La Jolla/San Diego

Prospect Avenue in La Jolla is the main street that goes through a popular area of many points of interest. There is a lot of great restaurants, shopping, night spots, and a great beach.

Many of the restaurants and night spots on Prospect Avenue have views of the Pacific Ocean and La Jolla Cove.

Colorful tile mosaics are very popular in this area, whether on buildings, fountains, or statues, including the beauty that greets you at the airport of a lady holding a ball over her head while standing/riding on a dolphin.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

If you are not staying in the area around Prospect Avenue in La Jolla, parking can test your patience, but you should be able to find street parking within 2-3 blocks of Prospect.

As the name implies, Embassy Suites is an all-suites hotel, which is always nicer than a normal hotel room, since it adds a living/dining room that is separate from sleeping quarters. They also provide a microwave and refrigerator, but who needs them with so many great restaurants in La Jolla? (see other journal entries)

Embassy Suites has a format I really like. They use the entire ground floor as common area, including the lobby and check-in, several meeting/conference facilties, a business center (with PCs, printer, fax, etc), a gift shop, indoor pool, fitness center, bar, restaurant, ATM, and most notably, an open atrium (all the noise is on the ground floor).

The atrium contains plants, ponds (with large fish), fountains, a huge Christmas tree, and seating for the complementary breakfast, and complementary evening reception (drinks).

Beyond the ground floor, there are 4 glass elevators facing the attractive atrium to take you to the other 12 floors.

Outside, parking ($9/day) is in a multi-level parking garage, that has narrow aisles and small spaces. However, I was pleased overall with my stay here. Several weeks following my stay, Embassy Suites sent me an extensive survey form, so they must care about repeat business.

Our room was very comfortable, with coastal decor, using lots of tile and colors. The beds and all furniture were comfortable, soft, natural fabrics. We opted for an ocean view room on the 6th floor and were pleased.

We had a nice balcony with nice sliding wood shutters that let in as much or as little light as we wanted.

The hotels location is less than a mile to La Jolla village and all its shops and restaurants, and even closer to the beach. They offer complementary shuttle service, but we did not try it.

We counted on seeing live jazz one evening on the 11th floor in Elario's Bistro and Lounge, but since our young daughter was with us, we had to set in the restaurant. In it, we saw that they have a contemporary open kitchen, and friendly, helpful service.

Although we did not eat, Elario's is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and also provides room service.

Their breakfast menu ($6-$13) has many combinations of eggs, breads, meats, and waffles. A la carte items are also available. The brunch and lunch menus ($5-$13) contains breakfast and lunch items including fruit, soup, and sandwiches. The dinner menu ($15-$33) is ambitious with pastas, chicken entrees, lamb, steaks, and seafood including shrimp, tuna, and salmon.

Each morning and evening, complementary fresh fruit is available in the hotel lobby.

The only drawback for this property is that it is on a busy street and there is lots of traffic noise.

The triangular shape of the building made it a little confusing to get around, but not too bad. They have lots of meeting rooms on the ground floor, and appear to have one on every floor.

The rooms in this property either face San Diego Bay or San Diego harbor and a nice marina. The hotel has direct access and walkways to the large adjacent marinas.

Our room was nice-sized and had a small balcony with a table and chairs facing the harbor and marina. The common areas had ornate tile work and were nicely decorated.

We visited the bar for drinks and light food. The bar and restaurant are nice. They are separated by large salt-water aquariums that were very nice and well-maintained.

Overall, this is a nice property; the service is okay; but attention to detail is lacking on little things you expect from Hilton, such as missing a newspaper one morning, missing sugar for the coffeemaker one morning, and no shampoo one morning.

Pictures attempt to show the very narrow Harbor Island peninsula, with harbor and marina to one side and San Diego Bay to the other.

As such, it is enormously popular. On a recent Tuesday night at 8pm, the place was packed. They have a large bar in the middle of the restaurant, but it was also packed, and I had my heart set on sitting at a table to eat. So, I was placed on a waiting list 40-45 minutes long.

After about 20 minutes of walking around the bar, I found an opening in the crowd, and managed to order a draft beer. I found an empty bench in the lobby to relax for the remainder of my wait, during which I started to appreciate the decor with Asian murals and sculptures, that have some deep meaning explained on the menu.

They have large, round, flat lights that provide the night-time light, in addition to lots of tract lighting. They use lots of stone on the floors and walls, and have a huge glass front door (very comtemporary and cool).

