All About La Jolla

Attracting tourists from all over the world, La
Jolla’s community is one that combines trends with
traditional class.  Located 12 miles north from
downtown San Diego, this highly prosperous
community offers seven miles of coastline at an
elevation of 110 feet.  The land here is so desired
that it’s impossible to find property in La Jolla
for less than 1.25 million an acre!

The lucky 38,000 plus who live in this heavenly
seaside town live among Mediterranean style
architecture with a unique flair.  From the
crashing waves along the shore to the high rise
buildings in the business district, you can expect
everything in La Jolla to be first rate quality.

Business district
Even though La Jolla is mostly known for its
incredible shoreline, the city’s business district
is hardly modest to say the least.  Located to
the east in La Jolla, there are professional centers,
financial buildings, law firms, and technological
industries that dominate this district.

There are also modern shopping centers here as well,
along with a wealthy residential area.  The
world renowned Scripps Memorial Hospital & Medical
Research Center is here as well as the San Diego
Mormon Temple – a remarkable 59,000 square foot
building that resembles a large ice sculpture.

The Village
The downtown area of La Jolla offers shops, hotels,
boutiques, restaurants, coffee houses, salons,
and art galleries.  Even though this area is
rather small, the district is full of trendy
establishments that draw wealthy visitors from all
over the world. 

Girad Avenue is the main street of La Jolla, even
though Prospect Drive is known as “Rodeo Drive” in
San Diego. 

Shoreline
Although the business area and La Jolla Village are
both impressive communities, the most memorable
region in La Jolla is the areas and communities
along the Pacific shoreline. 

La Jolla offers some of the most impressive shore
lines in Southern California, with remarkable
caves, cliffs, beaches, and sunsets.  The best
view of La Jolla can be seen from the air.  Daring
visitors can take in La Jolla via the Torrey Pines
Gliderport and learn flying.  If you seek a more
tame view of the coastline, try the scenic drive
along North Torrey Pines Road.

All along the coastline, La Jolla offers you a
first rate shopping district.  You can visit
jewelry stores, art galleries, souvenir shops,
and fashionable boutiques.  Once you have been
shopping, you can complete the day by dining above
the water of the Pacific.

From the art galleries and trendy shops to the
world class golf courses, La Jolla has attractions
to please tourists from all over the world.  Each
district is unique, yet they are all similiar when
it comes to quality.  You won’t find anything short
of the best when you visit the best Southern
California has to offer.

Take a Romantic Vacation in California

If you are looking to take a romantic vacation with your loved one this year, California should definitely make it to the top of your list.  One of the things that makes California a great state is the variety in geography and cities, and it’s this variety that also makes it a prime target for vacation.

If you and your partner pampering on your romantic vacation in the Golden State, a great destination is Palm Springs.  Between spa treatments and strolling around the golf course, there’s something for everyone in Palm Springs.  If you’re looking for a quiet get-away retreat to spend time reconnecting with your spouse whilst soaking up a little California sunshine, this is a great choice as Palm Springs is located in the Mojave Desert and it rarely falls below freezing – even in winter. 

If connecting with nature is more your idea of a romantic retreat, northern California may be just the ticket.  Yosemite National Park has it all: Beautiful scenery, lavish hotels, and if you seek them out, special offers that give you the chance to enjoy it all without breaking the bank.  Whether you want to be a hiker out in the daytime wilderness with your loved one, or whether you want to snuggle together at night next to a roaring fire, Yosemite may be just what you’re looking for.   If you’re looking for a romantic winter break, northern California has great skiing to offer to both novice and expert alike.

Of course, you can’t forget the tourist destination, Disneyland.  It may not sound romantic, but if that’s the reason for your vacation, you’ll find that you’ll have relaxed quality time during the day as you wander around the park, then at night you can relive the memories of the day over a candle-lit meal at one of the restaurants in the area – and what could be more romantic than watching a fireworks display with someone you love? 

