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Scenic Splendor: Picture this – you’re strolling down streets adorned with palm trees, all while soaking in those breathtaking ocean views. La Jolla turns shopping into a full-on sensory delight, where the scenery is as captivating as the finds.

Local Love: La Jolla proudly boasts local artisan shops, brimming with handmade treasures you won’t snag anywhere else. It’s a treasure hunt, and the loot is seriously fabulous.  You’ll also find cosmetics, hardware, boutiques and jewelry.  And, let’s not forget the shoes — from swanky heels to casual flip flops — your feet will thank you.

 High-End Havens: Get ready to treat yourself! La Jolla serves up a buffet of high-end shops and boutiques. The  Girard Avenue and Prospect Street shopping district is home to award-winning interior and fashion designers, high-end jewelers, bespoke apparel and home decor and so much more. Luxury shopping? Oh, we’ve mastered it.

Dining & Delight: Did we mention the foodie and entertainment scene? La Jolla is not just a shopping haven; it’s a full-blown experience. Whether you’re into chill cafes or fancy feasts, we’ve got your taste buds covered. The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Atheneum Music and Arts Library and The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center attract world-class entertainment and artists. Get ready for a sensory feast of contemporary art, musical brilliance, and unforgettable performances!

La Jolla is not just a spot on the map; it’s a vibe, a scene, and a downright good time. So, if you haven’t experienced the magic of La Jolla’s shopping, dining, and entertainment extravaganza, what are you waiting for? Come join the party!

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photo credit:n @seal_oflove_

From December 15 to mid-May each year, California Harbor Seals can rest, give birth and nurture their newborn without interference from humans at La Jolla’s Children’s Pool.

• California sea lions are larger than harbor seals. Adult male California sea lions can weigh up to 800 pounds and reach lengths of up to 8 feet, while adult male harbor seals typically weigh between 150-200 pounds and are around 6 feet in length.
• California sea lions have visible ear flaps, while harbor seals have small ear holes without external flaps.
• California sea lions are more social and gregarious than harbor seals, often gathering in large groups on beaches or rocky shorelines. Harbor seals are more solitary and tend to haul out (rest on land) in smaller groups or alone.
• California sea lions can move on land more easily than harbor seals, thanks to their longer and stronger front flippers. Harbor seals move more awkwardly on land and are better adapted to swimming and diving.
• While both species feed on fish and squid, their diets differ somewhat. California sea lions are known for their ability to catch larger prey, such as salmon and herring, while harbor seals typically feed on smaller fish and invertebrates.

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Visitors can expect prestigious art, regional and international wines, craft beer and spirits, a high-end silent auction, all-star live entertainment and music, a gourmet food court, over ten pet rescue stations, as well as interactive, family-friendly fun!

The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival features more than 160 hand-selected juried artists from across the U.S. and Mexico. Artists from all backgrounds will display exquisite creations in a variety of mediums including painting, sculpture, jewelry design, fine glass, ceramics, woodwork, mixed media, and photography. But this weekend is not just for the art connoisseur—the LJAWF is also where wine enthusiasts, craft beer and spirit lovers unite. Festival visitors who are twenty-one and older can sample delectable wines from Valle De Guadalupe, California, Italy, and France, and taste a wide variety of internationally renowned brews and spirits by several local San Diego craft breweries and distilleries in the Wine & Beer Garden.

Located in the center of the festival, it boasts more than 13,000 square feet with ample seating, shade, and room to dance! This year’s Wine & Beer Garden is a ticketed event and runs from 12 PM-6 PM with last pour at 5:30 PM.

The Geppetto’s Family Art Center is a FREE family area that features fun, hands-on crafts and interactive art, as well as science experiments, 3-D printing, and an opportunity to contribute to a public space art project.  All profits raised benefit underfunded programs such as art, music, science, physical education, technology, and on-site medical care at La Jolla’s five public schools. Since its inception, the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival has donated more than $1,000,000 (total) to these schools for the educational benefit of more than 4,000 children each year.

