From the Birch Aquarium to La Jolla Restaurants – La Jolla is the Jewel of Southern California

Sometimes called The Jewel of Southern California, La Jolla is an exquisite combination of soft sand beaches, jagged cliffs, sunshine, cultural activities, boutique-lined streets, hotels, art galleries and more.

Only 15 minutes from downtown San Diego, La Jolla, one of the most affluent communities in the United States, combines the atmosphere of a southern European resort community with Southern California fun.

With its seven miles of coastline La Jolla attracts tourists from around the world and combines trends with traditional class. From the waves that crash along the shore to the high-rise building in the business district, expect everything in this seaside town to be first rate.

The Birch Aquarium

Stop at the Birch Aquarium, which has inspired visitors with wonders of the ocean for more than a century. You’ll enter the world of sharks, living coral reefs, seahorses and more at the Birch Aquarium where you’ll interact with exhibits through hands-on displays and multimedia presentations.

La Jolla Restaurants

Combine a glorious Pacific Ocean view and world renowned chefs and you will find restaurants made in heaven.

And there are many wonderful La Jolla restaurants to choose from. Here are some of them:

For fine dining you may want to eat at either Trattoria Acqua or Georges at the cove. If you crave sushi, try Sushi on the Rock. For steaks you can’t go wrong at Donovan’s of La Jolla. And for French cuisine Tapenade is the place to be on Fay Avenue.

The Shoreline

The most memorable region in La Jolla is the area along the Pacific shore – offering some of the most impressive shorelines in Southern California for your viewing pleasure.

Take the scenic drive along North Torrey Pines Road and you’ll be awestruck by views of remarkable caves, cliffs, beaches and sunsets. Stop along the route and browse or shop at any of the fine art galleries, souvenir shops, jewelry stores or fashionable boutiques along the route.

After shopping, complete this memorable experience by dining above the Pacific Ocean at one of the fine La Jolla restaurants you’ll find along the way.

If you want an even more spectacular view, head over to the Torrey Pines Gliderport and learn to fly – and soar high above this beautiful locale.

The Village

The downtown district, although small, is packed full of trendy establishments that entice wealthy visitors from around the world. Even though Prospect Drive is known as “Rodeo Drive in San Diego”, Girard Avenue is the main street.

Here you’ll find boutiques, art galleries, salons, coffee houses, restaurants, shops and hotels.For a feel of what’s happening in today’s art world you can go to the Museum of Contemporary Art, which resides in the landmark Ellen Browning Scripps house, built in 1916.

And for a unique reading experience stop off at the Athanaeum Music & Arts Library – a 100-year-old library that has an incredible selection of music and art volumes.

The Business District

Although La Jolla is known primarily for its incredible shoreline, the city’s business district is hardly modest, to say the least. You’ll find modern shopping centers, professional centers and residences along with the world renowned Scripps Memorial Hospital & Medical Research Center. La Jolla’s professionals tend to be in finance, law or technology.

Any way you cut it, from its Mediterranean style homes to the Birch Aquarium, to trendy shops and many enticing La Jolla restaurants, you’ll want make this jewel part of your vacation itinerary when you’re in Southern California.