They have an open kitchen, and a separate small dining area that is probably available for private parties/dinners. They have an outdoor patio area with space heaters that had many takers on a cool December night.

When I finally got seated, there were several other empty tables, so I felt that they took longer than needed to seat me. However, I got over it quickly.

Their wine list has over 60 wines available by the glass ($5-15) and by the bottle ($19-60). Appetizers ($4-8) included spring rolls, dumplings, spare ribs, and other goodies. Soups ($3-5) offered were hot/sour and wonton. They also had a selection of 6 salads ($5-10). They also have over 40 entrees ($6-13) including beef, pork, chicken, seafood, and rice/noodle dishes. Sides of vegetables ($5-7) are also available.

After my long wait for a table, I was starving. I started with wonton soup (which was great) with pork wontons, chicken, shrimp, and mushrooms in a piping hot chicken broth.

Then, I ordered Chang's Spicy Chicken (served with steamed rice), and a side of Szechwan Asparagus. I thoroughly enjoyed the spicy asparagus dish. It was as large as an entree itself. The Chang's Spicy Chicken wasn't what I expected. It was chucks of chicken coated with spicy/szechwan sauce. I thought I was getting a stir-fried dish with other vegetables.

Go with a group, and share many different dishes.

Bollicine is in the heart of La Jolla's very cool shopping and entertainment area at Prospect and Girard Streets. They have an ocean view that is very nice.

Bollicine is upstairs from other shops. The friendly hostess waiting downstairs and outside made a good first impression, and the lights and bubbles a nice second impression.

Bollicine is on multiple levels of an old house/building. The first level is a bar/patio, but done nicely to eat in with nice tile floor, canopy, space heaters, and panoramic view of Prospect and Girard. It even has a window into an adjacent art gallery, that we enjoyed from our table. The second level has a bar with seating, a couple of small tables, and the kitchen. The third level is the main dining area, rest rooms, and more bubbles. The rest room was clean, no odor, and had soap and towels available.

Their menu varies widely, and includes Appetizers ($7-9); salads and soups ($3-9); Sandwiches and Pizza ($7-10); and Entrees ($9-24).

Sitting down, the NICE linen napkins were an unusual treat, even though I don't usually pay much attention to them. I was promptly brought warm bread and olive oil. I got started with a "local lager" which had a full crisp taste like other micro brews.

On each of my visits, I have ordered Spaghetti Bolognese (not very adventurous, but fantastic). Salads are very good with whole leafs of different types of greenery in a vinegarette, with a wedge of tomato and a slice of cumcumber large enough to cool the spice of the vinegarette.

The spaghetti was awesome. Meat sauce was definitely home made and seasoned just right, with lots of groung meat (not meatballs). My guest had Pasta Bollicine, which is a chicken and brocoli pasta.

Cool location, good service, good food, nice atmosphere. Very Nice.

Inside, the decor is stone walls, tile floors, and wood beams and trim. The top of the bar is made of pink onyx that is lit from underneath creating a terrific effect.

The menu is Mediterranean inspired, and changes daily. There is a bistro menu available at the bar and the patio that offers appetizers ($3-7), Pizzas ($9), and salads and sandwiches ($9-10).

The dinner menu has 10 different appetizers ($8-17) from cheese, to scallops, to prawns. Entrees ($23-29) include pork chop, lamb, steak, chicken, tuna, salmon, and more. Soup and Salads ($6-7) are also available.

Although I have visited Azul several times, it has always been after dinner and only for drinks. However, their menu and food looks great and I look forward to returning.

Very impressive atmosphere, menu, and friendly, competent service. Don't miss.

The service is friendly, and the food and drinks are good.

We were seated indoors after a 5-10 minute wait, and served chips and salsa that were great. Then we ordered drinks. They have margarita glasses that are huge. They aren't as deep as some, but are wider than any I have seen (bigger than your face, so use a straw), so the drinks were pretty novel.

Casa de Pico has a large menu. They have several Chef's Favorites ($8-$10) that included fajitas, and special burritos and enchiladas; They have an impressive health-conscious (if you like that) menu ($3-$9) of soups, vegetarian dishes, and other low-fat dishes, that even includes an analysis of calories, fat, cholesterol, and sodium; A large menu of Specialities ($7-$15) includes a wide range of enchiladas, burritos, flautas, and tacos, or combinations of them; They even have a breakfast menu ($6-$7), and a large selection of side orders.

