This month, we launch the first of four features that will highlight staycations in our own backyard — opportunities to enjoy local treasures. Instead of a road-trip or a plane flight this summer, consider a weekend getaway in one of the many fabulous neighborhoods that America’s Finest City has to offer.
For July, we spotlight La Jolla, the jewel by the sea, a town brimming over with charm and myriad places in which to stay, dine, shop, and play. Here, we propose a possible itinerary.
Friday:
It’s Friday, it’s summertime, and the kids are out of school. So skip out of work early or blow off the whole day! Check in to your hotel and get settled (and make sitter arrangements for the little ones if need be).
Lodging options abound, including La Valencia Hotel, a boutique establishment atop La Jolla Cove and steps from numerous shopping and dining destinations along Prospect and Girard. The Lodge At Torrey Pines overlooks the 18th fairway and green of world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course and is a luxurious retreat away from the hustle and bustle. Equally serene is Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, which is currently offering the “Bailout Plan,” which features a 15 percent savings on room rates, and complimentary valet parking and wireless Internet. The Grand Colonial Hotel is also offering the “Economic Recovery Package,” which features various deals on suites when booked for a two-night stay.
For a romantic date-night dinner, consider The Marine Room, which, along with delectable cuisine, offers a front-row view of the lapping waves upon the sand. Nine-Ten features the culinary creations of executive chef Jason Knibb (click here for his Alaskan Halibut with Fava Bean Purée.) There’s also Trattoria Acqua, which offers authentic coastal Italian cuisine.
For a dose of nightlife, head on over to Jack’s La Jolla, a multi-level restaurant, lounge, and bar with live entertainment, and DJs and dancing on weekend nights. Or to tickle your funny bone, get tickets for a show at The Comedy Store.
Saturday:
Rise and shine, and fuel up with a delicious breakfast at The Cottage or Brockton Villa, two La Jolla staples whose origins date back to the beginning of the 20th century.
For those with children (or to entertain your inner child), plan a visit to Birch Aquarium to discover a stunning variety of Pacific marine life in more than 60 habitats. Interact with exhibits that showcase the cutting-edge discoveries of Scripps Oceanography explorers through hands-on displays and multimedia. If your visit happens to take place on July 18, be sure to check out Shark Week.
For a combination of rest and recreation, hit the beach. Get acquainted with the sea life at La Jolla Shores while snorkeling in the pristine water or spend the morning kayaking around the cove (rental shops are available for any needed supplies). Check out Surf Diva if you want to learn how to catch a wave.
Golf enthusiasts should be sure to plan ahead. Residents of San Diego can book tee times at Torrey Pines Golf Course up to seven days in advance by calling the automated reservation system.
After working up an appetite, consider Burger Lounge, which serves up organic grass-fed Tallgrass Beef, fresh cut French fries, house-made onion rings, and more. If it’s fine Mexican cuisine you crave, Alfonso’s of La Jolla on Prospect has been a local’s favorite for over 32 years.
If you’ve still got some wind in your sails — or to feel the wind rushing through your hair — head to the Torrey Pines Gliderport to watch these aviators take off, or even do it yourself if you’re feeling brave.
If stable ground is more your thing, there’s nothing quite like strolling around Girard and Prospect for great shopping at stores including Mister B, Nicole Miller, Seaside Home, Charriol, Roche-Bobois, Eyestructure, La Martina, Maudlin, Martha Smith Fine Linens, Miss Trendy and more. Or mosey over to Bird Rock, which offers Bodywear Boutique, Stephanie’s Shoes, The Ascot Shop, and more.
For dinner, family-friendly choices include Truluck’s, featuring fresh Florida stone crab claws and Pacific Northwest oysters; or Roppongi, an Asian fusion restaurant whose recent menu additions include Hawaiian Style Kailua Pork Spring Rolls and New Style Big Eye Tuna Sashimi, among others.
