La Jolla’s Best Gym

The La Jolla Sports Club, located on two levels of the

Merrill Lynch Building, is the best gym in La Jolla.

Most travelers today want to maintain their work-out routine while they’re on vacation. If this includes you, head to the La Jolla Sports Club in the village. It’s the best fitness club around – and I should know, I’ve tried them all.

For many years I was a member of the La Jolla Family Y, but I really prefer the classes and facilities at the La Jolla Sports Club. The Pilates classes are particularly good, and I’ve also taken a good stretch class. I’m not into spinning, but that’s offered, too – and I’ve heard their yoga instructors are good. (If lap swimming is your thing, head to the Coggan Family Aquatic Complex on the corner of Nautilus and Fay.)

You don’t have to be a member to work out at the Sports Club. Hotel guests can buy a day pass for $18 – and that includes two hours of free parking in the underground garage they share with the other businesses in the Merrill Lynch Building. The Club offers child care while you’re working out and has a physical therapist and an esthetician (facials, massage, body treatments, and waxing) on staff.

The La Jolla Sports Club is located on the corner of Fay and Silverado, in the heart of the village. It’s open every day of the year except December 25 and January 1.

If cardio and strength training make you hungry, the legendary Sandwich Club is located in the courtyard of the Merrill Lynch Building and – if you’re being super healthy – Lean and Green is right next door. They offer a choice of organic, vegan, or gluten-free salads and wraps.

Pretty handy, huh? You can workout, grab some lunch, and then head to the beach. Just remember to practice safe sun.

San Diego Vacation Rental at La Jolla Shores Beach



The Southern California surf lifestyle is evident

in this La Jolla Shores (San Diego) vacation rental.



It’s no surprise that Southern California’s surf lifestyle is evident throughout this family home on Paseo del Ocaso in La Jolla Shores. The owner is the founder of Rusty Clothing, the “surfer gear” that has become popular around the world. 

Bob Skoldberg was also the World Giant Slalom Skateboard Champion in 1977 and “the man to beat” in the skateboard movie Lords of Dogtown.

Son Erik is a La Jolla artist, and his large colorful paintings add to the very beachy feel created by surfboards mounted on the walls and the ocean view from a wrap-around deck.

The 2,800-square-foot house, managed by SeaBreeze Vacation Rentals, sleeps 10 comfortably. Because two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a sitting area are on a separate level, this would be an ideal home-away-from-home for two families traveling together. The master bed is a king, and others are all queens. The kitchen and bathrooms have granite counters.

Occupants wouldn’t need a car because it’s just a short walk to the beach, Kellogg Park, shops, and restaurants. The house comes with a hot tub, outdoor shower, and barbecue and, like all SeaBreeze Vacation Rentals, wi-fi and cable TV are provided. SeaBreeze also provides beach chairs, surf boards, coolers, wetsuits, bikes, helmets, cribs, and boogie boards for a nominal fee. They don't provide sunscreen, however, so BYO and use it often.

Ask about rental #8418 and use Promo Code SB2565 to receive a 10% discount.

Kids and pets are welcome here. In fact, I think this family home would seem strange without them.

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La Jolla Destination Weddings

This Tuscan-style villa in La Jolla, California,

is available for very special - and private - weddings.

It’s no surprise that San Diego’s favorite coastal community is a popular place for destination weddings. Our mild year round climate and beautiful scenic location make La Jolla a wonderful spot to get married.

I’ve already mentioned that the La Jolla Shores Hotel and La Valencia Hotel are ideal for weddings ceremonies and receptions, as well as several other local venues.

In addition, I’ve recently learned that several of my fellow La Jollans open their homes and gardens to brides seeking very special – and private – wedding sites.

One house is a beautiful Tuscan villa on Hidden Valley Road on the south slope of Mt. Soledad. Owner Barbara Lubin gives brides the option of bringing in their own wedding planner and vendors or using the services of her Rose Garden Events.

The Lubin’s 6,500 square-foot house and surrounding garden, pool, patio, and putting green can accommodate up to 60-70 guests for a sit-down dinner reception and dancing. With up to 100 guests, a cover can be used to convert the pool into a dance floor.

After the party, the bride and groom are welcome to spend the night in the Lubin’s intimate guest suite, which is completely separate from the rest of the house, and they can enjoy “room service” breakfast the next morning.

“We’ve always done a lot of entertaining,” the hostess explained to me, “so we have all the glassware and dishes anyone could need.”

In fact, I’ve never seen a larger or more beautiful collection of Italian ceramics. The European interior design of the house also includes lots of Venetian glass and antiques Barbara inherited from her grandmother.

This accommodating wedding host asks for at least two months notice to make all the necessary arrangements, including booking her favorite photographer, florist, officiant, caterer and so forth.

The best way to contact Barbara is via email: blubin@san.rr.com

Cheers! (and best wishes)

Photo credit ADAMS / HANSEN STOCK PHOTOS.

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La Jolla Locals’ Favorite Ocean View Café

Goldfish Point Cafe offers a great ocean view.

Goldfish Point Café is one of La Jolla’s best kept secrets. The regulars – and there are many – include La Jolla Cove swimmers, who gather here for coffee and conversation after their morning workout. The young and the restless also roll in regularly with their laptops and avail themselves of the free wi-fi. Other folks choose this breezy spot for the privacy it offers and the great ocean view.

The location – uphill from The Cove at 1255 Coast Boulevard – may account for the fact that few visitors find their way to this gem. In contrast, out-of-towners will wait an hour for a table at nearby Brockton Villa Restaurant because it’s larger and more visible.

At Goldfish Point, I love the “local hangout” atmosphere, the view, and the fact that the proprietor is so committed to our community that he provided free coffee to the volunteers in a recent Coast Walk clean-up. This walking trail (with a breathtaking view of La Jolla Shores) starts across the street – just around the corner from the Cave Shop.

My family and I recently lingered over lunch and the view at the cafe. I liked my Cobb Salad, while the others enjoyed paninis and a Greek Salad. The service was friendly and prices were reasonable.

La Jolla has other good places for coffee, breakfast, or lunch, but Goldfish Point is the most "local," casual, and laid-back.

Here, the only suits you're likely to see are the "wet" ones that keep surfers and swimmers warm.

Open 8am to 3pm daily. (858) 459-7407.

Photo credit: ADAMS / HANSEN STOCK PHOTOS.

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