La Jolla Shores Beach beach vacation rentals

You’d be excused for not knowing that the sparkling seaside village of La Jolla is actually part of booming San Diego because this magical enclave has long hovered above the fray. Perched on cliffs over seven miles of beach, La Jolla rose to prominence as a place to flee the urban hustle and bustle in the late 1800s, when vacationers cozied up in seaside cottages. Around the same time, artists claimed the village as their base, making it an arts magnet. A famous actor co-founded the still operational La Jolla Playhouse in 1947, and a children’s book author known for his rhymes and eccentric characters, moved here in 1948, writing in an office high above the coastline.

Expect sunny, warm weather in the 70-degree Fahrenheit range almost year-round. However, due to La Jolla’s coastal location, it’s not unusual for a marine layer — gray morning clouds — to roll in, especially during May and June, and for nights to cool off, so pack layers. December through March bring the most rainfall, so plan ahead and pack an umbrella.

La Jolla Shores Beach

Pretty La Jolla Shores Beach lures surfers, kayakers, and ankle waders alike. While everything you could possibly desire is likely right here — there are restrooms, showers, barbecues, and even public bonfire pits — shops and restaurants are just a 10-minute walk away. Families will appreciate that the beach abuts grassy Kellogg Park, where kids can enjoy a playground near the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier. Named for a major funder of the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography, which calls La Jolla home, the pier is one of the largest research piers in the world, equipped with gear that tracks ocean conditions and plankton.

La Jolla Cove

This crescent of sandy beach, ringed by palm trees and sandstone cliffs, is home to a pool of calm ocean waters so clear that they draw admiring crowds of photographers and beachgoers — alongside ocean wildlife. The cove’s rich ecosystem is protected, so surfers and boogie boarders skirt its shores, but it is ideal for snorkeling. You’re likely to spot bright orange Garibaldi fish, rays, and even leopard sharks. (Don’t worry — these shy, small sharks pose almost no threat to humans.) Kayakers launch from these shores to explore nearby sea caves, too. If you want to get in on the fun, you can rent ocean-going gear from nearby outfitters.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

This 1,500-acre natural reserve is home to miles of trails and named for the beautiful and endangered tree that grows here. The windswept Torrey pine is the rarest pine tree in the nation, and only grows here and on an island off the coast of Santa Barbara. This reserve features high cliffs, sandstone canyons, and a salt marsh refuge home to migrating waterfowl. In spring, wildflowers bloom, and in fall and winter, roly-poly quail zip around the grounds. Check ahead for a schedule of tours that depart from the visitor center, which is housed in a century-old pueblo-style building that was once a restaurant.