Location: La Jolla (12 Miles / 20 Minutes North of Downtown San Diego)
Features: Art Galleries; Exclusive Shops; Fine Dining; Spectacular Setting
Highlights for the Village of La Jolla: La Jolla is the everyday man’s (or woman’s) high-end retail district. Despite being ranked as the most expensive community in America with the average four bedroom house selling for nearly $2 million, you will not find this area pretentious or intimidating. It may have to do with the fact many residents have lived here for years or multiple generations since World War II when land in La Jolla was cheap due to fear of attack after the bombing at Pearl Harbor. Or, it may have to do with San Diego’s laid back beach culture where people are generally friendly with one another. Whatever the reason may be, visitors will find La Jolla to be a welcoming place.
What to Expect in La Jolla
There is an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and other businesses lining Prospect Street and Girard Avenue. A handful of shops spillover onto adjoining streets. While strolling down the streets and breathing in the ocean air, you can take a look at the price tags for local La Jolla homes listed for sale in the window displays of real estate broker offices, step into art galleries that appeal to a wide range of tastes, find souvenirs in novelty shops, feel the fabric of high-end apparel, enjoy a simple ice cream treat, or enjoy fine dining from many of Southern California’s best restaurants.
La Jolla Art Galleries – You will find most of the art galleries along Prospect Street between Coast Boulevard at the north end and Girard Avenue at the south end. Many of the prices are eye-popping. It’s no surprise when you occasionally find pieces like a Picasso, Rembrandt, or Matisse at a place like the Fingerhut Art Gallery. For those on a tighter budget, you can take home a small framed photo taken by the famed nature photographer, Thomas Mangelsen, at his Images of Nature store. There is a wide variety of art from over two dozen galleries that will appeal to all tastes. The La Jolla art galleries generally open by 10AM. Many close by 6PM, some have extended hours on Friday and Saturdays, and a few larger ones stay open into the evenings all week long to attract the dinner time crowd. Also, each September, the local businesses sponsor a La Jolla Gallery and Wine Walk. You can view a list of art galleries in La Jolla from the local business association web site.
Estate Sales and Antique Shops – Many residents of La Jolla come and go from around the world. Those moving to La Jolla are often in search of unique items to fill their homes. Those on the way out often hold estate sales or sell their items on consignment. You will find a number of shops along Prospect Street and Girard Avenue out to where it meets Torrey Pines Road. From Antique Maps to Persian Rugs, you too will probably find something of interest. Most shops open between 10AM and 11AM and close between 4:30PM and 6PM. The local business association provides a list of specialty stores and antique shops in La Jolla.
La Jolla Shopping – You will find over 100 apparel and jewelry stores in and around the main streets of La Jolla. They range from upscale retail stores you would see in premium malls like Jos. A Bank and Armani Exchange to one-of-a-kind Boutique Shops. The local business association provides a list of jewelry stores and apparel shops in La Jolla. Most are open from 10AM – 6PM.
La Jolla Restaurants – Visitors can select from nearly 50 fine dining restaurants, over 60 casual restaurants, and several take-out and dessert shops. The best recommendation for travelers is to enjoy the Ocean Terrace at George’s on the Cove. George’s offers three dining areas consistently ranked among the top restaurants in the country. The top-level Ocean Terrace is the most casual dining area offering gorgeous views out to La Jolla Cove and the Pacific Ocean. (Be sure to bring your sunglasses since it is outdoors where you can enjoy the sun and ocean breezes.) Meals on the lunch menu run $10 – $15, not including drinks, which is well worth the cost of dining in paradise. If the wait is too long during the lunch hour, you can go down one floor to the seating area in their bar to enjoy the same menu and spectacular views. (It is also a good option for those who want more shade from the sun.) To get reviews for La Jolla restaurants, visit the San Diego Union Tribune’s web site .
La Jolla Activities – Nearly all visitors to the Village of La Jolla walk down two blocks from Prospect Street to the La Jolla coastline and enjoy some of the most memorable views one will ever experience. Towards the south end of Prospect Street, visitors can immerse themselves in art at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Those who love music and art should visit the La Jolla Athenaeum. If you like luxury cars, you can see a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, Rolls Royce and more in person by heading over to Ferrari and Maserati of San Diego at the corner of Girard Avenue and Pearl Street or the Symbolic Motor Car Company and the Sports Car Company near the intersection of Pearl Street and La Jolla Boulevard. History buffs can buy a Walking Tour Guide and Map created by the La Jolla Historical Society.
Information on Visiting the Village of La Jolla
Directions from Google Maps to the intersection of Prospect Street and Girard Avenue in La Jolla, CA 92037. (This intersection could be referred to as the center of the tourist area. Shops, restaurants, and art galleries line both Prospect Street and Girard Avenue. Ellen Browning Scripps Park and the beachfront are just two blocks down the hill from this intersection.)
Traffic – Torrey Pines Road is the main route providing access from San Diego highways to both Prospect Street and Girard Avenue. Traffic is slow leaving La Jolla on Torrey Pines Road during the middle and late afternoon hours on weekdays. Fortunately, you have a great view down to La Jolla Shores while you wait in traffic that may delay you up to 10 minutes. Otherwise, getting in and out of La Jolla is relatively easy. Local streets can be used to reach Pacific Beach to the south. (Learn how to get the latest traffic updates.)
Parking – Street parking is free but there is typically a 2 hour limit or less. Street parking is hard to find around dinner time. Parking lots are available and usually cost between $5 and $10 for the day.
Transit – Buses do serve the Village of La Jolla. (See San Diego Transit Information for bus schedules and information for the online Transit Planner.)
Related Themes: Antiques, Cars, Gems / Jewelry, La Jolla Area, Souvenirs, Top Attractions, Unique Malls |
