San Diego Vacation Rental with Ocean View

This La Jolla vacation rental has a panoramic ocean view.

Vacation rentals are popular because they are good value and can accommodate families in a home-away-from-home environment.

The drawback is that picking the right one can be tricky. When I travel, I spend days online looking at pictures and trying to make the right decision. I never know if I should believe the glowing description written by the home owner.

Since the purpose of  "La Jolla Travel Information" is to make sure that you enjoy your time in my hometown, I’ve starting personally checking out our vacation rentals.

The first house I visited is in the Muirlands area on Mt. Soledad and has an unobstructed view down to the ocean and the coastline sweeping south to Pacific Beach and beyond. The day I was there, lots of people were sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing in the waves.

A quarry tile patio faces the view, and I’m sure guests sit here by the hour watching the action. A canyon, immediately in front of the patio, provides privacy.

The four bedrooms and a den sleep up to ten people, and there are three bathrooms. Built in 1956, the two-story house is 2,600 square feet (241.55 sq meters, if I did the math right). It has hardwood floors, open-beam ceilings, a big fireplace, laundry facilities, and a fully-equipped kitchen with dishes, flatware, and glasses for about 18. The rooms are somewhat sparsely furnished, which is perfect for travelers who don’t want to feel like they’re living on top of someone else’s things.

The rent ranges from $2,500 - $3,500 a week, depending on the time of year, and includes cable and wi-fi. The owners, who live nearby, are very helpful and welcome families and pets.

The central shopping and dining area of La Jolla (what we call “the village”) is a five-minute drive down the hill. La Jolla Shores Beach is about ten minutes from the house, but Windansea Beach is closer (maybe five minutes).

Email the owners at cscapeinc@gmail.com or call 858-945-0896.

Click here to see a video of the house: http://www.previewfirst.com/vt/flash_video/33154

I'll be reviewing other vacation rentals in the near future, so you might want to subscribe to this blog. I wouldn't want you to miss finding the place that is perfect for you and your family.

Click here to see more photos of La Jolla.

Super Cheap San Diego - Las Vegas Airfares

Spirit Airlines flies in the U. S., Latin America, and the Caribbean. 

Spirit Airlines just announced that they are starting daily non-stop service between San Diego, California and Las Vegas, Nevada.

To celebrate, the airline is offering $9 fares (each way based on round trip purchase) on their website today and tomorrow.

The two daily flights between San Diego and Las Vegas will start on September 7 and will increase to three a day on September 22, 2011.

“We are thrilled to welcome one of the nation’s most successful low-fare airlines to San Diego International Airport,” said Airport Authority Board Chair Robert Gleason.  “Spirit Airlines will give travelers more choices for making the trip between San Diego and Las Vegas, and this convenient new service is bound to benefit tourism in both cities."

“San Diego and Las Vegas are two of the most exciting destinations in the southwestern U.S., and Spirit Airlines will help connect them as never before,” said Airport Authority President/CEO Thella Bowens.

Spirit Airlines is the largest Ultra Low Cost Carrier (ULCC) in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.  Its all-Airbus fleet, the youngest in the Americas, flies more than 150 daily flights to over 40 destinations.

The $9 tickets will be good for travel on September 13, 14, 20, 21, and 27, 2011, which is great timing, since September is one of the best months to be in San Diego.

And speaking of new flights, don't forget that British Airways started nonstop London - San Diego flights on June 1.

Lucky for savvy travelers: La Jolla - with its beautiful beaches and coastal scenery - is only a short taxi ride from the airport.

San Diego’s Best Beach Breakfast

Picnic tables at Snackropolis overlook the ocean and Scripps Pier.

Snackropolis, tucked away on the SIO campus in La Jolla, serves an awesome ocean view and a large helping of fresh air with every meal. Once known only to Scripps Institution of Oceanography employees, it is now a favorite early morning stop for surfers, beach walkers, and others who live nearby.

Picnic tables overlook the beach, ocean, and Scripps Pier, so it’s possible to watch for dolphins, whales, and flocks of pelicans while enjoying a breakfast burrito or deli lunch. The salmon burgers are my favorite.

Snackropolis’ address is listed as 8632 Kennel Way, but that won’t be very helpful when you try to find this semi-secret snack bar.

