La Jolla: Rainy Day Activities

Hmmm...It seems that in my enthusiasm for describing our beautiful winter high and low tides, I forgot to mention that November to March is also our rainy season. In my defense, it's an easy oversight to make. The average annual rainfall in San Diego is less than 10 inches.

However, if you are visiting now or are planning to visit in the next few months, here are a couple of suggestions:

If you are traveling with children and the sky opens up, head for Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Their fascinating sea life and interactive marine-related exhibits will keep the kids busy for hours. If you get a break in the drizzle, head outdoors to their petting pools, where local marine creatures can be picked up for close inspection.

For another fun rainy day experience, try the Kids Chef School at Cups Culinary, where your offspring can create their own gooey confections. Even if they aren't into baking, Cups (on Girard Avenue) is a fun spot for snacking.

While beach activities are a drag in a downpour, you and your family can still enjoy a view of the beach if you dine at The Shores Restaurant at the La Jolla Shores Hotel.

A complete listing of indoor activities for adults and children can be found at Art & Culture, the website sponsored by Nancy Warwick, owner of La Jolla's beloved Warwick's Books on Girard Avenue.

This comprehensive listing includes "Crafts for Kids" at the La Jolla Riford Library and "Children's Storytime" at the La Jolla Athenaeum, as well as current listings of plays, art exhibits, concerts, book signings - even info on UCSD's Salsa Club.

And don't despair...the rain never lasts long in La Jolla.

Photo credit: Birch Aquarium.
Click here if you need help planning your trip to La Jolla.

San Diego: Winter Fun Stuff

Very high and very low tides make the months of November – February a great time to be in San Diego. High tides produce waves the height of two-story buildings and low tides reveal beautiful wide expanses of beach.

Visitors will know the tide is unusually high when they drive along Coast Boulevard in La Jolla and see the sidewalk lined with locals staring out at the sea. In front of Scripps Park, this human picket fence is watching brave body surfers; in other areas, eyes are riveted on board surfers. At the Children’s Pool – it’s the thunderous waves themselves as they crash on the seawall.

Marine Room High Tide Breakfasts

The Marine Room in La Jolla Shores is one of the best places to enjoy the high tide. This award-winning restaurant offers special breakfasts on days when the tide is predicted to be especially high. Consistently voted “Best Dining with a View,” the scene only gets better during high tide when the surf crashes against floor-to-ceiling windows.

It’s the savvy traveler who will make reservations for breakfast on :

Saturday, November 6, 8 to 11 a.m.
Sunday, November 7, 8 to 11 a.m.
Sunday, November 21, 7 to 11 a.m.
Saturday, December 4, 7 to 10 a.m.
Sunday, December 5, 7 to 10 a.m.

Explore Local Tide Pools with Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Low tides are also fun because this is when tide pooling is at its best. Anyone can go down to the beach (my favorite spot is just north of the pier at La Jolla Shores) and poke around, but Birch Aquarium at Scripps also offers excursions guided by their naturalists who lead guests through the fragile environment and explore pools teeming with native marine life, such as hermit crabs, sea hares, and sea anemones. The cost is $12, ages 2 and older. RSVP to 858-534-7336 or online at aquarium.ucsd.edu for one of the following dates:

Nov. 20, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Dike Rock in La Jolla
Dec. 5, 1:30-2:30 p.m. False Point in La Jolla
Dec. 19, 1-3 p.m. Dike Rock in La Jolla
Jan. 16, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Hospital Point in La Jolla
Jan. 29, 12-2 p.m. False Point in La Jolla
Feb. 13, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dike Rock in La Jolla
Feb. 27, 12-2 p.m. Hospital Point in La Jolla

For more winter activities in San Diego's favorite coastal community, see the La Jolla – Calendar of Winter Events

Photo: ADAMS / HANSEN STOCK PHOTOS

Carnival Splendor in San Diego

A message to the passengers of Splendor, the Carnival cruise ship that arrived in San Diego today after being disabled off the coast of Mexico for what must have seemed like "forever."

You need a serious change of pace and a big breath of fresh air. Here's what I suggest:

It's a beautiful day and a walk along the water in La Jolla would do you all a lot of good.

