Help me plan a La Jolla day!

[janey99]

We will be in San Diego starting next Sunday, staying at the Del Coronado. We want to spend one day in La Jolla, seeing the town, Children's Beach, La Jolla Cove, and anything else anyone recommends.

A few questions:

What time should we plan to arrive "in town?" We want to not hit traffic on the freeway, not get there too early if things don't open, but have plenty of time to see everything there.

Where would we park in order to have the car stay in one place most of the day, with us walking to as much as possible?

Lunch recommendations?

Dinner recommendations?

Anything else aside from the things I've mentioned that are really fantastic to see?

TIA!

 

[loralee3]

We went to La Jolla Cove last week on our California vacation, it was the highlight for my 16 year old son. We arrived in La Jolla around 12:00 and drove around for a good ten minutes before finding a parking spot a few blocks south of La Jolla Cove. It was free to park but there was a 3 hour time limit. We saw a lot of fish, and 4 very small sharks when we snorkeled. We also saw a pod of dolphins swimming near the beach. The area was beautiful. I'm sure you will enjoy La Jolla.

 

[janey99]

Thanks Loralee!

I've done a little research since I posted, and it looks like most parking was on street. Was it really crowded?

I'm glad to hear it's beautiful - everyone says it's a great day trip!

 

[colleenlg]

Hi there-

I live in San Diego & go to La Jolla Cove a lot. There is street parking that has time limits like the PP said, but there are also some underground parking garages. The area is small enough that if you drive around, you'll see 'em. There's also valet parking available near George's at the Cove restaurant off La Jolla Village Drive. Enjoy a great view of the ocean if you eat lunch at George's casual outdoor restaurant. For brunch, everyone tries to get into Brockton Villa but the food is not great & a lot of times you can't get a view of the cove anyway if you're seated inside. Cody's has a great brunch - just up the hill on the main street up from the grassy area. Traffic to get into the cove should start around post-church time on a Sunday. If you get there "too early" you can always walk down the cove to see the seals. I've never gotten there too early, so I don't know what time things open.

Have fun!

 

[loralee3]

Yup, parking was on the street. Some spots are angled, others require some good parallel parking skills! The beach was rather crowded. There were two different local day camps there when we went. When we snorkeled however, there was always room to spread out.

 

[janey99]

Thanks Colleen and Loralee!

I will definitely remember George's for lunch - I love hearing about places locals like as opposed to tourist traps!

I'll also look for the parking garages - I don't want the hassle of parallel parking or worrying about moving the car from a timed spot.

Jane