I suggest you park at La Jolla Shores Beach (free) and walk north (towards the pier) until you see a driveway that leads up to SIO. Walk up that drive and look for the picnic tables with umbrellas.

Alternatively, you could park on El Paseo Grande in La Jolla Shores and walk north to Kennel Way, which winds through the SIO campus. The ocean and Snackropolis will be on your left across from Ritter Hall. If you get lost, ask directions from the first friendly oceanographer you encounter.

Snackropolis is open for breakfast and lunch Monday – Friday and closed weekends.

Order at the counter and feast on the view while you’re waiting for your meal.

If it happens to be raining when you are in San Diego, you’ll find a great beach view at the nearby Shores Restaurant in the La Jolla Shores Hotel. If you’re visiting La Jolla on a weekend (when Snackropolis is closed), head up to the Cliff Hangar Café at the Gliderport.

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Photo credit: ADAMS / HANSEN STOCK PHOTOS

La Jolla's Best Deals

The Brick and Bell Cafe is famous for their freshly-baked scones.

Deal Me in Today discount vouchers are providing La Jollans, other San Diegans, and visitors with great bargains on everything from hair cuts to fresh flowers to restaurant meals.

Deal Me in Today La Jolla launched in late May in response to consumer's complaints about coupon deals that are city-wide.

"With the price of gas today, nobody wants to drive across San Diego to save $10," founder Troy Foss told me. "So we started a company that would promote local businesses to everyone who lives in La Jolla or comes here to work, play, shop, and visit friends."

I'm so excited about Deal Me in Today La Jolla that I made arrangements for the latest daily deal to appear on the front page of "La Jolla Travel Information." (Look right.)

At the moment, you can get a $20 voucher at Brick and Bell Cafe for only $10, and it's valid until September 16. That means any time this summer you can enjoy coffee and freshly-baked scones or smoothies and gourmet salads at 50% discount.

If you aren't familiar with Brick and Bell Cafe, it's that quaint cottage on Silverado Avenue that you've driven by a million times.

Buying a deal voucher is simple: Just click on the ad on this page or go to Deal Me in Today, click on "Buy Now," enter your credit card details and a voucher will be emailed to you within 15 minutes. All you have to do is print the voucher and you're good to go.

This is what I call a win-win situation. La Jolla businesses meet new customers and you save money on a whole range of fun opportunities.

I've got a soft spot in my heart for freshly-baked scones, so I'm buying the Brick and Bell voucher right now.

See you there?

San Diego Summer Fun & Events




Summer in San Diego means having fun outdoors - day and night.

Great weather and the buzz of out-of-town visitors make La Jolla, San Diego's favorite coastal community, the place to be from June to September. Our beaches are at their best – just don’t forget to practice safe sun. In addition to kayaking, surfing, and snorkeling, here are some of the special events you won’t want to miss:

Now through Sept 5 - The Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla’s summer exhibit is “High Fidelity: Selections from the 1960s and 1970s” plus “Emperor’s River: Philipp Scholz Rittermann.” The MCA is located in the village at 700 Prospect Street. Tel. 858- 454-3541.

Now through June 26 - "A Summer Swim" exhibit at the La Jolla Art Association Gallery, 8100 Paseo del Ocaso in La Jolla Shores, features artwork by 16 artists. Free.

June 14, July 1, July 21 & July 27 - Farrell Family Jazz at the Athenaeum Summer Concert Series Performers: Gilbert Castellanos Quartet with special guest James Zollar. 1008 Wall St. Call 858-454-5872 for ticket prices and reservations.

June 15 – Green Flash Concert Series at Birch Aquarium. Wednesdays: June 15, July 20, Aug. 17, and Sept. 21, 6-9 p.m., Ages 21+ RSVP and ticket prices: Tel. 858-534-4109. The concert series combines live music with panoramic ocean views on the aquarium¹s stunning outdoor tide-pool plaza. Savory happy-hour appetizers, craft beers and wines are available for purchase. Keep an eye out for a real "green flash," a rare optical phenomenon caused by refraction of light as the sun sets on the horizon. Performer: DONAVON FRANKENREITER

June 16, July 14 and 15, Aug. 12 and 13. Full-Moon Walk on Scripps Pier with Birch Aquarium naturalists. Ages 9+. Call 858-534-7336 for info on cost and to RSVP.

