Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial

La Jolla is known for it's stunning views, but many visitors never get the fantastic view that is offered from the peak of Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial.  Going through various winding roads of La Jolla, you'll find your way to his memorial at 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South.  As soon as you get out of your car and take in some fresh air, you'll just stare out towards the ocean.  Words cannot really describe the beauty seen here, but hopefully our photo below will help, although seeing it in person is much more breathtaking.

Of course at the memorial, there is more than just the views.  This memorial honors those veterans who have served our country throughout the years.  Plaques with engravings of the soldiers line this memorial and standing there makes you proud of our veterans.  There is also a giant cross at the top that adds a bit more presence to the overall memorial.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla

 Nine minutes outside of main part of La Jolla is the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. The aquarium is set up in two parts. The one half is a standard aquarium with different types of fish and marine life. The outdoor exhibit includes a shark tank with multiple varieties of small sharks.

The most impressive part is the sea horse exhibit, “There’s Something About Seahorses.” The aquarium has more than a dozen seahorse species as well as seahorse kin, including the very interesting looking sea dragon.

They also are the home of a sea horse nursery. Multiple breeds of baby seahorses are in the nursery on exhibit.

From the overlook terrace of the aquarium, it is an ideal location to relax, take in some sun and do some winter whale watching while the gray whale is in their winter migration to bear their calves in the waters of Baja, Mexico. Watch for their blow or for a tail, known as a fluke.

Birch Aquarium is run by Scripps Institution of Oceanography who also run a Winter Whale Watching cruise from San Diego’s harbor. See gray whales up close between December and April during their winter migration.

Art Galleries, Eateries, Shopping and Sea Lions in La Jolla

The town of La Jolla is an ideal shopping and art getaway for any traveler visiting San Diego. Shops and art galleries line Prospect St. through the main part of the town. High-end shopping, lovely restaurants with remarkable views of the Pacific, kitschy tourist gift shops and art galleries big and small can be found in the main town.

Travel down to 700 Prospect St. to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). There are also two locations of MCA in downtown San Diego. However, when the La Jolla branch is changing installations, they close the museum, so check the website before planning a special trip. That said, the walk to the museum is a beautiful walk that takes you just past the main street.

On the walk back to the center of town, stop and enjoy the smaller art galleries along Prospect St. and stop for lunch at George’s at the Cove’s ocean terrace for a meal over looking the Pacific.

Head down Jenner St. from Prospect St. and make and left onto Coast Blvd. to the beach called the Children’s Pool.


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The walk to the beach is a gorgeous walk, so definitely bring your camera. At the end, you’ll want to peer over the short wall, as there is typically sea lions found on or near the beach during the fall, winter and spring months.

Sea lions are wild animals and may not be disturbed and are fully protected by Federal law.

There are stairs that you can head down to the beach with the sea lions, however, there is a barrier to stay behind.

Afterwards, head back up the stairs and onto the seawall, which will give you a more aerial view of the sea lions. Make sure to look to the left and into the waters as you walk down the wall, as there are sometimes sea lions swimming around. Then head up to the end for a closer peek at the ones on the beach.

Great Views, Great Food at George's at the Cove

 For visitors of La Jolla, getting a table at George’s at the Cove overlooking the Pacific is a great spot for lunch or dinner. The rooftop ocean terrace offers a full lunch and dinner menu featuring casual bistro favorites such as sandwiches, burgers, and salads. There is also an extensive bar menu to choose from, including local wines and mixed drinks.

Reservations can be made online on their website, but walk-ins are always welcome. We got there for an early lunch and there were plenty of open tables. However, by noon, most of the tables filled up and the terrace bar was the only available option for those without reservations.

If you get there and all of the tables along the side of the terrace are occupied, ask for one of the elevated tables near the kitchen. From there you can see over everyone out to the water.

George’s at the Cove is located at 1250 Prospect St. in La Jolla.