One of only two places on the California coast where these gnarled, once nearly extinct specimens grow, visitors will witness more than 3000 Torrey Pines in this untamed 2000-acre (809 hectares) reserve. You will also see cliffs, mesas, canyons, beaches, and wetlands. Discover eight trails ranging from a 20-minute walk to a two-hour hike. Trail maps are available at the Visitor's Lodge, where you'll also find a modest natural history museum complete with a souvenir shop. Despite the shade, it can be hot in the summer, so bring your own water. See website for maps, online resources and more. Open daily from 8a
Climb 145 steps down into Sunny Jim Cave, the largest of the grottoes in La Jolla Cove. The area is now run by the Cave Store, which displays historic photographs of La Jolla and offers a small concession where visitors can purchase souvenirs, postcards, and T-shirts. A trip here provides a fascinating glimpse into what lies under, as well as over, the scenic California coastline.
The famous biological research facility, founded by renowned polio vaccine inventor Jonas Salk, is perched high above La Jolla surrounded by 26 acres (10.5 acres). Modernist architect Louis I. Kahn designed the twin-structured building in 1965. The landscape includes a courtyard area, "Stream of Life" and a foot-wide water display inspired by architect Louis Barragan which flows through the marble courtyard between the buildings.
Named for newspaper heiress and early La Jolla resident Ellen Browning Scripps, this community park offers one of the best views along the Southern California coastline. The park overlooks La Jolla Cove where clear Pacific waters crash against the rocky shoreline. Countless tourists and locals flock to this park for daytime picnics on the perfectly manicured lawns surrounded by palm trees. The grounds are also ideal for evening strolls while watching glorious sunsets. For those seeking a glimpse of the local seal population Children's Pool Beach is located at the south end of the park.
Originally designed as a safe place for children to wade, this pool is now a haven for sunbathing seals. As the seals took over, the spot's popularity increased, bringing in even more children. But nowadays, the children are often only spectators who have come to see the wild sea lions and seal. The man-made cove is also a popular spot for scuba divers. You can venture out across the water walkway, watching seals and humans—both in their shiny black suits and flippers—slip away into the ocean.
Expand your knowledge and appreciation for both music and the arts at this expansive library. This location holds collections of videos, books, periodicals and other literature all devoted to fine arts. Beyond the library, Athenaeum holds year-round exhibitions of fine art as well as concerts, featuring jazz and chamber music. Studio art classes are also available to the public.
Travelers get a warm welcome at these non-profit, volunteer group booths serving business and leisure travelers at all the major transport hubs of San Diego. Major sites include: Terminals 1 and 2 at the San Diego International Airport and the Santa Fe Depot (main train station downtown). While the Society can offer crisis and short-term assistance, most of the help goes to visitors who have arrived in town without hotel reservations. Volunteers find an available room in the right area and price range, actual booking is done through the hotels. There is no fee for the Society's services.
House of Ukraine exhibits the culture, history, and traditions of the Ukrainian people. It was founded in 1935 and is dedicated to furthering understanding between national groups in the United States. Along with hosting the Ukrainian Festival, it also participates in many other related events. These events include the Ethnic Food Fair (Memorial Sunday), the Lawn Program, Christmas on the Prado (first Friday and Saturday evenings of December) featuring Svyatij Mykolai (St. Nicholas), and a seasonal Ukrainian Christmas display featuring Christmas music and ethnic foods.
This is the dream tour for beer enthusiasts. The tours allow you to get a behind the scenes tour of local breweries were you can sample a wide range of drinks and after trying the drinks you can buy your favorite drink to have on the ride the next brewery or to take home. The tour includes transport by sober but not sobering drivers, pub grub, a commemorative beer glass and other souvenirs.
Solana Beach is always buzzing with activity, weekdays or weekends. There's no dearth of visitors despite the countless beaches lining the coast of Southern California. The chamber, which was started to promote tourism, provides visitors with information and updates. It also offers membership to those interested, even if not residing in Solana Beach. Community events take place from time to time.
St James By the Sea Church is a place where much happens. With worship services and lots of music, there is never a dull moment out here. And if your hunger pangs act up in the midst of all the activity, fret not, for there is a quaint little Cafe to meet your needs with gourmet coffee and fresh pastries. The church can be rented out for weddings and private occasions too, for that lovely seaside ambiance.
Part of the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture, the Gotthelf Art Gallery contributes to the mission of preserving and upholding the essence of Jewish culture. Housed in the Jacobs Family Campus at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, the gallery nurtures the rich and diverse cultural exquisite of Jewish origins through its varied collections and exhibits. It regularly hosts cultural activities and art events to highlight its purpose. Docent tours and art receptions are open to the privileged few who extend their support to the gallery.