Weekend in La Jolla, CA | Things to do
La Jolla: a perfect weekend getaway spot
Recently my husband and I, along with some friends, went to La Jolla, CA for a two night, three day getaway. It was the perfect way to recharge our batteries after a busy start to the holiday season.
Our visit was short and we didn’t venture far but we found some great spots during our stay.
The perfect place to stay!
Want to mix luxury with cozy lodge vibes? I cannot recommend The Lodge at Torrey Pines enough. Every detail was perfect and if you can afford to splurge on a Palisades room—do it. The views are awe-inspiring, sunsets unreal and the balconies are a perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine while taking it all in.
Not to mention the Palisade rooms have fireplaces in them. Snuggling up by the fire after a romantic sunset is definitely a great way to end the day.
Some of my favorite features about The Lodge include:
The friendly staff—everyone was so kind and welcoming
The beautifully kept grounds
A great gym with two Peloton bikes
The cozy vibes of the lobby and a warm fire always ablaze.
We were there in late November so they had it all decorated for the holidays. It was so inviting and pretty. They offer a large outdoor pool and tons of outdoor seating, which in Southern Cali, can likely be used most of the year!
They also have a spa on site. The ladies I traveled with thoroughly enjoyed their time at the spa but I didn’t get the memo on making an appointment, so I missed out! Next time, that will not happen!
Places to eat around La Jolla:
The Grill at The Lodge was perfection: views of the golf course, fire pit dining areas and delicious food. I had the Harvest bowl and at least 4 people walked by inquiring about my dish. It was as good as it looked!
The Farmer and the Seahorse: I loved it so much I brought the whole group back the next day. Every bite was perfection. Six of us ate there the next day and everyone was raving about their food. I would eat here every day if I could!
Piatti: Fresh italian cuisine, homemade pasta, delicious breads, what’s not to love. I recommend getting a seat on the patio if you can. The cover of the large tree decorated in lights definitely adds to the ambience. They have a great wine list and cocktails to choose from. We loved the mushroom bruschetta and our pasta dishes.
City Tacos: our most casual stop but the tacos were so good and incredible combinations to choose from. They come out family style so remember what you ordered. They staff will tell you which ones they are—from pork to chicken to shrimp or fish, you can find something to suit every palette and the toppings are big step up from cheese and salsa. Oh and the guac is made fresh—just writing about it makes me crave them all over again. They have many locations in the area.
Stone Brewing: located in Liberty Station, this place is huge, in fact it’s the largest restaurant in Southern California. Their staff has been dramatically reduced due to the pandemic but they are making it work. Everyone was friendly, helpful and responsive.
Though the place is huge, they make you feel right at home. Craft beers, kombuchas and an impressive menu, if we had more time, we would have stayed a while. The outdoor seating area is beautiful! Koi ponds, water features and garden areas—it’s the perfect setting for a day with friends.
Want to enjoy the perfect SoCal weather?
Walking distance from The Lodge is Torrey Pines State Reserve and everywhere you look, the views are stunning. There are many trails to choose from and one for all levels. Hike to the beach, wander the loop trails or watch hang-gliders take flight. This spot makes you forget you are just outside San Diego.
I was warned that Black Beach is the nude beach in the area, so prepare yourself if you walk that way!
The trails were definitely full with hikers but I would not call it crowded. Everyone was friendly and you saw people of all ages. This felt like a very safe place to walk and I would be comfortable doing it by myself.
Do note that parking can be a challenge. There is paid parking in certain areas but it can fill up fast. Be sure to watch for signs about where you can and cannot park. You don’t want to come back to a ticket!
Looking for a mix of it all?
Head to downtown La Jolla for a vast selection of restaurants, shopping, coffee shops and more and of course views of the cliffs that LaJolla is so known for. Here is a link for all things La Jolla to help you in your planning!
George’s came highly recommended to us for drinks or dinner. We didn’t have enough time to check it out but I did learn you will want a reservation regardless of when you go. Combine their excellent reputation with the views from the restaurant, it’s popular all day, every day.
Another great spot to visit is Liberty Station. A fun mix of restaurants, shopping and breweries to enjoy an afternoon.
Weekend getaways can be so fun.
Just enough time to escape and unwind but not get so far behind that you are stressed coming back. La Jolla is the perfect place to escape to. Just outside San Diego and a 15 min car ride from the airport, you can be in full relaxation mode in an hour of landing at the airport.
If you’ve been to LaJolla, drop your suggestions below. I have full intentions of going back and would love to add more places to my list!
A thank you before I go…
A big thank you to my friend Laura for sharing so many suggestions during our stay and being the best host for breakfast and our hike. Laura has an awesome blog Travel 80 by 80, all about International family travel. Be sure to check it out for more travel inspiration!
Celebrate weekends, Explore La Jolla!
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