Surrounded on three sides by the sea and backed by the steep slopes of Mt. Soledad, La Jolla’s coastal profile and quaint village lifestyle evokes a Mediterranean feel. Photo: Rafael Rivera/rafaelstudio.com

Many treasures make La Jolla “The Jewel” of San Diego and one of the finest vacation destinations in Southern California: miles of sparkling beaches, a postcard-perfect seaside setting complemented by beachfront hotels, amazing marine life, endless outdoor recreational activities, fashionable shopping, fine dining, a world-class aquarium, contemporary art museum and more.

Add to this extraordinary mix a rich history with numerous famous residents, from Gregory Peck to Ted Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss), and some of the nation’s leading scientific research centers, including the internationally renowned Salk Institute and the Scripps Institute of Oceanography and visitors can experience an unparalleled leisure holiday.

The following are just some of the diverse offerings of La Jolla (pronounced “La Hoya”; translated from Spanish as “the jewel”) that guests can experience throughout the year.

For more information, visit www.sandiego.org/lajolla.

Where To Stay

Grande Colonial Hotel

Situated in the seaside village of La Jolla, the Four Diamond, Centenarian Grande Colonial boasts more than a century as the oldest original hotel in La Jolla.

Opened on Feb. 1, 1913, the hotel offers classic European styling in the intimate setting of a boutique hotel.

Each of the 93 rooms are luxuriously decorated.

Commanding views of the California coastline, the hotel is ideally located just steps away from miles of beautiful beaches renowned to Southern California. Also within walking distance are world-class shopping, museums, and galleries.

The hotel features 93 air-conditioned, non-smoking guest rooms and suites with complimentary wired and wireless high-speed Internet access.

Heated outdoor pool, valet parking, complimentary USA Today, complimentary bottled water, bathrobes, and evening turndown service are just a few of the luxuries guests will enjoy.

Grande Colonial Hotel is located at 910 Prospect St., La Jolla. For more information, call 855.272-.7488 (toll free) or visit www.thegrandecolonial.com.

Things To Do

Be sure to check out Children's Pools, a man-made beach protected by a sea wall, to watch grey seals roam about and lazily enjoy the sun. — Be sure to check out Children’s Pools just around the corner from La Jolla Cove, a man-made beach protected by a sea wall, to watch grey seals roam about and lazily enjoy the sun.

La Jolla Cove

Spanning 6,000 acres of ocean floor and tidelands (part of La Jolla Underwater Park), the cove and surrounding beaches teem with marine life above and below the surface of the water, including sea lions, seals at Children’s Pool, bright orange Garibaldi fish (California’s state fish), pelicans and more.

La Jolla Cove is famous for its Seven Sea Caves that can be accessed via kayak, swimming or snorkeling. Sunny Jim Cave is the only known land access sea cave on the California coast; a mini adventure in the heart of La Jolla Village accessed through the Cave Store (1325 Coast Blvd.). Admission is only $5 for adults ($3 for kids). For more information, visit www.cavestore.com.

If you’re an art enthusiast, be sure to explore the latest show at the Museum of Contemporary Art. — If you’re an art enthusiast, be sure to explore the
latest show at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

La Jolla is the home to the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, showcasing an internationally recognized collection by some of the world’s most renowned contemporary artists. Currently on show through Jan. 20, 2016, the exhibit “San Diego Collects” features a selection of works from private collections around San Diego.

The exhibition aims to recognize that the cultural resources of the city are thriving not only within the walls of the museums, but also through the efforts of many committed individuals. With a glimpse into private collections, “San Diego Collects” showcases the diversity of art the region has to offer.

Works by both established and emerging, as well as international and local artists, attest to the fullness of the community’s collecting spirit. The museum is located at 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. For more information, visit www.mcasd.org/exhibitions/san-diego-collects.

The main business district runs along Prospect Avenue with romantic old-world hotels, gourmet restaurants and upscale shops.

Prospect Street in La Jolla Village

Known for its chic and unique shopping, including the Secret Art of Dr. Seuss at Legends Gallery (1205 Prospect Street, Suite B), Prospect Street in La Jolla Village is a bustling place. Did you know Dr. Seuss was one of La Jolla’s most famous residents and he wrote most of his famous children’s books here.

Prospect Street is lined with small specialty shops, boutiques, antique emporiums, and art galleries. In addition to offering elegant, designer fashions in sophisticated apparel shops, La Jolla is also known for its exquisite and original fine jewelry of magnificent and brilliant gems.

For more information, visit www.legendsgallerylajolla.com/the-art-of-dr-seuss.

Murals of La Jolla

Take a self-guided walking tour of the spectacular Murals of La Jolla. Featuring internationally renowned artists, the Murals of La Jolla was conceived in 2010 as a means to enhance the civic character of this charming seaside community by commissioning public art projects on private property throughout La Jolla Village.

Each work is on view for a minimum of two years and is generously funded by private donations. For more information, visit www.muralsoflajolla.com.

While on the topic of art, check out the La Jolla Design & Art District along Girard Avenue, featuring popular art galleries like the new Monarch Arredon Contemporary Art (7629 Girard Ave.), Joseph Bellows Gallery of photographic art (7661 Girard Ave.), Quint Contemporary Art (7547 Girard Ave.) and R.B. Stevenson Gallery (7661 Girard Ave.).

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps featuring more than 60 tanks of colorful marine life, including coral reefs, sharks, jellyfish and three outdoor tide pools. An interactive museum showcases research discoveries on climate, earth and ocean science.

For more information, visit www.aquarium.ucsd.edu.

Just up the hill from Birch Aquarium, watch hang gliders and paragliders soar like seagulls over the Pacific at Torrey Pines Gliderport (2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla), America’s most popular coastal soaring site. For more information, visit www.flytorrey.com.

Where To Dine

NINE-TEN

At NINE-TEN, Chef Jason Knibb, named San Diego’s 2014 “Chef of the Year” by the California Restaurant Association, presents market fresh, seasonally evolving California cuisine in a casually elegant atmosphere. Head to the Grande Colonial Hotel to find the restaurant off its lobby at 910 Prospect St., La Jolla. For more information, visit www.nine-ten.com.

Duke’s La Jolla

Duke’s La Jolla is named in honor of native Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing and an Olympic swimming/water polo medalist. Overlooking the La Jolla Cove, Duke’s serves contemporary interpretations of traditional island plates. As a tribute to Hawaii and Southern California beach lifestyles, Duke’s celebrates spectacular ocean views and the spirit of aloha. Duke’s La Jolla is located at 1216 Prospect St., La Jolla. For more information, visit www.dukeslajolla.com.

Galaxy Taco

Galaxy Taco is Chef Trey Foshee’s homage to Mexican culture and cuisine (Foshee also helms La Jolla’s famed George’s at the Cove restaurant). Galaxy’s menu is rooted in the flavors and traditions of Mexico while celebrating San Diego’s local seasonal ingredients. Notable tacos include lamb barbacoa, potato with green chorizo spice, kale and queso fresco, and grilled avocado tacos. Handmade tortillas crafted with fresh masa are pressed on-site daily. Galaxy Taco is located at 2259 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla. For more information, visit www.galaxytaco.com.