For more information on this free, family-friendly art festival visit https://www.ljawf.com/

La Jolla Village Merchants Association will have a booth at this year’s festival is looking for volunteers to welcome visitors. If you’d like to sign up and be part of the LJVMA team click here >>>>>> 

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Sustainability is one of the ways the community of La Jolla is taking care to do exactly this. Through eco-friendly efforts, La Jolla can continue being a shining gem for San Diego. That said, these initiatives hinge not only on the locals but also on every visitor who enjoys La Jolla. If you plan on visiting La Jolla soon, here are some tips on contributing and having a sustainable travel experience.

Support eco-friendly restaurants

No trip is complete without sampling local delicacies, and La Jolla is especially rich in fresh food. Its proximity to the ocean offers multiple sources of sustainably sourced seafood, and it also has a number of thriving farmers’ markets where eco-friendly restaurants procure their organic ingredients. There are a lot of vegan and plant-based cafes around the area as well. There are many options for eco-friendly eateries in La Jolla, especially now that San Diego has imposed a statewide ban on all single-use styrofoam food containers in an effort to reduce litter. Some restaurants, like La Jolla’s Burger Lounge, are even Green Restaurant Certified, meaning they’re devoted to serving good food and being environmentally friendly. You can also drop by eco-friendly places like Green Door Cafe and Olive and Basil to taste the best of what La Jolla has to offer.

Bring sustainable beach gear

With La Jolla Cove being world-renowned for its beauty, its imperative to take a dip in its refreshing waters when you visit. Make your beach trip to La Jolla perfect by bringing environmentally friendly equipment to keep you safe and ensure that you have a fun time. Protective eyewear, like sunglasses with UV protection, now comes in eco-friendly options made with recycled plastic bottles. You can find these collections from the brand Eyebuydirect, which is in partnership with organizations like Planet, which are dedicated to protecting the environment. You can also protect your skin by wearing ocean-friendly sunscreen that won’t be toxic to marine life. Products like the All Good SPF 50 Sun Butter are certified organic, and they donate a portion of their sales to support the United Plant Savers as well. Additionally, Everything But Water is a brand located in La Jolla that offers swimwear made out of organic cotton and upcycled nylon.

Shop at stores with Earth-centric initiatives

Make sure to commemorate your trip to La Jolla by purchasing some souvenirs from local boutiques. There are many shopping options in La Jolla, including local artisans and earth-friendly stores. You can find a selection of handmade clothing, high-quality accessories, and home goods made from sustainably sourced natural materials. Many of these establishments also give back to the community by donating to organizations dedicated to preserving La Jolla. If you’re in the area, visit shops like Aviator Nation, Vuori or Whiskey and Leather to experience the joys of a sustainable shopping spree. You can also find sustainable self-care products, like soap and body wash, from La Jolla-based line BRIXY. Their products are vegan, cruelty-free, and come in biodegradable packaging.

Familiarize yourself with local rules and regulations

Since La Jolla has an abundance of picturesque cliffs and caves, it’s also home to marine life, specifically groups of sea lions that stay by the shoreline. Flocks of tourists marvel at these magnificent creatures as they sunbathe, becoming another special kind of attraction at La Jolla. However, experts advise tourists to keep their distance and avoid disturbing the animals. This aligns with being eco-friendly, as it directly entails respecting nature and wildlife in their habitats. It’s fine to snap a pic or two but steer clear of disrupting any animals located at La Jolla Cove. If you want to contribute to La Jolla’s booming eco-tourism sector, you can also choose to stay at one of its eco-hotels, such as Orli La Jolla.

Travel with green transportation

San Diego is embracing sustainable transportation initiatives, and La Jolla is a very pedestrian-friendly place.  “Park Once, Linger Longer” is the perfect motto for La Jolla as its beaches, walking trails shopping and dineing are all within a few blocks of one another.  You can also reduce your ecological footprint using alternatives like electric bikes, golf cards, scooters and even segways to get around town.  Additionally, La Jolla’s cycling routes allow you to travel in an eco-friendly manner while enjoying the sights and sounds of the community around you.

