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.
The quaint Girard Avenue offers visitors a chance to experience shopping within small, local businesses. There are a number of art galleries, books stores and craft shops that are not affiliated with any corporation. If you are looking for the most modern and fashionable clothing for women, try Melange. Anyone looking for art should be sure to make a stop at Cosmopolitan Fine Arts. Once you are through shopping and in need of some tasty on-the-go food, try Girard Gourmet.
Located right along the Navy Pier in downtown San Diego, the USS Midway Museum lends deep insights into naval aviation and one of the important chapters of American history. The museum is home to the iconic USS Midway, which has been one of the country's oldest aircraft carriers. A famed naval museum in the United States, it also shelters an arsenal of other significant carriers, most of which were crafted in Southern California. The museum is complete with simulators, myriad deck exhibits and the stirring Battle of Midway theater. The museum has also been a host to an array of private, media and sporting events.
Fun for adults and kids, this museum-on-water is the focal point of San Diego's historic Embarcadero Promenade. Comprised of several painstakingly restored historic ships, it is a tribute to the sea-faring age. One of the ships showcased at Maritime Museum of San Diego is the Star of India (1863), a stunning vision that graces the coastline as the world's oldest actively-sailed, square-rigged ship.
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.
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.
Promoting meditation, self-reflection and self-actualization, Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens is garden and major green space which transports visitors into a state of tranquility. Founded by Paramahansa Yogananda, one can stroll through the beautiful green gardens and admire the host of colorful floral species, or simply let their worldly concerns fade away in the meditative silence of the park.
St. Marks United Methodist Church is a great place of worship that stands above any discrimination. The church welcomes one and all with open arms, no matter what community you belong to. The cheerful pastors and church-choir are the only people who are dressed in robes during winters, the rest of the visitors are not imposed upon any dress code—you can be comfy praying only if you are at ease with yourself, isn't it? The church also holds free concerts and art shows for the public to enjoy every bit as they can.
Lying in the center of the Mount Soledad Veteran's Memorial, the Cross is beloved for some but for others, it has been a subject of controversy. Due to the involvement of religion in government, the Mount Soledad Cross has gained a lot of popularity since the past few years. However, it has made its name as the local icon and is the proud landmark of La Jolla.