June 16 – Chef Urs Baumann will hold another of his popular cooking classes at the Riford Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. 6pm. “The La Jolla South Beach Menu.” Call for cost and reservations.  Tel. 858-459-0831.

June 18-19 - La Jolla Festival of the Arts. More than 200 artists and crafts people will display their work on the east campus of USCD from 9am – 5pm. Craft beers, fine wines, and international foods will be available. Admission of $10 (over age 10) includes art demonstrations, book signings, a car show, and musical entertainment.

June 23 - Musical Stage Performance: The Naked Liszt. Cecil Lytle, Piano; Arthur Wagner and Eva Barnes, Narrators. The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Call 858-454-5872 for ticket prices and reservations.

June 25 - La Jolla Cove Swim Club’s “Pier to Cove” 1.5-mile event. Scripps Pier to La Jolla Cove.

June 27 - July 10 – La Jolla Art Association presents "Faces of Summer." The LJAA gallery is located at 8100 Paseo del Ocaso in La Jolla Shores. Free.


June 28 - July 24 – Peer Gynt, by Henrik Ibsen, adapted and directed by David Schweizer, running in the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre at La Jolla Playhouse. For tickets, call the Playhouse box office 858-550-1010 or book online.

July 1 - Farrell Family Jazz at the Athenaeum Summer Concert Series. Performers: Anat Cohen Quartet. 1008 Wall St. Call 858-454-5872 for ticket prices and reservations.

July 4 – BYO chair and enjoy the annual fireworks show at The Cove. The event is free, but donations in advance are welcome.

July 10 - September 4 – La Jolla Concerts By the Sea in Scripps Parks near The Cove. Free of charge and families welcome. BYO chair or blanket and enjoy the music and the great ocean view. Every Sunday at 2pm. Check website or call 858-454-1600 for schedule of performances.

July 10, 17, 24, 31 - Athenaeum Summer Festival 2011 with pianist Gustavo Romero. Concerts take place at The Neurosciences Institute, 10640 John Jay Hopkins Dr., La Jolla. Call 858- 454-5872 to reserve.

July 17 - Athenaeum Summer Festival 2011 with pianist Gustavo Romero. Concerts take place at The Neurosciences Institute, 10640 John Jay Hopkins Dr., La Jolla. Call 858- 454-5872 to reserve.

July 19 - August 21 – La Jolla Playhouse presents the new musical: Sleeping Beauty Wakes (book by Rachel Sheinkin, music by Brendan Milburn, lyrics by Valerie Vigoda, directed by Rebecca Taichman) in the Mandell Weiss Theatre. Tickets online or call 858-550-1010.

July 20 – Green Flash Concert Series at Birch Aquarium. Performer: FITZ & THE TANTRUMS. See June 15.

July 21 - Farrell Family Jazz at the Athenaeum Summer Concert Series. Performers: Kendra Shank Quartet. 1008 Wall St. Call 858-454-5872 for ticket prices and reservations.

July 21 – Cooking class with Chef Urs Baumann at the Riford Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. 6pm. Call for cost and reservations. Tel. 858-459-0831. Learn great and easy summer salads with fresh herbs, chicken, shrimp.

July 24 - Athenaeum Summer Festival 2011 with pianist Gustavo Romero. Concerts take place at The Neurosciences Institute, 10640 John Jay Hopkins Dr., La Jolla. Call 858- 454-5872 to reserve.

July 27 - Farrell Family Jazz at the Athenaeum Summer Concert Series. Performers: Edmar Castaneda Trio. 1008 Wall St. Call 858-454-5872 for ticket prices and reservations.

July 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25 - Film & Wine Summer Series: Flicks on the Bricks. The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Dr. No. Call 858-454-5872 for ticket prices and reservations.

July 31 - Athenaeum Summer Festival 2011 with pianist Gustavo Romero. Concerts take place at The Neurosciences Institute, 10640 John Jay Hopkins Dr., La Jolla. Call 858- 454-5872 to reserve.

