Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Activities
La Jolla Beaches
BEACHES
Some of the county's best beaches are north of the Shores in
Torrey Pines City Park
,
between the Salk Institute and Torrey Pines State Reserve. Hang-gliders and paragliders
launch into the sea breezes rising over the cliffs at
Torrey Pines Gliderport
(
GOOGLE MAP
; 858-452-9858;
www.flytorrey.com
;
2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr; 20min paraglid-
ing $150, hang gliding tandem flight per person $200)
, at the end of Torrey Pines Scenic Dr. It's
a beautiful sight - tandem flights are available.
Experienced surfers can head to
Windansea Beach
(take La Jolla Blvd south and turn
west on Nautilus St). However, some of the locals can be unfriendly toward outsiders.
You'll find a more pleasant welcome at
Big Rock
, California's version of Hawaii's
Pipeline, immediately south of Windansea Beach, at the foot of Palomar Ave. For the less
experienced, lessons are available from the wonderful women of
Surf Diva
(
858-454-8273;
www.surfdiva.com
;
2160 Avenida de la Playa;
store 8:30am-6pm, varies seasonally)
.
San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park
SNORKELING, DIVING
Some of California's best and most accessible diving is in this reserve, accessible from La
Jolla Cove. With an average depth of 20ft, the 6000 acres of look-but-don't-touch under-
water real estate is great for snorkeling, too. Ever-present are the spectacular, bright orange
Garibaldi fish - California's official state fish and a protected species (there's a $500 fine
for poaching one). Further out you'll see forests of giant California kelp (which can in-
crease its length by up to 3ft per day) and the 100ft-deep La Jolla Canyon.
A number of commercial outfits conduct scuba-diving courses, sell or rent equipment,
fill tanks, and conduct boat trips to nearby wrecks and islands. The
Cave Store
and other
outfitters rent snorkel and fin sets (about $20 for two hours).
Sleeping
La Jolla Village Lodge
MOTEL