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The tide pools are formed during low tide when the water recedes and leaves behind small pools of water. Visitors can explore these pools and observe the marine life up close. It is important to note that the tide pools are fragile ecosystems and visitors should exercise caution to avoid damaging them. It is recommended that visitors stay on the rocks and avoid walking in the pools.

To access the tide pools, visitors can park at the La Jolla Cove parking lot and take a short walk south along the coast to the pools. The best time to visit the tide pools is during low tide, which occurs twice daily. Tide pool exploration is a popular activity for families and visitors of all ages.

It is important to note that tide pool ecosystems are protected, and visitors should not remove or disturb any animals or plants from the tide pools. Visitors are also advised to be mindful of the ocean and the changing tides, as the water can rise quickly and unexpectedly.

Photo credit: www.lajolla.com

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Take a look at some of the ways the hotel has implemented eco-friendly practices:

1. Energy Efficiency: Upgraded its lighting to energy-efficient LED bulbs and installed motion sensors to turn off lights in unoccupied rooms. Energy-efficient appliances and equipment are also installed throughout the property.
2. Water Conservation: Installation of low-flow showerheads and toilets to conserve water and the implementation of a linen reuse program to reduce the laundry water usage. 
3. Recycling: Implemented a comprehensive recycling program, including placing recycling bins in guest rooms and public areas, as well as recycling of glass, plastic, and paper.
4. Food Waste Reduction: Partnered with local food banks and composting facilities to reduce food waste.
5. Green Cleaning: Implemented a green cleaning program to reduce the use of chemicals, using only environmentally friendly cleaning products.
6. Alternative Transportation: The Colonial encourages guests to use alternative transportation by offering bicycle rentals and providing information on public transportation options.

Assistant General Manager, Ryan Dodds, touched on the importance of being environmentally friendly, “Sustainably is paramount for us, and we also recognize that is what our guests look for when considering whether they want to stay with us in the future, which we take into the highest consideration”. 

The Grande Colonial Hotel is committed to sustainable practices and reducing its environmental impact, be sure to book a weekend getaway soon to celebrate Earth Day!

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Were you around to see this natural rock formation located at La Jolla Cove Beach? As my husband was rifling through old family photos, he found this photo below of La Jolla Cove beach that his dad had taken in 1953 with his Kodachrome slide film camera while picnicking at Ellen Browning Scripps Park and La Jolla Cove beach. This photo shows Cove Beach looking South.

Only a few swimmers appear to be navigating the waters, there were no seals or birds visible, and the fence on the bluff had not yet been built. But the most salient feature is how the ”Alligator Head” arch juts out from the bluff with a person or two sitting (picnicking?) right over the arch. The lighting in the photo highlights the appearance of the alligator’s head with the arch taking on the appearance of the neck of the alligator. So that was 1953 and 25 years later the history books tell us that a winter storm in 1978 caused the collapse of the Ark.

The photo below was taken in 2020 and shows the effect of 42 years of wave erosion.

Maybe the beauty of the La Jolla scenery touched my father-in-law some 70 years ago in a way that inspired my husband and me to launch our first GPS-guided walking tour in La Jolla. La Jolla is home to many memorable landmarks and expansive breath-taking vistas and a GPS-based audio tour is one of the best ways to soak it all in, where you can follow your passion, not a tour guide.

To learn more about La Jolla, check out Tour Freely’s GPS-guided walking tour HERE. This tour, recently recognized with Badge of Excellence by Viator, is available on-demand for $9.99, by simply downloading the tour app.