Another surefire hit is Georges California Modern, which offers unobstructed views of the Pacific and La Jolla coastline. Donovan’s Steak & Chop House near UTC is another local staple, serving up tender USDA Prime beef as the star attraction. And back on the coast, Barbarella is a stylish and welcoming neighborhood bistro.
If you’re longing for some culture, head to Wolfgang Puck’s Jai, then catch a show at La Jolla Playhouse, whose upcoming productions include Restoration, Herringbone, and The 39 Steps. For an after-show nightcap, consider stopping into La Valencia’s iconic Whaling Bar, a locals’ favorite with décor consisting of dark red leather banquettes, lanterns, pewter candleholders, and antique wooden shutters.
Sunday:
For a relaxing Sunday morning, have room service delivered for breakfast in bed, or go to historic Harry’s Coffee Shop for a quick bite.
Before 1pm, head on over to the Open Aire Market at La Jolla Elementary’s upper playground to pick up organic fruits and veggies to enjoy at home. Make a pit-stop at the beach to visit the seals — there’s no telling what their future will hold so see them (and smell them) while you can!
For an afternoon treat, stop into Prospect’s Living Room Café, whose Mocha Freeze is a not-to-be-missed decadence.
The weekend isn’t over just yet — have the hotel hold on to your bags while you wind down your staycation with a relaxing trip to the spa for a couples massage, facial, luxurious scrub, or mani/pedi. Head home relaxed, refreshed, and with zero jet lag!
Consider this an a la carte menu from which to mix and match to create your perfect weekend. For a directory of contact info for featured businesses, click here. MIA STEFANKO & RINA VAN ORDEN
Hotels:
La Valencia Hotel (858/454-0771, www.lavalencia.com)
The Lodge At Torrey Pines (858/453-4420, www.lodgetorreypines.com)
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa (858/550-1000, www.estancialajolla.com)
Grand Colonial Hotel (858/454-2181, www.thegrandecolonial.com)
Breakfast Options:
The Cottage (858/454-8409, www.cottagelajolla.com)
Brockton Villa (858/454-7393, www.brocktonvilla.com)
Harry’s Coffee Shop (858/454-7381, www.harryscoffeeshop.com)
Lunch Options:
Burger Lounge (858/456-0196, www.burgerlounge.com)
Alfonso’s of La Jolla (858/454-2232, www.alfonsosoflajolla.com)
Living Room Café (858/459-1187, www.lajollalivingroom.com)
Dinner Options:
The Marine Room (866/644-2351, www.marineroom.com)
Nine-Ten (858/964-5400, www.nine-ten.com)
Trattoria Acqua (858/454-0709, www.trattoriaacqua.com)
Jack’s La Jolla (858/456-8111, www.jackslajolla.com)
Truluck’s (858/453-2583, www.trulucks.com)
Roppongi Restaurant & Sushi Bar (858/551-5252, www.roppongiusa.com)
Georges California Modern (858/454-4244, www.georgesatthecove.com)
Donovan’s Steak & Chop House (858/450-6666, www.donovanssteakhouse.com)
Barbarella Restaurant & Bar (858/454-7373)
Jai By Wolfgang Puck (858/638-7778, www.wolfgangpuck.com)
Nightlife/Culture:
Jack’s La Jolla (858/456-8111, www.jackslajolla.com)
The Comedy Store (858/454-9176, www.thecomedystore.com)
The Whaling Bar (858/454-0771, www.lavalencia.com)
La Jolla Playhouse (858/550-1010, www.lajollaplayhouse.com)
Leisure Time:
Birch Aquarium (858/534-FISH, http://aquarium.ucsd.edu)
La Jolla Shores Beach for kayaking and snorkeling
Torrey Pines Golf Course (858/452-3226, www.torreypinesgolfcourse.com)
Torrey Pines Gliderport (858/452-9858, http://flytorrey.com)
Shopping on Prospect and Girard and in Bird Rock
Open Aire Market (858/454-1699, www.lajollamarket.com)
