Want to have some fun under the summer sun? Tired of being cooped-up? Let’s get going to explore 10 (safe) things to do for under $10
1 – Visit the Torrey Pines Glider Port and Cliffhanger Café. Can you imagine a more stunning view than being perched atop the cliffs of Torrey Pines? That is where the Cliffhanger Café is located. From this grand Pacific Ocean view or from the trails, you may see dolphins and whales. The paragliders, hang gliders and RC gliders are all launching right in front of you and it will take your breath away!
The full-service deli-cafe is open 9 AM to about 4 PM and has outdoor picnic tables for safe seating. For under $10, they serve snacks, fruit, chips, cold drinks, and coffee.
This is a very popular spot, especially on the weekends. To practice safe social distancing and find plenty of parking, go early! There’s always plenty of parking in the large dirt lot at the end of Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, where the Torrey Pines Glider Port is located.
2 – Discover The Wind Garden at UC San Diego – As part of the Stuart Collection at the UC San Diego, John Luther Adams created, “A musical composition with and within the signature landscape of the campus: the eucalyptus grove.” Like nothing you’ve experienced – everything is derived by nature, the wind, light and landscape. When you get there, look for the small loudspeakers and the accelerometers in the trees. Yes- you need to separate out the sound of traffic in the background to take in the Zen experience.
While you’re there check out the Ridgewalk Rain Garden which is just across the way. One other thing to note, the campus is essentially empty this summer (2020), so it’s a great place to bring your bikes and enjoy the endless bike-friendly paths.
It is located at the Jacobs Theater District, at the corner of La Jolla Village Drive and North Torrey Pines Road. There is a small parking lot next to the Wind Garden that has loads of free parking, for 10 minutes. For paid parking, there are parking kiosks across the street.
3 – Take a self-guided tour of La Jolla Murals There are typically 15 murals on view. Download the map here
4 – Check out the Amazing View on Mt. Soledad at the Mt. Soledad Cross – It is one of San Diego’s major landmarks – a war memorial, paying respect to those who gave their lives in military service. Enjoy the 360-degree views and gorgeous coastline to the north. It is located at the top of Mt. Soledad at 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive S. La Jolla, CA 92037.
5 – Beach and Bike it (Or lace up those walking shoes) Get out your bike and cruise from Windansea beach (located at the foot of Nautilus street). Head up Nautilus Street, cross La Jolla Blvd, go right and at the Mandarin house take a left to head up Bonair Street. When you get to the end, access the bike path and go right when on the path. After the bike path ends, plug in your GPS to return to Windansea and your coastal and off-road loop is complete!
6 – Picnic up at Scripps Institute of Oceanography (SIO) – Bring your lunch/dinner to picnic, above the beach, on the benches and picnic tables at Scripps Institute of Oceanography. If you want to people watch at a safe distance, without getting sandy, this is your perch! To sweeten the deal, first stop at the Cheese Shop and get their famous oatmeal cookies for your dessert and then walk along the beach, then head up the steps at SIO for your picnic.
7 – Visit La Jolla Open Aire Farmer’s Market – Enjoy shopping for farm fresh produce, freshly baked bread, superfoods, cookies and more. While there, pick up some yummy Indian food or food from the Mexican food truck. For under $10, check out the coffee cart. They are open Sundays, 9 to 1pm. The market is located at the end of Girard Avenue and Genter Street, at La Jolla Elementary. Visit their website lajollamarket.com
8 – Make it Game day at the Beach or Park – Let the games begin and go fly a kite! Bring your volleyball, frisbee, and or pickle/paddle ball sets to beach. For young and old alike, you can enjoy some good old-fashioned games. A nice spot is near Scripps pier at low tide.
9 -Take in the Wild Waters – For swimming, the best times are before 10am and after 5pm. For mild waves, I recommend La Jolla Shores or La Jolla Cove. They have opened La Jolla Children’s pool for summer swimming. Bring your snorkel, boogie board, surfboard or just keep it simple and a bring towel! Average ocean temperatures during July in La Jolla – 68 degrees. Can’t beat that!
10 -Try Something New – Take a GPS Audio Tour of La Jolla – On the tour, enjoy getting the La Jolla back story, taking in the beauty of the La Jolla Cove and getting a glimpse of nature, as the seals play in their natural habitat. Since pupping season just ended, you’ll see the mommas and their little ones right now (July 2020)!
I suggest starting the tour around 10 am on the weekends or 10:30 on the weekdays. Social distancing and parking will be easier. The tour begins at Eddie Vs restaurant on Prospect Street. If you like, enjoy a picnic in one of the green gazebos overlooking the ocean.
- It’s simple – Download the tour from your home/hotel before you leave.
- Here’s the link to the La Jolla Tour
- You can’t get lost on the 45-60 minute tour – GPS is guiding you
- Your phone is in your pocket – so you can enjoy the sites!
- The price is $9.99
For extra points do all 10! Enjoy them with a significant other or social distance with a friend. It’ll be a little gift for your self-care! Connect with me here or at mindy@TourFreely.com and let me know how 10 for 10 worked for you.