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La Jolla Village Merchants Association will be launching a Best of La Jolla guided walking tour this spring.  In conjunction with these tours, LJVMA is thrilled to offer “fam” tours to those in the hospitality field who directly impact the visitor experience.  From concierges to front desk staff, meeting planners to marketing staff — The Best of La Jolla tour is an exceptional way to get an overview of all this beautiful village has to offer.  Seals, sea lions, history, culture, art, architecture, dining, and shopping are all part of the experience.  The BoLJ tour is a true collaboration of La Jolla’s environmental, historical, visual, and performing arts organizations.  The tour also includes a taste of La Jolla featuring happy hour and desserts from three unique La Jolla Cove restaurants. The tour will evolve based on guest feedback, seasonal

Visit 15+ attractions as you stroll one of the world’s most charming seaside villages.  Tour Highlights:

• The Conrad Backstage
• La Jolla Historic Society
• Public art and Architecture
• Contemporary Art Museum of San Diego
• Seals, Sea Lions and Scenic Views
• Secret Stairway to “The Pink Lady”
• Gallery & Arts District
• One-of-a-kind Shopping
• Custom Cove Happy Hour and Dessert
• On-Your-Own Experiences

If you would like to add your name to our interest list for upcoming tours, please click HERE. 

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Food is a gateway to culture. SWNS reported on a study on food and its unifying power, and noted that 84% of the American respondents said that food is the key to sharing and experiencing different cultures.

Most people thus travel to different countries in order to try out traditional cuisine. But here at La Jolla, we have our own variety of dining options that will allow you to explore cultures different from your own.

Take a gastronomic trip around the world by visiting the following La Jolla restaurants.

The Taco Stand

Image taken from The Taco Stand Official Facebook page.

Inspired by the taco stands of Tijuana where co-owner Julian Hakim lived until he was 18, The Taco Stand is a go-to place for anyone craving the authentic taste of Mexican food. The restaurant’s attention to detail is evident in its handmade tortillas, guacamole and salsa made from scratch, and traditional meat preparation using a roasting spit. There’s no doubt why The Taco Stand was deemed part of TripAdvisor’s list of highly rated restaurants in the US.

While the Carne Asada Fries are to die for, The Taco Stand’s Al Pastor Tacos are also sure to satisfy your palate. Vegetarians can also try out the Nopal Taco, which has flame-grilled cactus as its main ingredient.

Spiro’s Cuisine

Image taken from Spiro’s Cuisine Official Instagram page.

Journey to the islands of Mykonos and Santorini without having to leave the comfort of La Jolla. Spiro’s serves Mediterranean cuisine that’s sure to transport you to paradise with delectable platters and generous portion sizes. Owners Nancy and Spiro Chaconas pride themselves on inheriting authentic Greek recipes from family and sourcing their oils and spices straight from Greece.

Spiro’s offers an unforgettable dining experience with its must-try gyros, kabob plates, and melt-in-your-mouth pita sandwiches. Complete these meals with appetizers, Greek salads, or falafel and tzatziki for sides! If you have a particularly sweet tooth, then you’ll enjoy feasting on Spiro’s baklava or gelato until sunset.

Marisi

Image taken from Marisi Official Instagram page.

Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic date night or a delectable dinner with the family, we’ve got you covered. Marisi honors the tradition of Italian cooking by specializing in handmade pastas and hearth cooking. This exquisite spot where the Amalfi and La Jolla coasts intersect dedicates spaces for both al fresco and intimate dining.

As Marisi sources its ingredients from local farmers and fishermen, you’re guaranteed only the freshest and highest quality food. Among the standout pasta dishes are strascinati paired with lamb ragu, spaghettoni al Pomodoro, and rigatoni with stracciatella. You can also indulge in line-caught fish with smoked San Marzanos and lemon—cooked straight from the open kitchen’s hearth. Top off these gustatory delights with a glass of vermouth or a cocktail of your choice.

AROI Thai

Image taken from AROI Thai Official Website.