I had the Guacamole Enchiladas with beef added. It included 2 enchiladas stuffed with cheese, guacamole and beef, and sides of refied beans and rice. It was good. My guest had the Chicken Fajita Salad, which was large and served in a fried tortilla bowl. I heard no complaints, but much of it was left behind.

Casa de Pico is a popular and lively place that is worth a visit, even if it is a bit touristy. Get there early on weekends, or go for lunch to miss the crowds.

You can't miss it...it is right across the street from Horton Plaza'a parking entrance, and they have the large bold unmistakable logo sign out front (it is also around the corner from Croce's bars).

Inside, this Hard Rock Cafe has the familiar wood and brass decor and rock memorabilia like their other restaurants, but this location has many unique qualities.

It is located in a historic building that was formerly the old Golden Lion Pub. As soon as you walk inside, there is a huge complete drum kit, that was used by the rock group KISS. There is also a black Harley Davidson motorcycle (of unknown significance) built on a stand that is out of reach from patrons.

Most notably, they have a beautiful and colorful leaded glass dome (containing a clock) that is over the bar.

My family and I had a nice lunch here. They do not appear to have separate lunch and dinner menus. They have salads ($6-$9), burgers ($7-$9), specialty entrees ($10-18), and ribs and sandwiches ($8-$15). They also have full bar, but we did not partake since it was early lunch.

On a cool wet day, I started with Tomato Basil soup, and my wife with French Onion soup...both were good. After that I had a french dip with french fries, and my wife had a tuna melt sandwich special. Both were fine. The macaroni and cheese on the kids menu is a favorite of our young daughter at all Hard Rock locations.

They have outdoor seating among loose wood boards and plastic chairs. Inside, the decor is dated and tacky. It is out of the 1970's.

They have a large menu. Appetizers ($3-10) include quesadillas, flautas, nachos, and largeer combination platters. They have many house specialty platters and combination plates ($8-$20). You can also buy soups, salads, and a la carte tacos and other items.

They have a full bar, with many specialty drinks ($6-$7), premium tequilas, and beer and wine.

We were seated promptly and served chips and salsa. Chips were thicker and crunchier than normal. Margaritas were fine. For dinner, I had beef fajitas with sides of rice, beans and guacamole. The fajitas were okay, but served like a stew (choice of red or green sauce) for some reason. My guest had fish tacos that were served with fried fish filets in each taco, instead of baked chunks of fish.

I did not notice another Mexican restaurant in the area of this one. I think that any decent Mexican restaurant could easily succeed in this area at the expense of Alfonso's.

I have visited The Spot both for food and for drinks. The decor is clubby, with lots of wood and nautical motive typical of La Jolla. The service is very friendly, as is the clientele. During my visits, they gave patrons complementary BBQ chicken pieces.

In the dining area, they have a gas fireplace, that felt great on a cool wet night. They have a large wine list, and many draft and bottled beers. Their menu is basic but hearty. They have a dozen cuts of steak ($16-29); Salads ($9); Burgers ($8-10); Sandwiches ($8-12); BBQ ribs and chicken ($13-20); and Pizza ($11-18).

I had a rib-eye steak (perfect medium-rare as ordered), with baked potato and steamed veggies. My guest had grilled swordfish that was excellent. They brand their fish and hamburgers with an iron that looks like The Spot logo....a neat effect. A good place for friendly people, and casual no-nonsense fare.

I listed the Hard Rock Cafe as a bar/pub since I did not eat this visit. Rather, I had a drink and bought the usual logo souvenir.

This Hard Rock location (there are others in downtown San Diego and Tijuana that I did not visit) has a different floor plan/layout than other HRC's I have been to. This one has only one level, and the floor is more open, without dividers and partitions.

Other than that, the decor and rock memorabilia are the same (except no Cadillac body parts) as other HRC locations.

The menu and service were the same as other locations.

There are 15 (or so) shops in Bazaar del Mundo that have pottery, dinnerware, fabrics, books, confections, and arts and crafts....mostly from Latin American countries. From inside each shop, you can generally access the shop next door without going outside. However, going outside in the rain is not a problem, since the walkways facing the attractive courtyard are covered.

There are several Mexican restaurants and one Italian restaurant in Bazaar del Mundo. Casa de Pico (see journal entry) stands out from these.

My wife liked Bazaar del Mundo so much that we visited here twice. In these visits, we learned that it is best to visit during weekdays, or for lunch, because it is enormously popular (crowded) on weekends. On weekend evenings the place comes alive with live music, colorful fiesta costumes, night-time fiesta lights, and a very festive environment. There are free parking lots in the surrounding area, but on weekends, parking is scarce.

