Past all of La Jolla’s ritzy homes, hotels, and well known restaurants, lies Windansea Beach. Down the hill, this beach is flanked by surfers and sunbathers on hot summer days. With sandstone cliffs, a sandy beach, and amazing surf breaks, Windansea Beach has been a popular surfing haunt as far back as the 1940s and a gathering spot of the Windansea Surf Club since the 1960s.

The shack on the beach that was built by surfers during World War 2 is now a San Diego Historic site. The beach is also great for body surfing and snorkeling. The north end of Windansea is fairly rocky, with the south being sandier, great for walking along the edge of the water. You can also enjoy a picnic in the grass next to the beach and bask in the splendid views of the Pacific Ocean.

At Windansea Beach, there are no restrooms. During the summer months, lifeguards are stationed all along the beach, even in some weekends of fall and spring. There are separate swim and surf zones at the beach, with no wheelchair access. When you visit, you can park on the street or try the tiny single lot near the beach.

Getting to the beach
You can find Windansea around 6800 Neptune Place. From the north, follow I-5 south to the Genesee Avenue exit then head west. Turn left on Torrey Pines Road and follow the road into downtown La Jolla. Turn left on Girad Avenue then take a right on Pearl Street. Take a left onto La Jolla Boulevard then make the right on Nautilus Street and your there.

From the south, follow I-5 north to the Ardath Road exit, Ardath Road will become Torrey Pines Road. Take a left from Torrey Pines Road onto Girad Avenue. Make a right onto Pearl Street then take a left onto La Jolla Boulevard. Take the next right on Nautilus Street and your there.

Windansea is possibly one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California – and a great place for romantic strolls at sunset. Parents should use caution with small children at the beach, as the surf often breaks directly onto the shore with a lot of intimidating power.

If you plan to visit the Windansea Beach, you should make sure you get there early. As with most beaches in San Diego, getting there early will help you get the best parking and more privacy when the crowds start to arrive. Windansea is a very amazing beach, and worth your time on hot summer days. Windansea is possibly one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Translated, La Jolla means “the jewel”, which is an apt name for a splendid and beautiful town full of blue water. One of California’s best oceanside towns, La Jolla is also home to many of the best beaches in the state.

When you visit, you’ll notice that there are many things to do. If you’re looking for something to do, here are 5 great things to occupy your time:
1. Beaches – When you hear that San Diego has great beaches, it’s the truth. La Jolla Cave, La Jolla Shores, and Windansea are the best in San Diego, and possibly even the state.
2. Birch Aquarium – Although it’s a small aquarium, it’s packed with a lot of interesting stuff and best of all – it won’t wear you out.
3. La Jolla Playhouse – This theater company is highly known around the world.
4. Walking tour – Hike Bike Kayak will offer you a splendid one hour tour that focuses on the beauty and splendor of the La Jolla Coast and the history of the city.
5. Kayaking – The Hike Bike Kayak company also offers a tour of the La Jolla sea caves, with no experience required.

A weekend trip to La Jolla is an excellent time to enjoy a leisurely brunch. The Cottage serves great cuisine in a beach bungalow atmosphere, while the Marine Room at the Sea Lodge was voted the best Sunday brunch in the area several times in a row. If you’re looking for a simple breakfast, with great views and few tourists, follow Coast Blvd. to the Goldfish Point Cafe.

For a getaway for the weekend, La Jolla is a hard place to beat. There’s plenty to do here, with the beaches in the summer. If you visit on hot days, you’ll spend a majority of your time on the beaches – and loving every minute of it. For a getaway for the weekend, La Jolla is a hard place to beat.

Popularity: 4% [?]

For over 75 years, the Gliderport in Torrey Pines has been the learning place for aviation greats such as the Lindbergh’s, Boyles, and many other greats. First established as a soaring site in 1928, the Gliderport has defined the world of motor less flight. Today, the Gliderport is home to hang gliding, paragliding, scale models, and even sailplane flight.

The Gliderport also provides quality, instruction, certification, tandem flights, equipment sales, adventure tours, repair services, and even year round flying conditions. From the first day of instruction to master pilot and instructor certifications, the Torrey Pines Gliderport can support all of your needs with flying.

If you’ve ever wanted to pursue a career in flying, the Torrey Pines Gliderport can help you achieve that very goal. You can learn everything you’ve ever wanted to learn about flying, as well as get your license or certificate. There are many types of flying you can learn, even if you have no prior experience.

The Gliderport also operates the most successful paragliding school in North America. Their team of highly trained instructors and support staff ensure that their students receive the highest level of flight training available.

Depending on your skills, they offer classes from beginner to advanced. They also offer a wide range of special clinics and classes for pilots of all levels to upgrade their knowledge and skills.

With plenty to do nearby, the Gliderport is a great place for your learning. If you plan to travel to La Jolla for the Gliderport, you can rest assured that there will be plenty to do with your free time.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to fly, the Torrey Pines Gliderport is where you need to be. The costs are very reasonable and the Gliderport is in an excellent location. All you need to do is check them out – and let your journey begin. The Gliderport has defined the world of motor less flight.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Smaller and more intimate than other aquariums, the Birch Aquarium is one place where you can get close to all of the animals, and still take your time to simply enjoy being there.

Due to its intimacy, adults and children alike are energized by the aquarium. You can watch an octopus flow up and down the glass, or watch a jellyfish move slowly through the water. This is an excellent thrill, for everyone in your family.

The most popular exhibit at the Birch Aquarium is the sea horse exhibit. It offers many different species, from the tiny miniature sea horses that are under an inch tall, to the taller and more amazing sea dragons.

The many interactive exhibits at the aquarium will help you lean the history of oceanography. By taking a simulated trip in a deep water submersible, you’ll learn the wonders and oddities of the deep ocean, even though it may move a bit too slow for smaller children. Children of all ages enjoy the exhibits that illustrate how the ocean products appear in every day items.

If you are planning to take pictures of the exhibits, be aware of the glass and the reflections. If you can, move in close (around a foot away) and set your flash to a 45 degree angle. Make sure that you don’t get too wrapped up in taking photo’s inside the aquarium – as you may end up missing the show going on outside.

If you are visiting La Jolla as a vacation or if you live there, the Birch Aquarium is worth a visit. There are some amazing exhibits here, with something for everyone. You can spend hours and hours here, making it one place you shouldn’t hesitate to check out. The most popular exhibit at the Birch Aquarium is the sea horse exhibit.

Popularity: 5% [?]