Sinking one's feet into the downy, almost spongy sand and gazing across the ambiguous ocean of La Jolla Beach with its constant milky waves rushing to the shore is in itself a curative experience. Lying along the Pacific Ocean, and famous for its serrated cliffs and for its finest weather in the world, La Jolla is an ideal destination both for visiting and for settling down.
The Name La Jolla and Short History
Although the true meaning or origin of the name La Jolla has not been established, the word La Jolla spelled in Spanish (La Hoya) means “The Jewel” which justifies the amazing sea side cliffs and the La Jolla Cove. Some historians argue that the name refers to an Indian term ‘Woholle’ or ‘hole in the mountains’ – referring to the sea caves.
Early settlers of La Jolla are believed to have been Native Americans based on Archaeologists’ discoveries of stone utensils and Indian mutates along the shores of La Jolla.
Although the lands of La Jolla became part of San Diego in 1850, it was twenty-years later that permanent settlers inhabited this land. It began when brothers Daniel and Samuel Sizer bought 80 acres of land at $1.25 per acre. But the first person who was responsible in developing La Jolla was Frank Terrill Botsford who sought investors and subdivided the property before auctioning off pieces of its land. He was later known as “The Father of La Jolla”.
The town of La Jolla grew and with the railroad extending into La Jolla in the 1890’s, the town flourished. Real estate prospered during the same time and enabled successful constructions of resorts and hotels to promote tourism. In 1893 La Jolla Park Hotel was opened, and soon followed by other holiday resorts.
Visiting La Jolla
La Jolla’s uniqueness lies in its endless stretch of beaches along the coast of California that’s magical haven for surfers, beachcombers, swimmers, divers and gliders.
La Jolla Cove, which is a small beach hidden among rough cliffs is a magical place on its own. Not far from the main central area of La Jolla, the cove is great for kayaking on a calm day or for snorkelling and scuba diving or for simply packing a picnic basket and basking under the summery California sun.
The Children’s Pool or the Casa is also a popular place not only for scuba divers but also for seals and sea lions. This is a tiny beach surrounded by seawalls. Once a swimming area for children, this place is now populated by seals and sea lions, especially during high tide, when the Sea Rock (where the seals assemble during low tide) is waterlogged.
La Jolla Shores, off Torrey Pine Roads, is a great place to walk in the evening with the sunset as the backdrop and provides a safe play area for children.
The world known golf course - Torrey Pine Roads Golf Course -situated on the cliffs soaring above the Pacific Ocean with its magnificent view of the beaches and ravines is a perfect place for golf lovers.
Living in La Jolla
La Jolla with its beautiful natural sceneries, the sunshine, the well known university – University Of San Diego, and the varieties of restaurants is a great place to live.
La Jolla’s economy is boosted by tourism and the University. La Jolla is also famous for other institutions such as Museum of Contemporary Arts, Biotechnological Calenda, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, The Salk Institute, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, The Scripps Research Institute, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, La Jolla Underwater Park, San Diego Supercomputer Center and Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies which provide good job opportunities for the surrounding community.
La Jolla is one of the must see tourist destinations in San Diego, California not only for its year around good weather and wonderful sandy beaches, but also for its fine restaurants, art galleries and renowned institutions. And with apartments and houses overlooking the endless ocean and luscious green scenery, La Jolla offers an ideal and unique living ambiance for anyone interested.
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