Spice up your dining options with the simple yet sophisticated dishes of AROI Thai. This family-owned restaurant serves a variety of Thai food, from soups and noodles to curries and rice dishes. Lots of vegetarian-friendly choices, too!

If it’s your first time exploring the taste of Thailand, then it’s recommended that you try the spicy and sour tom yum soup or the famed rice noodles with peanut sauce known as pad thai. Those aiming to level up their experience can opt for the spicy Drunken Noodles, the Thai Boat with your choice of meat, and the special sauce of the Panang Curry. Don’t forget to make some room for sweet mango sticky rice and freshly brewed Thai iced tea!

Duke’s La Jolla

Image taken from Duke’s La Jolla Official Website.

You’re guaranteed to have a fun time with family and friends when you visit the sprawling space of Duke’s. Named after native Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku, Duke’s La Jolla is an iconic restaurant serving contemporary interpretations of traditional Hawaiian dishes.

The vibrant spirit of the beach lifestyle is not only palpable from the surfboard decor, but also comes to life through its Poke Tacos, Kalua Pork Sandwich, and Roasted Duke’s Fish. If you happen to pass by the bar, try out their craft beers or the Duke’s signature Mai Tai cocktail to complete the vibe!

Blue Ocean / Harumama

Image taken from La Jolla By The Sea Website.

The last one (or is it two?) on the list is the dual concept Blue Ocean and Harumama, which combines two Asian seaside spots into one. This creative restaurant offers a formal seafood dining experience through Blue Ocean’s sashimi, poke bowls, and sushi rolls—the last of which can be elevated by adding blue crab or freshly chopped wasabi.

Its other side Harumama serves East Asian-inspired ramen bowls with a choice of toppings like kimchi, bok choy, or bamboo shoots, as well as steamed buns filled with pork belly, shrimp, duck, or karaage chicken. Don’t forget to snap a pic of their cutesy character steamed buns for your Instagram feed!

Eat well anywhere

You can also never go wrong with trying out cultural recipes in your own home! Experts and aspiring home chefs alike can try the famous Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat written by Samin Nosrat and illustrated by Wendy MacNaughton. It teaches you to use the four titular elements for flavor and texture, and also allows you to put these culinary principles into action through globe-trotting recipes for short ribs, focaccia, escabeche, scorched rice, and more.

If your kitchen skills aren’t quite enough to sate your culturally curious taste buds, you can also opt to hire private chefs if you have the means for it. As a private chef and co-founder of Bad Boyz of Culinary, Kelston Moore intends to showcase the culinary influences of his Barbados background and to build a community for his fellow African American chefs in La Jolla, which sounds like great news for clients.

With a diversity of culture and cuisine waiting to be explored and celebrated, La Jolla is truly alive!

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Museums are critical for showcasing and exploring the full breadth of human experiences as well as finding universal themes in unique realities. Today, there is a growing hunger for culture that has revitalized the art sector.

As the ease of travel recovers, museums worldwide are seeing a spike in demand for visitors, and as such are challenged with finding the best professionals equipped to handle this positive growth. In fact, museum curators, who are charged with collecting, appraising, and protecting artworks and artifacts, are now hard-pressed to elevate the art experience for visitors to come away with meaningful encounters. This is particularly important in La Jolla, which is a critical player in San Diego’s art scene. Lauren Lockhart, the executive director at the La Jolla Historical Society, has described the town as a “hub of arts and culture.” As such, the most important goal is to engage with many different experts and community members.

Here are some of the most beautiful museums in La Jolla doing just that.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La Jolla

In La Jolla, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) reopens along with the rest of the world. The museum has been a landmark in San Diego’s art scene since 1941 but was closed for 5 years for renovation. Now, it features a massive space that mirrors its spirit of openness and inclusivity, with a clear view of the Pacific Ocean.

