6 Things to Do and See with A Limo in La Jolla, California
First, how much do you know about La Jolla? Are you planning a trip to sunny California? Do you have your itinerary planned, or are you more of a spontaneous traveler who goes wherever the spirit leads once you arrive? Either way, if La Jolla is on your list of places to visit, you might be wondering where to go and what to do.
What Does La Jolla Mean?
La Jolla is commonly thought to mean "The Jewel." The explanation is widely accepted due to the sparkling blue ocean that looks like a jewel off the coast of La Jolla. Many residents say the name means "The Jewel" in Spanish; however, the spelling of the word for jewel is slightly different than the community's name.
Another theory suggests that the indigenous Kumeyaay named the area "land of holes" (translated from the indigenous language). It's thought that the indigenous peoples recognized the sea caves around La Jolla, and that's where the name was conceived. The thinking is that Spanish settlers then translated the indigenous name into La Jolla.
Is La Jolla A City?
The simple answer to this question is no. It's an area within the city of San Diego. However, it's been granted special community status because it is an important location for visitors. With world-renowned institutions calling it home, there's no wonder that many residents think it should be its own city.
Where Is La Jolla?
La Jolla is a stretch of the California coast that reached from Pacific Beach to Del Mar. The Pacific Ocean makes up the western border of the community, and the eastern border is sometimes debated. The city itself defines La Jolla's eastern border as the I-5 and Gilman Drive. UC San Diego is considered the northern boundary by the city, but many residents consider the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and surrounding areas part of La Jolla even though they are north of the university.
The community of La Jolla is located 12 miles north of the downtown area of San Diego. Drive time from downtown to La Jolla varies depending on traffic and where in La Jolla you are headed. If you are headed to La Jolla Cove from the airport, for example, you can expect about a 20-minute drive.
Things to Do in La Jolla
Whether you like boutique shopping, spending the day at the beach, or visiting local attractions, there is a laundry list of things you can do in La Jolla. If you want to avoid driving in traffic or are at a loss as to where to start, you might consider taking a limo tour of the La Jolla area. However, if you'd like to plan a trip yourself, we've compiled a list of six of the things to see and do in La Jolla.
La Jolla Cove
If you like to swim, snorkel, or scuba dive, La Jolla Cove is your destination. It's a small beachfront with cliffs surrounding it. La Jolla Cove is protected as a marine reserve, so there is an abundance of marine life to view as you enjoy the beach and the water. Speaking of marine life, if you've ever wanted to watch seals or sea lions at play, the Cove is the place to be.
You may come to view some marine life, but you'll likely stay longer than expected. Seaside restaurants, children's activities, and beautiful sunset views from the Cove are reasons to spend the late afternoon there.
USS Midway Aircraft Museum Aircraft Carrier
Do you enjoy military history? If so, you might enjoy touring the USS Midway Aircraft Museum Aircraft Carrier. The aircraft carrier is docked just off-shore and features a hangar deck that is three stories high and a flight deck. You can view the sleeping quarters, engine room, ship's jail, and galley. The tour is a self-guided audio tour and includes more than 60 exhibits.
The Atlas and Map Museum
History buffs, artists, and those who enjoy traveling will find something worth seeing at the Atlas and Map Museum. Here, you'll see maps that are from different historical periods. You will also learn about cartography (map-making) and how it began and developed over centuries. You can even view rare maps that are part of the private collection. Perhaps the best part is it's free to tour!
The Museum of Contemporary Art
The views from the beaches at La Jolla are breathtakingly beautiful, but art buffs can explore the rich history of art in La Jolla by visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art. This museum is one of the best in San Diego. It offers a collection of American minimalist works among the artwork from postwar artists. If you have time, check out the sculpture garden outside.
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
Since we've dabbled in military history and other history, have you visited Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial yet? If not, it's a beautiful way to honor American veterans from all wars starting with the Revolutionary War. The memorial consists of a vast cross and hundreds of plaques that are dedicated to the men and women who have served the US in battle.
The La Jolla Murals
La Jolla is an artsy seaside town, and the La Jolla Murals have helped contribute to that identity. The murals were painted by various artists with contemporary art backgrounds. The murals are located throughout the area, and you can take a walking tour to find them out. You can certainly find these yourself, but it also might be fun to get a local guide's take on the murals.
Currently, there are 16 finished murals to see, with more to come. The mural project has commissioned at least 39 artworks to be created as part of this outdoor art exhibit. Local, national, and international artists have been chosen to create the work
Other Ideas
These are just six of the numerous ideas for how to enjoy your time in La Jolla. There are many other things to see and do when you take a limo to La Jolla. Whether you are a foodie looking for a new place to eat local fare, an outdoorsman who loves adventure, or someone who likes the boutique shopping atmosphere found in a quaint village, you'll find something in La Jolla that fits your personality and style.
La Jolla features incredible beaches, gorgeous architecture, and opportunities for the entire family to have fun. Aquariums, parks, museums, and even the Salk Institute provide interesting backdrops for your vacation photos.
The tide pools, surf, and white sand are enough to entice beach lovers to La Jolla. Of course, no trip to La Jolla would be complete without seeing the seals and sea lions. A walk along the coast from the Cove to the Children's Pool will accomplish that goal.
The Takeaway
La Jolla, California, is a beautiful seaside community that is part of the city of San Diego. Because it offers visitors unique experiences and tourists love La Jolla; the area has been granted special community status. Whether you enjoy indoor art museums, outdoor activities, or simply spending time in a new place with family, La Jolla is a beautiful destination.
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