La Jolla Shores Hotel – Family-friendly On the Beach

La Jolla Shores Hotel is one of San Diego's beachfront places to stay.

San Diego has two beachfront hotels and they are both located on La Jolla Shores Beach, a mile from “the village” of La Jolla and about 11 miles from downtown San Diego. One is La Jolla Shores Hotel and the other is the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club.

I recently toured La Jolla Shores Hotel and – even though I live nearby – I was really sorry when the visit was over. There’s something incredibly special about being right on the beach – kayakers and scuba divers come and go, flocks of pelicans fly overhead, and sometimes dolphins can be seen jumping in the waves just a short distance offshore. There a reason why La Jolla Shores is one of San Diego's most popular beaches.

In addition to the ambiance, I was really impressed with the hotel itself. Built in 1970, it has had its ups-and-downs, but I have to say it’s looking really good right now.

The 128 rooms include “coastal view,” beachfront,” and “garden patio.” They are all nicely furnished and include flatscreen TVs, mini-fridges, in-room safes, bathrobes, coffee makers, wi-fi, and iHome docking stations. Some 24 rooms come with kitchenettes.

The recreation facilities include a swimming pool (heated year round), a Jacuzzi, a tiny kiddie splash pool, and tennis courts. In addition, an excellent public playground is just steps away and the hotel provides beach chairs for sitting on mile-long La Jolla Shores Beach. Kayak rental shops, surf shops, and a half dozen good places to eat are nearby on Avenida de la Playa.

Having said that, The Shores Restaurant in the hotel offers great food and an ocean view, and the adjacent bar is a popular spot for watching the sunset. The hotel also is the perfect spot for weddings right on the sand, a patio reception surrounded by colorful landscaping, and dinner for up to 150 guests in a private room.

Rates start at $179 mid-week for a garden patio room, subject to availability. The way to get the best rate is to call the hotel. The website may not be up-to-date. Always ask about AARP and AAA discounts. The first two weeks of August are the busiest time, so book well ahead if that is when you will be in San Diego.

If La Jolla Shores Hotel is not available, several places to stay in the village are very close to the water. Check out La Jolla Lodging By Location to find one that might meet your needs.

In my next post, I’ll tell you about the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, located a stone’s throw from La Jolla Shores Hotel – right on the same gorgeous beach.

Photo credit: ADAMS / HANSEN STOCK PHOTOS.
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La Jolla’s “Secret” Art Gallery

The La Jolla Art Association Gallery is located in La Jolla Shores.

Pricey galleries are easy to find in La Jolla’s main shopping area. Tourists wander in and out of the ones on Prospect Street and Girard Avenue, but I don’t see a lot of locals browsing in those stores.

Which brings me to my point: the purpose of this blog is to see that travelers enjoy their time in La Jolla, including "local" attractions and activities overlooked by most out-of-towners.

With this in mind, I want to make sure you know about the La Jolla Art Association Gallery on the corner of Paseo del Ocaso and Calle de la Plata in La Jolla Shores. This area is best known for kayak rental shops and popular places to eat, so the gallery would be easy to overlook.

I’ve bought several works of art here – all created by local artists and infused with the spirit of our community. Their current show “A Flower Affaire,” runs until May 27. The all-member event features 23 artists and their work. If you go, be sure to notice my favorite piece: "White Tulips" by John Valois.

The artists' reception will be Sunday, May 22, from 2 – 4pm, and the public is welcome to stop by, chat with the artists and enjoy refreshments.

The La Jolla Art Association Gallery, 8100 Paseo del Ocaso (858-459-1196), is normally open daily from 11am – 5pm. It is staffed by friendly volunteers, who will happily give you a guided tour and share some authentic La Jolla hospitality.

Enjoy.

Image courtesy La Jolla Art Association.

La Jolla's Grand Homes - A Look Inside

Secret Garden Tour of Old La Jolla 2010

La Jolla homes are some of the most beautiful and expensive in the United States, and it's not surprising that many visitors to San Diego would like to take a peek at them. Unfortunately, the most intriging houses are surrounded by view-obstructing walls and hedges.

However, once a year - this time it's Saturday, May 14 - the Secret Garden Tour of Old La Jolla provides an opportunity for guests to enter the gardens and wander over the grounds of private residences that are otherwise off-limits.

The event is sponsored by the La Jolla Historical Society and tickets are still available via the website or by calling 858-459-5335 ext. 5. The self-guided tour begins at 10am and costs $40 for members and $50 for non-members.

The five houses are located in various areas in our community - ranging from Bird Rock to La Jolla Farms - so participants will have a chance to tour gardens surrounding historic homes, newer architectural wonders, and formal estates. Some have ocean views, others offer innovative outdoor entertaining areas, and one has a long winding drive paved with cobbles relocated from an historic Philadelphia street.

In conjunction with the Secret Garden Tour, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is offering a "Bountiful Botanicals Package" that includes waived resort fee, complimentary valet parking, 20% discount in all restaurants, complimentary valet parking, and 20% discount at the spa for only $169 per night.

This is a great time to be in La Jolla and this event has all the makings of a perfect girlfriends getaway.

Image: Table setting in oceanfront garden included on 2010 Secret Garden Tour of Old La Jolla.

Photo credit: ADAMS / HANSEN STOCK PHOTOS