes, shapes and colors are here on display from the cool Pacific Northwest to the warm waters off Mexico. An extension of the famous Scripps Institute of Oceanography, the mission here is to promote ocean sciences through hands-on experience. A snack shop and gift shop are on premises. Admission required.

  • Stuart Collection of Sculpture at University of California

    Stuart Collection of Sculpture at University of California - La Jolla
    • Contact:

    • +1 858 534 2117
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 9500 Gilman Drive
    • La Jolla,CA92037
    • Map

    Description:

    The Stuart Collection of Sculpture at the University of California is like no other. You will find artwork at every nook and corner of the university campus. Download the map from the website and you will be able to track down your favourite artist. This project is one of its kind and seeks to encourage artists. It also hopes to enrich the cultural understanding of not only the UCSD campus but also of the local community. Many works from artists who have designed works for period specific collections from the 1970's can be found here. You will find artists like Jenny Holzer, Robert Irwin, John Baldessari, Bruce Nauman and Alexis Smith amongst many other.

  • La Basil Thai Cuisine

    • Contact:

    • +1 858 456 7889
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 5525 La Jolla Boulevard
    • La Jolla,CA92037
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    Despite the fact that this restaurant doesn't get very busy, the hooked diners who keep returning will tell you La Basil consistently serves fresh and delicious food. Known for their house curry, this place is surprisingly cheap considering the variety on the menu and the classy feel given by the lighting and decorations. For a charming and low-key evening of dining, preferably with a date, this spot is worth hunting down.

Day Note:

Sleep in today, enjoy the morning and do not be in a rush, and when hunger does finally come around head to Harry's Coffee Shop, which is a landmark in itself being that it has been in business for 40 years. There you will find great American favorites as well a great coffee. You must at least visit the great shopping places in La Jolla, if nothing else just to enjoy the culture and passion of the city. Girard Avenue has a collection of great independent...read more

  • La Jolla Inn

    La Jolla Inn - La Jolla
    check rates
    from $109
    • user rating

    Description:

    Thank you for your interest in the La Jolla Inn. We are a small, non-smoking European Inn located in the heart of La Jolla just steps away from the deep blue Pacific Ocean. We have 23 European style rooms, including 2 suites. Most rooms offer a private balcony with lovely ocean views. The rooms feature handmade quilts and flower bedecked balconies with sublime views of the Pacific Ocean! All of our rooms feature a queen size bed, cable, coffee makers, hair dryers, refrigerators, air conditioning, iron and ironing boards. We will start your day with a delicious complimentary continental breakfast and the daily newspaper, served in the privacy of your room or on our very own sundeck, overlooking the ocean. Then the rest of the day is yours to explore the shops, gourmet restaurants, art galleries and famous beaches of La Jolla. Sea World, the San Diego Zoo and Downtown San Diego are all within a short drive. In the afternoon, complimentary beverages and our award winning home fresh baked cookies are served in the library. Coffee and tea are available throughout the day. We invite you to come and experience La Jolla and the La Jolla Inn. My staff and I will make every effort to make your... read more

  • Harry's Coffee Shop

    Harry's Coffee Shop - La Jolla
    • Contact:

    • +1 858 454 7381
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 7545 Girard Avenue
    • La Jolla,CA92037
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:


    While its ambiance might not be the typical La Jolla scene that tourists might expect, this breakfast and lunch destination is a cornerstone in the beach side location. From the simplest of simple meals like the cheese omelet, Greek omelet and the Spanish omelet to short stacks and golden brown waffles, while the menu is shorts it's the friendly faces and chats beneath a coffee cup that make it a landmark. Harry's is what made La Jolla what it is today - the mom and pop shops of yesteryear. With comfort food and a carefree attitude toward calories, this La Jolla classic is a must-have.

  • Girard Avenue

    • Contact:

    • Location:

    • Girard Avenue
    • La Jolla,CA92037
    • Map

    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.

  • Herschel and Wall Street

    • Contact:

    • +1 619 236 1212
    • Location:

    • Herschel Avenue
    • La Jolla,CA92037
    • Map

    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.

  • Mount Soledad

    Mount Soledad - La Jolla
    • Contact:

    • +1 858 459 2314
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South
    • (at convergence of Via Capri & La Jolla Scenic Drive S)
    • La Jolla,CA92037
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    Head up the hill from downtown La Jolla's scenic beach arena and you'll see what everyone is talking about - the view from Mt. Soledad, the historic spot that overlooks the ocean, the city's landscape and more - is worth every minute. On a sparkling day (which San Diego has many of), Mt. Soledad's view is breathtaking - from La Jolla's pristine beaches, downtown's skyscrapers, the Mission Beach bay and all the tiny people, this is a picture-perfect spot. In addition, the Mt. Soledad view pays memorium to the Veterans of the area, with a sky scraping cross and personal stories of the lives lost at war; an American flag plays toward a historic backdrop in these iconic pictures as well.

  • Rudy's Cafe

    Rudy's Cafe - La Jolla
    • Contact:

    • +1 858 454 5665
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 2168 Avenida De La Playa
    • La Jolla,CA92037
    • Map

    Description:

    If you've spent the morning at the Scripps Beach, and are wondering where to head to, to calm your hunger pangs - Rudy's Cafe is just two blocks away. Kick start your day with a steaming mug of coffee and a burrito or just stop by for lunch. All you tea lovers can add this place to your favorite hangouts list - Herbal, Floral, Black, and Green Teas are all imported and served at this cafe. Vegetarians too, will find what they want, as there are various vegan items on the menu. Feast on homemade soups and crisp salads or munch on Pannini Grilled Sandwiches. If you're a fan of Cafe Moto products, here's where you'll find them.

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