Head over to the Santa Fe Station (across Harbor Drive from the Cruise Ship Terminal) and take the Coaster to Old Town and then the #30 MTS bus right into La Jolla.

Walk down to Coast Boulevard and visit the seals at the Children's Pool and check out the sea lions, flocks of pelicans, and swimmers at The Cove. Then pick up a latte at Goldfish Point Cafe and sit on a bench overlooking the water and try to forget the whole dead-in-the-water ship thing ever happened.

If you're feeling flush, you can also take a taxi from the B Street Pier to La Jolla, but it will set you back about $35 each way.

La Jolla is San Diego's favorite seaside community and, in addition to a beautiful coastline, also offers great restaurants (you'll find most of them on Prospect Street) and really fun shopping options (Girard Avenue).

If you have specific questions, please post them as comments and I'll respond ASAP. I live in La Jolla and would be happy to suggest other ways that you can take your mind off the troubles you've endured.

If you'll be sticking around for awhile, check out the La Jolla Calendar of Winter Events.

Please accept the sympathy of a fellow traveler - and my offer to help.

La Jolla – Calendar of Winter Events

La Jolla is known for its mild winter weather, but this time of year is also rich in local events - to which out-of-town visitors are always welcome.

Thursday, November 11 - La Jolla Gallery, Wine Walk & Taste
from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Now through November 16 – The 16th annual Jewish Book Fair features 40 acclaimed authors appearing at the Jewish Community Center. Judith Viorst, author of Unexpectedly Eighty, will talk about what it means to be 80, at noon on Nov. 10. The event concludes with “Awesome Recipes & Kitchen Shortcuts” from Sam the Cooking Guy on Nov. 16.

Now through May – UCSD is offering The Campus Guide Architectural Tour in celebration of UC San Diego’s 50th Anniversary. These special edition tours featuring inspired architecture and outdoor sculpture are offered the second Sunday of each month. Advanced registration is required.

November 15 - December 15 – San Diego Hotel Week deals include Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, where you can book one room and receive a 50% discount at check-in on a second room. The hotel is located next to the famed Torrey Pines golf course. La Jolla Cove Suites and the Grande Colonial Hotel are also participating.

November 16 - December 19 – La Jolla Playhouse presents Ruined, a drama set in a brothel during civil war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Saturday, November 20 – La Jolla Historical Society’s Antique Brewery Fest will take place from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the historic Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect Street. This is a great opportunity to sample special beers from Belgium, England, Scotland, Germany, and the Czech Republic – some dating back to the 11th century.

Saturday, November 27 – Former Arkansas governor and Republican presidential candidate, Mike Huckabee will be at Warwick's bookstore signing A Simple Christmas and Can't Wait Till Christmas. Please note, this event is a signing only - a ticket for the signing line will be distributed with each copy of Mr. Huckabee's books purchased from Warwick's.

Sunday, December 5 – The La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival in downtown La Jolla includes marching bands, floats, equestrian units, vintage automobiles and more.

Late December through early May – This is pupping season at The Children’s Pool and a great time to visit La Jolla's beautiful coast.

December 26 - April 10 – Join the team from Birch Aquarium at Scripps for naturalist-guided whale watching. Twice-daily cruises will look for gray whales on their round-trip migration. Also search for seals, sea lions, dolphins, migrating birds, and more. Naturalists will showcase gray whale biofacts and will answer all of your marine animal questions. Dress in layers and don't forget your camera.

January 16 - 21 – San Diego Restaurant Week top restaurants offer prix-fixe, three-course dinner menus, at just $20, $30 or $40 per person, so visitors can sample the signature cuisine.

January 24 - 30 – The Farmers Insurance Open comes to Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla and features top players from the PGA Tour.

February 10 - 20 – The Annual San Diego Jewish Film Festival is held at five venues around San Diego County including the Ultrastar Cinemas Mission Valley. It features around 40 short, documentary and feature films exploring Jewish life, history and culture.

February 15 - March 27 – La Jolla Playhouse presents Little Miss Sunshine.

Sunday, April 3 – Save the date for seventh annual La Jolla Motor Car Classic.

Thursday, April 7 – Save the date: world renowned floral designer Paula Pryke will speak and give a floral demonstration at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla.

And remember - visitors are always welcome.