Interesting Landmarks Around the Country This upscale Oceanside town, flush with cliffs, sand, and surf, is known as “The Jewel” of San Diego. If you’re looking for unforgettable vacation stories to tell your friends and family, don’t just settle for building sand castles at the beach look for Things to do in San Diego. Try one (or all) of these five amazing outings at La Jolla’s most impressive natural landmarks.
Hiking: Black’s Beach
Image via Flikcr by rabbot
The Torrey Pines Nature Reserve, north of La Jolla village, offers two miles of hiking trails, including Beach Trail and Broken Trail. Both of these trails weave through sandstone and wildflowers all the way to the edge of rocky cliffs and the surf at Black’s Beach. Don’t hurry to the water; take time to enjoy the view from the clifftop. You might spot some playful gray whales or bottle-nosed dolphins in the ocean.
Scuba Diving: La Jolla Cove Ecological Reserve
Image via Flickr by Jon Apon
The La Jolla sea life can’t hide in the crystal clear water of this ecological reserve. Found off the coast of La Jolla Cove, the reserve is home to 6,000 acres of fish, lobsters, seals, and leopard basking sharks. Less than 30 feet deep with a warm and calm current, the ecological reserve is ideal for beginner divers and snorkeling. With limited parking at the beach, visitors should plan to stay in one of the oceanfront La Jolla hotels and walk to the beach.
Surfing: La Jolla Shores Beach
Image via Flickr by Zarani aka Vanitea
If La Jolla Cove is for divers, then La Jolla Shores is for surfing. This wide stretch of sand and warm water offers surfers of all skill levels non-stop gentle waves and a basic break. Not a hang-ten expert? Take a surfing lesson from one of the local schools that often teach at La Jolla Shores. There is plenty of room on the soft sand for lounging or picnicking, and parking is available on site.
Golfing: Torry Pines Golf Courses
Source: Torey Pines
Torrey Pines 2021 US Open
If Mark Twain had visited the Torrey Pines Golf Courses, he probably wouldn’t have said, “Golf is a good walk spoiled.” Just a few minutes north of San Diego is the beautiful city of La Jolla sits Torrey Pines. This beautiful public golf course is the home of golf’s National Championship, the 2021 U.S. Open. So if you ever dreamed of taking your best golf irons and hitting your golf ball next to the pin, much like how Tiger Woods did in the 2008 U.S. Open, then this is the place for you.
Swimming: La Jolla Children’s Pool
Image via Flickr by Ewen Roberts
Far from your average concrete outdoor pool, La Jolla Children’s Pool is an ocean cove protected from waves by the manmade sea wall. Great for toddlers and young children, lifeguards are on staff year-round. La Jolla Children’s Pool offers bathrooms, showers, and free parking. This beach is not just popular with families looking for calm water; sea lions and harbor seals also enjoy sunning themselves on the warm sand.
The sparkling ocean is what makes La Jolla such a “Jewel.” For a rejuvenating experience, head to these ocean landmarks and hike, dive, surf, or golf your way to a memorable vacation.
Author Bio:
A former journalist, Tammy Banfield is a freelance travel writer who loves scouring the web for the best travel experiences. Tammy has written about more than 2,000 hotels and has traveled extensively throughout Canada and the United States.