Upon its reopening, its first major exhibition pays tribute to a significant local artist with ‘Niki de Saint Phalle in the 1960s’. Saint Phalle moved to San Diego in the mid-90s, and her works have since been placed throughout the city, with fantastical public artworks — notably UC San Diego’s unofficial mascot, ‘Sun God’. The museum also features works from classics such as Rothko and Warhol, modern masters like Ai Weiwei and Yoshitomo Nara, as well as local legends like Miriam Schapiro, Robert Irwin, and John Baldessari.

Athenaeum Music & Arts Library

One of those places that you can’t miss when stopping by La Jolla is the Athenaeum Music and Arts Library. Although the Athenaeum is a membership library, you can enjoy its offerings without being a member yourself. Located within a historic building with a glowing vintage interior, this is the perfect way to immerse yourself when learning about art and music. It also functions as an educational and convention center, offering classes, lectures, concerts, and exhibition halls to further your knowledge and appreciation of the arts.

Now run by La Jolla native Christie Mitchell as the new executive director, the Athenaeum is set to become even more deeply celebratory of both art and community.

La Jolla Historical Society

At its heart, art is critical to preserve some part of the human experience that occurred sometime in the past. The La Jolla Historical Society is founded on a mission to do just that, exploring the town’s diverse history to form relevant connections to contemporary life. A largely grounding entity within La Jolla, they are constantly in the pursuit of upholding history, art, ideas, and culture.

Their lovely Wisteria Cottage galleries display rotating exhibitions that tap into La Jolla’s culture. They also offer education programs for adult and youth learning. The building also serves as an archive for photographs, postcards, architectural drawings, and oral history recordings, for those who want to delve in more deeply.

La Jolla and its vibrant art scene make it the perfect artistic getaway for the curious and passionate mind. With a calming and welcoming atmosphere, the town is perfect for art walks and cultural adventures!

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• Thumbprint Gallery is celebrating its 13^th Anniversary in a big way! They have created a two-gallery collaboration with BFree Studios and will feature over 20 artists and four musical groups.  Art and live music at both locations.
  Thumbprint Gallery will be open from 4 PM to 10 PM as they extend their hours for an Art Walk After Dark Afterparty.
• Artemis will feature local artist Walter Santos and his photographs of LaJolla/San Diego. Candle artist YA YA Creativity. Musician Sara Jade.
• Yiddishland presents live music by Manzanita Blues
• Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery will be serving up Clam Chowder compliments of Lobster West
• San Diego Spirits Festival continues to sponsor adult beverages at multiple locations.
• This month’s Pop Up Locations will be:

1. 1. The Conrad featuring Artist Karen Cohen. Live music by Steve Pandis Jazz Trio
   2. Be Boutique featuring Artist Peg Demery
   3. The Cove House featuring Artist Mika De La Cruz; Happy Hour from 4 – 6 pm
   4. Sotheby’s International Real Estate featuring Artist Lisa Lennox with a live large canvas painting demo.  Food by Sushi Nekosan, champagne by Le Grand Courtage. Entertainment by DJ Ron Jones, Voice of La Jolla.  Additional music will provided by Bang & Olufsen.

Of course, following Art Walk stay for the sunset, drinks with a view or dinner at a new or classic La Jolla location.  A complete list of restaurants can be found HERE.

Most importantly, if you do plan to join us for First Friday Art Walk, RSVP HERE and we’ll send you a FREE PARKING PASS, GOOD ALL DAY.  So come early, stay late and linger longer.  Parking is compliments of ACE Mobility and the La Jolla Village Merchants Association.

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Participating LGBTQ+ Organizations and Locations

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While the event is FREE and no tickets are required we ask that all guests PRE-REGISTER HERE in order to help galleries estimate attendance.   When you do, you will be offered a FREE PARKING PASS for the event, compliments of ACE Mobility.

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While the event is FREE and no tickets are required we ask that all guests PRE-REGISTER HERE in order to help galleries estimate attendance.   When you do, you will be offered a FREE PARKING PASS for the event, compliments of ACE Mobility.

