Unexpected, delightful La Jolla - tourism in California

How peculiar. How La Jolla.

La Jolla travel planner

Located approximately 11 miles north of downtown San Diego and San Diego International Airport at Lindbergh Field, La Jolla can be reached from 1-5 north at the Ardath Rd. exit or from 1-5 south at the La Jolla Village Dr. exit. Area code is 858 unless noted.

September is mild and breezy: Daytime temperatures are in the 70s, and nights are cool enough that you'll welcome a light jacket or sweater. Ocean temperatures should still be in the high 60s or low 70s. For travel information, visit or call the La Jolla Town Council office at 7734 Herschel Ave., Suite F; 454-1444 Mon-Fri.

Attractions

Birch Aquarium at Scripps. The aquarium opened in 1903, then moved in 1992 to a major new hilltop facility with a spectacular view. 9-5 daily; $8.50, $5 ages 3-17, parking $3. 2300 Expedition Way (off N. Torrey Pines Rd.); 534-3474. Coast Walk. Walking trail begins near the entrance to Sunny Jim Cave (described at right), then wanders northward to the clifftops. The 1/4-mile one-way trip offers the best views of La Jolla Bay.

Kayaking and scuba diving. Several outfitters rent gear for use at La Jolla Shores. Closest to the beach is O.E. Express, where kayaks start at $25 for two hours and half-day rental of a mask and snorkel costs $10. 2158 Avenida de la Playa; 454-6155.

La Jolla Playhouse. Tony award-winning theater runs The Cosmonaut's Last Message... through September 3; Thoroughly Modern Millie (a musical comedy) opens October 3. From $34. 2910 La Jolla village Dn at Torrey Pines Rd.; 550-1010.

Mt. Soledad. At about 800 feet in elevation, the summit is one of San Diego's best view points. From La Jolla Blvd., take Nautilus St. to La Jolla Scenic Dr. S. Go left to the entrance of Soledad Natural Park and continue to the memorial cross at the summit.

Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego. The museum will close for an exhibit change between September 5 and 24, when a show featuring 16 contemporary Latin American artists opens. 11-5 Mon-Tue, Fri-Sun; 11-8 Thu; $4. 700 Prospect St.; 454-3541.

Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Architect Louis Kahn's masterwork is open for free guided tours. Call for reservations. 11 and 12 Mon-Fri. 10010 N. Torrey Pines Rd.; 453-4100.

Snorkeling. Judith Garfield's field guides to La Jolla Cove and to La Jolla Shores and its submarine canyon (La Jolla, Picaro Publishing, 2000; $19.95) are available in bookstores or at www.judith.garfield.org.

Stuart Collection at UCSD. For a guide to the outdoor sculptures, enter at Gilman Dr. (off La Jolla Village Dr.) and stop at the information kiosk for a brochure. 534-2117.

Sunny Jim Cave (La Jolla Cave).

This natural sea cave is accessible via a tunnel dug in 1902. Coffee and tea sold at entrance. 9-5 daily; $2, $1 ages 16 and under. 1325 Coast Blvd.; 459-0746.

Torrey Pines Gliderport. Great close-up views of hang gliders and paragliders cruising the updraft above the beach. Tandem flights cost $125 per half hour; the best flying times are usually in the afternoon. Call Air California Adventure for conditions before you go. End of Torrey Pines Scenic Dr. behind Salk Institute; 452 -9858.