As we approach Memorial Weekend and the start of the true “travel season” we’re looking at some terrific destinations within driving distance of LA – and it’s only fitting to start our vacation spots with one close to home: San Diego.
San Diego of course isn’t just one place, it’s a group of wonderful spots to visit, each with its own character, from the vibrant heart of downtown to the elegant rocky beaches and coves of La Jolla.
La Jolla is a great place to begin – or stay, and the lush Pantai Inn is the perfect spot to stay in. With a tranquil, coral-lined courtyard blossoming with plumeria and hibiscus, dotted with Balinese statuary, we felt as if we were entering a romantic, far-away world.
Sure, we were aware of the oceanfront setting that was clearly the iconic rock formations along La Jolla Cove just across the street, but the South Pacific vibe takes you to a location somewhere further away and more tropical.
Polynesian print fabric, Balinese-inspired decor, gorgeous water features, stunning design touches, and a calm, laid-back vibe create an atmosphere that’s dream-like.
Perfect as a romantic getaway or for families, Pantai Inn is a series of recreated, restored cottages and suites in a compact and luxurious garden setting. Once rented to vacationing celebrities, properties range from construction in the 1890s to the 1930s, their lovely differences smoothed out into unique ocean-view studios, one-bedroom cottages, and 3-bedroom suites.
A mix of natural beauty, elegance, and extremely friendly guest service makes this an ideal spot for a relaxing vacation.
Our suite included a glass enclosed sunroom that we honestly hated to leave; it was perfect to watch the sunset, have a glass of wine, or drink morning coffee.
We also had a full kitchen, so perfectly equipped that we had dinner in one night, including simply beautiful hotel-made pastries.
While we could’ve taken the resort’s complimentary breakfast buffet to our room, we opted instead to dine al fresco, even on foggy mornings.
Chef-made entrees included a frittata one day, a quiche another, along with fresh fruit, organic eggs, delicious house-made organic breads and pastries. No meals are served beyond breakfast, but a major thumbs up to the house-made cookies, different and delicate each day, offered along with coffee and tea in the lobby. We enjoyed these snacks at night in front of the relaxing outdoor fire pit.
Another perk: complimentary membership at the La Jolla Sports Club, a few blocks away. Like all of La Jolla, the Sports Club is easily walkable, and it was a true pleasure to get up, walk up the hilly street to the clean and pretty gym, passing flower beds and quaint cottages; the return downhill with a view of the ocean to the chef’s breakfast of the day.
We spent a terrific day exploring the Birch Aquarium at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, which is honestly my favorite aquarium in the state.
The well-curated space that invites lingering and exploration. There’s Something About Seahorses features over a dozen seahorse species and their relatives, and it’s a really magical look at these creatures. Jellies, regional fish, exotic fish – they’re all here.
We were very literally enthralled by the Infinity Cube, created by London-based artist Iyvone Khoo with Scripps Institution of Oceanography marine biologist Michael Latz to more fully comprehend the role of bioluminescence — light produced by living organisms — in the sea. Filmed footage shows the reaction of these beings to stimulation such as the human heartbeat, music, water flow, and air pressure.
Another day, we took in the La Jolla Map & Atlas Museum, a fascinating privately owned collection of maps both old and new that offer a unique view of the world. Founder Michael R. Stone includes sea charts and village maps, and even the first woodcut map in the world. We’d expected something dry, but instead found a true treasure trove of history and geography.
Strolling through town, we also found The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library (below) a non-profit membership library with a stellar collection of musical scores, and a small, smart gallery space with interesting rotating art exhibitions in an historic setting: the building dates from 1899.
And of course: there’s the beach; the tide pools; the many-staired visit into the sea cave of Sunny Jim, all perfect for exploring and strolling even on cloudy days.
Stay travel tuned: upcoming in the San Diego area are Oceanside and Carlsbad.
- Genie Davis; photos: Jack Burke & Genie Davis