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While the event is FREE and no tickets are required we ask that all guests PRE-REGISTER HERE in order to properly plan and manage safe social distancing.   When you do, you will be offered a FREE PARKING PASS for the event, compliments of ACE Mobility.

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La Valencia opened in 1926 during the golden era of Hollywood and the co-owner, MacArthur Gorton, was involved with Hollywood’s new moving picture films. This connection led to La Valencia and La Jolla being featured as location shots in these amazing new films and being called an “undiscovered, unspoiled jewel.” La Valencia’s history with Hollywood still holds to this day, and it is still the unofficial “hideout” for many of Hollywood’s stars. 

La Valencia today includes unique guestrooms, award-winning cuisine, and an excellent team that is dedicated to providing the best service to guests! Right now La Valencia is hosting brunch at the Med every Saturday and Sunday 9am to 2pm and is serving Piper-Heidsieck Champagne! So make sure to stop by to sample “Piper by the glass, bottle, champagne cocktails and more.” 

La Valencia in the future plans to reintroduce the Whaling Bar! This bar, which opened in the 1940’s, has plans to re-open and continue their tradition of providing excellent service and beautiful views.  Until then, you can still visit The Med in La Valencia for delicious food and drinks! So next time you’re walking on Prospect St in La Jolla make sure to stop by La Valencia for a drink so you can enjoy a part of La Jolla history in style!

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First, always remember to keep a safe distance of about 50 feet from the sea lions and their babies when going to visit. The parents can get protective of their babies (like many parents we know) and might become aggressive if someone gets too close, so keep a respectful distance no matter how tempting it is to get close. Second, never come in between a mother and her baby. After the babies are born there is a bonding experience that occurs between the mother and the baby. If the baby is separated from the mother too early, either by being touched or grabbed by someone, the mother might abandon the baby and the baby can starve and die when left on its own. Third, the babies are still learning to swim properly so never block their path to dry land when they are in the water because they can drown, which is something no one wants to see. Fourth, never disturb a mother sea lion when they are nursing. The babies need to eat undisturbed because they are unable to find their own food for the first 8 months of their life! So please let the pups eat in peace. 

As always please be considerate when you are visiting the sea lions, do not harass them in any way by getting too close for a selfie, feeding them, touching them, picking up the babies, or throwing any types of objects at them. If you follow these tips you and your family can have a safe visit to the shores and will only have to worry about which pictures to post out of all the amazing ones you took!  We love La Jolla and want to continue to enjoy the natural beauty it provides, so please respect our shores and we can’t wait to see you down in the Village!!

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This summer is a great time to visit Grande Colonial hotel as the village is open for both vacation and business travelers. “Whether you are looking to host visiting family, out-of-town friends, or just want a little staycation for yourself, we have some exciting special offers and packages that will be sure to get you excited about traveling once again. Everything from specials on ocean-view accommodations, free upgrades to our residential-style suites, or even discounts for our mature guests over the age of 60,” Leslie says.

Leslie also shares an in-depth history of the hotel:

La Jolla’s Grande Colonial hotel is the seaside town’s oldest original hotel. All the while, the hotel has played its part as host, gracefully watching over the Village for more than 100 years, providing guests and residents with a valuable sense of history and community in this enchanted place called ‘the Jewel of the Sea.’

The Colonial Apartments and Hotel, as it was known when it opened on February 1st, 1913, was the talk of the town and a foundation for the community. The original white, wood-framed Colonial Apartments and Hotel was designed by Richard Requa who was the master architect of the California Exposition in Balboa Park.

George Bane, who became sole owner of the Colonial in 1920, realized the tourist potential of the seaside town and decided to give the Colonial a whole new look. In 1925, he commissioned architect Frank Stevenson to design a hotel that would “rival anything in the West.” The existing building was moved to the rear of the property and a new, four-story building was erected in its place. Completed in 1928 and boasting 28 apartments and 25 single hotel rooms, the new Colonial Hotel had the first sprinkler system west of the Mississippi, which included fire doors that still exist in the structure.