Right outside of the main entrance is a small park with grass, benches, a cannon, and HUGE trees.

Seven buildings, including six homes and San Diego's first synagogue were moved to this park to avoid destruction resulting from San Diego's downtown expansion. The buildings were originally constructed between 1887 and 1896.

Heritage Park is situated as a brick cul-de-sac street, with the buildings facing the street on large lots, and the street is well landscaped with trees, bushes, and flowers.

The local government operates this park and leases these buildings to operating business, including a Bed and Breakfast, Wedding Planner, and Gift Shops.

Heritage Park is a quiet and nice place to visit.

We found it by accident, and spontaneously decided to go in. I'm glad we did. It had been raining, and some quality indoor activity was just what we needed. It is in La Jolla, very close to Hotel La Jolla (see journal entry).

Birch Aquarium has nice grounds, with attractive fountains with whale statues out front, and a vintage oceanographic submarine on display in the parking area.

In the lobby, they have fish and sharks on permanent display, and photo contest winners on the walls. There is a central information desk with useful brochures of the aquarium, museum, and area snorkeling and whale-watching tours.

Outdoors, in the rear of the Aquarium, there is a living tidepool containing indigenous marine and plant life. A naturalist from the Aquarium performs demonstrations and feedings several time a day. There is a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean.

We went into the Aquarium first. The Aquarium has several dozen aquariums (all mounted in walls) from small tanks for personal viewing, to the awesome showcase floor-to-ceiling 70,000 gallon tank with auditorium-style seating for many people.

The Aquarium is situated like a continuous hallway, curving around and providing surprise after surprise of all kinds of fish, sharks, coral, and other plant life. Some of the tanks have fish and coral that are amazing in color. There are also very simple tanks that are also spectacular. For example, they have several tanks in darkened hallways with simple white lights, that have plain white species of Jellyfish to great effect.

Following our walk through the Aquarium, we visited the Outdoor tidepool, since there was a demonstration and feeding in progress. The tidepool has plants, lobster, and crabs, and more. The Naturalist provided explanations and other information. There is an incredible ocean view from the outdoor tidepool area.

Next, we went through the Museum. It has many interactive educational stops that are great for kids. Near the museum entrance, there is a short film available that explains the importance of water to us, and the continuous cycle of water in clouds, rain, and evaporation. There are exhibits that provide interactive easy-to-understand physics lesson demonstrations of the density of salt water, behavior of molecules when heated and cooled, earthquakes, and much more.

We ended our visit at their cool Gift Shop. It has lots of educational toys and books, and other souvenirs such as shirts, hats, and posters.

The Aquarium has an outstanding web site at http://www.aquarium.ucsd.edu/ that is well worth a look.

The Aquarium is part of The Scripps Institution of Oceanography, which also has a great web site at http://www.scripps.ucsd.edu/

This place is great. If you are remotely interested in aquatic life, don't miss Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

It has very picturesque colors and architecture. There are colored tile mosaics, walls, and flags everywhere, and walkways coming and going in all directions. They even have a clock from the 1907 World's Fair in Sacremento.

Oh, and they have great shopping too, with anchor stores like Nordstrom's, Macy's, Mervyn's, and over 100 other stores and lots of kiosk merchants.

Horton Plaza has a large parking garage, and up to 3 hours of parking is free if you buy anything (even a candy bar) in Horton Plaza. This means you can park in Horton Plaza and go shopping and sightseeing in both Horton Plaza and the Gas Lamp Quarter.

The locals probably think it is too touristy, but Horton Plaza is not to be missed! Even if you don't enjoy shopping, the colors and architecture at Horton Plaza are worth seeing.

It is a historic area of dirt roads and wooden sidewalks with many nostalgic Mission/Old West style gift shops, small museums, and Old West props such as wagons, barrels, and old signs.

I took my young daughter to Toby's Candle Company, which is an old time cabin style store with wood sidewalk and wood floor inside. She had a ball dipping the plain white candles into the crocks of colored wax. Just next door to Toby's, was an old-fashioned Candy Store called Cousin's Candy Shop, where candy was stored in barrels and Salt Water Taffy made right in the store.

We visited other gift shops, including those in the Bazaar del Mundo (see journal entry).

Old Town is very popular and crowded on weekends. If you are not prepared to deal with the crowds, make sure you come down for lunch or on a weekday. Weekends are very crowded, but very festive, lively and colorful.