August 3, 7:30 p.m. – Free open-air concert in Scripps Park near The La Jolla Cove, presented by the La Jolla Music Society. BYO chair and blanket.

August 3 - 26 – SummerFest concert series. La Jolla Music Society's SummerFest is a nationally-recognized chamber music festival featuring over 70 world-class artists and ensembles. Since its inception in 1986, SummerFest has welcomed over 650 renowned artists and ensembles, four talented artistic directors, and nearly a quarter of a million audience members at venues in San Diego and over the airwaves nationwide. See website for details.

August 4 - Film & Wine Summer Series: Flicks on the Bricks. The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Goldfinger. Call 858-454-5872 for ticket prices and reservations.

August 11 - Film & Wine Summer Series: Flicks on the Bricks. The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Like Water For Chocolate. Call 858-454-5872 for ticket prices and reservations.

August 14 – La Jolla Cove Swim Club’s “Tour of Buoys” event. 5-mile and 1.5 mile swims. La Jolla Shores Beach.

August 17 – Green Flash Concert Series at Birch Aquarium. Performer: STEVE POLTZ.
See June 15.

August 18 - Cooking class with Chef Urs Baumann at the Riford Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. 6pm. Call for cost and reservations. Tel 858-459-0831. Learn to prepare an entire Asian flavor menu.

August 18 - Film & Wine Summer Series: Flicks on the Bricks. The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Julie and Julia. Call 858-454-5872 for ticket prices and reservations.

August 25 - Film & Wine Summer Series: Flicks on the Bricks. The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Gigi. Call 858-454-5872 for ticket prices and reservations.

August 30 – September 25 La Jolla Playhouse presents the world premiere of Milk Like Sugar, a co-commission with Theater Masters, by Kirsten Greenidge, directed by Rebecca Taichman, in the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre. Tickets 858-550-1010 or online.

September 21 – Green Flash Concert Series at Birch Aquarium. Performer: BRETT DENNEN See June 15.

I hope you enjoy La Jolla this summer. In addition to practicing safe sun, please also note my weather tips and precautions.

To see more images of La Jolla click here.

Photo credit: ADAMS / HANSEN STOCK PHOTOS.

San Diego Weather Tips

La Jolla's Mediterranean climate makes it a popular year round destination.

Our Mediterranean climate makes La Jolla and the rest of San Diego a popular year round destination. We're happy to have snow birds here in the winter, and we welcome "Zonies," Texans, and residents of other hot spots during the summer.

A Few Facts:

• Just for the record, we get 9-10 inches of rain a year - most of that falls between November and March. In case you are in town when it's wet, I did a post on rainy day activities.
• One thing some visitors don't realize is that only the very hardy swim year round here. Ocean temps are in the 50s from November to May. If you do want to swim, scuba, or snorkel in the winter, BYO wetsuit or rent one after you get here.
• Because our climate is dry, we don't have mosquitoes. That's wonderful news to people like me who grew up in the Midwest.
• The San Diego sky is blue most of the year, however we do sometimes have a phenomena called "May Gray" and "June Gloom," which includes overcast mornings.
• September is the best time to be in San Diego. The daytime temperature is in the high 70s, the night time temps are in the low 60s, the ocean is still in the mid-60s, and the crowds are gone. I call it San Diego's secret season.

A couple of precautions:

• There is often a 20 degree difference between nighttime and daytime temperatures, so come prepared with a jacket - even in the summer.
• Our sun may not feel super hot, but it's still quite strong and you need to practice safe sun

Did you know that the San Diego airport is named after pioneer aviator Charles Lindbergh? He liked our climate, too.

"What a change in weather! It was sleeting when I left St Louis. Here, on the 23rd of February, palm leaves flutter in warm wind an sun."
Charles Lindbergh, 1927

Photo credit: ADAMS / HANSEN STOCK PHOTOS
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Best San Diego Sushi - Zenbu

This guest post was written by Shira Bliss of La Jolla Wine Tours.

“Do what you love and the money will follow.” Those words motivated me to combine my love of walking, fine wine, and gourmet food into a tour company that would introduce La Jolla residents and visitors to local restaurants and wineries. With my business partner Paul Anthony Vild, I started a guided food and wine walking tour that has expanded to include wine train tours, beer tours, and tours to San Diego wineries.