The La Jolla Drugstore, next door to the Colonial, was soon woven into its history. In 1926, the store was purchased by Kansas native Silas O. Putnam and moved inside the Colonial’s main building when it opened in 1928. After he bought the drugstore and moved it to its new home, he added an ice cream parlor on the sidewalk that served up chocolate sodas and banana splits. Well-loved by the townspeople, the pharmacist employed by Putnam, was also the father of Gregory Peck. Peck, who grew up in La Jolla, eventually left for Hollywood and became a movie star.

Later on, the Colonial was a temporary home to some of Hollywood’s up-and-coming stars that were performing at the La Jolla Playhouse, founded by Peck. Charlton Heston, Dorothy McGuire, Groucho Marx, Jane Wyatt, Eve Arden, Pat O’Brien, David Niven, and many other celebrities occupied the hotel well into the late 1950s.

During the World War II years, the Colonial became home to many of the “top brass” from nearby Camp Callan. At night, the hotel’s sunroom was partitioned to create accommodations for single servicemen.

Throughout the next several decades, ownership of the Colonial changed hands. But in July of 1998, a local resident purchased the hotel, soon after changing its name to the Grande Colonial. This family continues to own the property today and is committed to continuing the Colonial’s distinguished tradition of being one of the most elegant boutique hotels in California.

Just as the hotel envisioned by George Bane, the Grande Colonial La Jolla, is a classic European-style hotel that rivals anything in the West. The staff strives to preserve the heritage laid down by the hotel’s founders more than 100 years ago by providing the most gracious experience in luxury accommodations.

Grande Colonial Hotel has much to offer from event reservations to dining at the acclaimed NINE-TEN restaurant on-site!

More information on specials and packages can be found here:

Offers

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June 23, 2021 — La Jolla is lucky to be home to such an array of wildlife. Our unique location on the edge of a deep underwater canyon, bordering two marine reserves, encourages many types of marine and birdlife to call La Jolla their home. Visitors are attracted from far and wide to admire the wildlife: from the gulls, cormorants, brown and pelicans to the seals and sea lions around the coastline.

Both seals and sea lions have established rookeries in La Jolla. A rookery is a breeding ground of colony-forming marine mammals and seabirds in which the colony gives birth to over 50 newborns per year. The seal rookery is at Children’s Pool which closes temporarily during their pupping season from December 15  to May 15 each year. The sea lion rookery is on Boomers Beach and Point La Jolla, near the Cove. These marine mammals don’t usually mix despite being part of the same pinniped family of species.

Sea lion popping season begins June 1 and this year, in the first three weeks, over 45 pups have been born.  The pups clamber clumsily around the rocks and the rocky beach calling for their moms who touch them with their noses to recognize their own. The females give birth to one pup per year and nurse them between 6 months to 1 year. We even have one pup from last year who still insists on nursing his now pregnant mom!!

Come and watch the pups as they grow and become more playful: picking up feathers, chasing seagulls, climbing on top of each other but always looking for their mom who may have gone out to fish for a while. Don’t worry if you see them on their own, their mom will be back soon but give them some space, the best place to view them is to stay on the sidewalk. The pups can’t swim for 3 months so it is important not to crowd around them, they risk falling from the rocks into the ocean!

Look out for Sierra Club Seal Society docents in their blue T-shirts.  They have brochures and may even be able to point out a mom giving birth or bulls fighting for territory. See you soon at the rookery!

For more information visit:

Website: http://sandiegosierraclub.org/seal-society/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SealSociety

Instagram: @sdsealsociety

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You can use the link each and every day. No limit!

Garage hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

The post Looking for a Parking Bargain in La Jolla? Here You Go… appeared first on La Jolla by the Sea.

You can use the link each and every day. No limit!  Garage hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

The post Want to Get Away? Looking for a Parking Bargain? Here You Go… appeared first on La Jolla by the Sea.