Zenbu Sushi in La Jolla just added a new saki menu and "Bu Bites."

There are seven sushi bars within walking distance in the “village” of La Jolla, but I chose Zenbu Sushi to be a part of the tours because none of the others can compare when it comes to freshness, quality of ingredients, and creativity. The store even contains a 500-gallon fish tank!

Zenbu consistently receives rave reviews from La Jolla Wine Tours’ guests. We’ve had countless guests report that, until Zenbu, they didn’t even like sushi and now all they want is Zenbu sushi!

Partners Jerry Mcguffie, Matt Rimel and Marc Muller launched Zenbu in 1999. Rimel and Muller are longtime friends and native San Diegans who fished together. All three wanted to create a sushi bar that exhibits expertise in all areas – bar, sushi and hot kitchen – and Zenbu, which is the Japanese word for “all,” achieves just that.

Adhering to their philosophy of sustainability, the company utilizes its own products as much as possible in order to reduce their carbon footprint. Matt Rimel owns his own small commercial fishing fleet, Ocean Giant Fishing Co., with three boats, a sea plane and harpoons. At least 85% of their product is locally caught: lobster, shrimp, Ahi tuna, halibut, and even the sea urchin, or uni.

The restaurant’s elegant Asian/American fusion interior was created by local designer Melinda Merryweather and Matt Rimel’s wife, Jaque. The table tops and the wood bar are milled from single pieces of lumber.

Zenbu offers happy hour Sunday through Tuesday from 5pm to close and on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm. There is a new saki menu that includes a flight of three sakis and a new appetizer menu – “Bu Bites” – consisting of six of their most popular Japanese tapas: pot stickers, dragon eggs, and sliders. On the first Thursday of the month Zenbu holds the very popular “Thirsty Thursdays Fashion Show,” where the young and savvy congregate to view the show, take in the music, shop, eat, and drink.

Zenbu definitely lives up to their name and delivers “all.”

Call Zenbu (858-454-4540) for parties of 6 or more. To schedule a tour with La Jolla Wine Tours, contact Shira Bliss (858-551-5115 or Shira@lajollawinetours.com).

La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club – Privacy on a San Diego Beach

The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club - a private club and a hotel.

This will come as a surprise to most San Diegans – and even some of my fellow La Jollans – but the “B&T” is a hotel, as well as an exclusive private club.

In fact, their 98 rooms are very popular with guests who enjoy being in a cul de sac at the south end of La Jolla Shores Beach, where there is very little “through traffic.” All California beaches are public to the mean high tide line, but above that line this one is private, which means alcohol can be served.

The Club was founded in 1935 and is known for its 12 championship tennis courts, on which tournaments are held from time-to-time. The 25-yard heated pool, fitness center, 9-hole par 3 golf course, rose garden, two massage rooms, and three restaurants are also big draws.

Having said that, the beach is still the most popular attraction. Food service, umbrellas, and lounge chairs are all provided, and swimmers are safe from kayakers inside a roped-off area. After dinner, members and guests gather around fireplaces that take the chill off cool San Diego nights.

Like its neighbor the La Jolla Shores Hotel, the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is very kid-friendly. Santa and the Easter Bunny visit on their respective holidays. Turtles, ducks, and swans live in a pond near the playground, and the beach hut serves great burgers. Kayak rentals, surf lessons and a variety of restaurants are available in the La Jolla Shores area.

Almost all rooms have complete kitchens or kitchenettes, and all come with wi-fi, robes, safes, iHome docks, flatscreen TVs, and DVD players. If you make reservations, you might want to consider that the beachfront rooms have just been redecorated, and A/C was recently added to non-beachfront rooms.

Beachfront room #120 has a full kitchen, a separate bedroom, a sofa sleeper, and a roll away. Number 113 is tiny, but popular because it’s right on the beach. Numbers 218 and 219, on the second floor, are two-bedroom units with big kitchens – great for two families traveling together.

The Beach & Tennis Club is a beloved La Jolla institution for the 1,300 or so families who are members and the savvy travelers who choose to stay here – and then return year after year.

Photo credit: ADAMS / HANSEN STOCK PHOTOS.
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