So whether your idea of a romantic vacation is wanting to relax, hike, or sightsee together, you’ll love what you find in California.

Hawaiian Vacation in the Winter

If you are thinking about planning a trip to Hawaii, you may be wondering the best time of year to visit Hawaii.  Well, anytime really.  Hawaii really doesn’t have an off season.  The winter months of January and February seem to be the rainiest, but it’s not the same kind of winter you would have in other parts of the United States. In fact the winter months may actually draw crowds during those so called rainy months.  One reason is that the waves on the northern shores of the islands are much bigger during the winter.  The North Shore of Ohau in particular is famous for those huge waves, sometimes coming in as high as thirty feet.  These are some of the largest waves in the world.

On any given day on the North shore, you can expect to see world championship surfers, particularly at Waimiea Bay.  The Banzi pipeline is another popular surfing spot for these amazing athletes.  The pipline is famous for its long tubes.  But, don’t be fooled by the lure of this gorgeous wave, the water underneath is shallow and full of coral reef.  The waves at these famous hot spots are not for beginners.  If you are just learning to surf, you should stick to the shallow waves at Wakiki Beach in Honolulu.

 Another reason for the high number of winter tourists is whale watching.  Whale watching season is generally from January to May. Whale watching is a popular activity during the winter months on the island of Maui.  You can expect to see many different species of whales, including the humpback whale.  They are typically found along the western shore of Maui.  Ma’alaea Bay in particular is a great spot to catch a glimpse of the mother and baby whales.  The shallow waters of the bay offer protection from possible shark attacks.  You can see the whales, by simply taking a stroll along the beach.  There are also many tour companies offering day trips to popular whale watching destinations.  The island of Lanai also offers some whale watching opportunities, both on and off shore.

The humpback whale is the fifth largest of the whale family of mammals. The humpback is on the endangered species list due mostly to hunting of these animals in previous years. At one time hunting humpbacks was considered a great sport and it almost forced the species into extinction.  Humpback whales can reach lengths of 45 feet and can weigh as much as 45 tons. 

Another reason that Hawaii is such a popular vacation destination during the winter months is plain geography.  Because the winter months are so cold and dreary during these months back on the mainland, visitors flock to Hawaii for a much needed respite.  What better way to escape a February snow storm than to sit on a tropical beach in paradise and sip on Mai tais.   Whatever your reason for visiting Hawaii, all of the islands are waiting and are sure to please even the most frostbitten winter visitor.

Check out more Hawaiian Vacations and Travel!

Hawaii Vacation

Hawaii- The Big Island

On the big island of Hawaii you will find diversity in the geography ranging from beaches to volcanoes.  You will find miles and miles of undeveloped land as well as bustling urban development in cities like Kailua -Kona.  Hilo, which is located on the windy side of the island, gets a lot of rainfall. This contributes to the lush green landscaping of this side of the island making Hilo an interesting sight and a must see on the list of destinations. 

Most people begin there journey on the big island in Kona.  You should plan to take a few days to relax and enjoy the nearby beaches, or perhaps go snorkeling at Kealakekuea Bay.  Next you should take some time to explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  This is a must see on the list.  The park is amazing to say the least.  If you have plenty of time you can actually make camp in the park and really explore.  The park has over 140 miles of hiking trails and is nothing short of spectacular.  If you are short on time, you should still take a drive through the park. 

There is a stretch of Highway 137 dubbed Red Road that is also worth visiting.  There is a canopy of Milo and Hala trees that have intertwined to form a sort of a tunnel effect. 

You should also plan to spend some time in Hilo.  The lush landscaping makes for great scenery and picture taking opportunities.  Hilo has been called the rainiest city in the USA, so don’t expect much in the way of beaches.  But Hilo is a cute little town; nonetheless, that offers some history and culture complete with Bed and Breakfasts.

There is a quiet little town called Puako located on the Southern Kohalo Coast that is home to the fabulous tide pools.  This is accessible by highway 19 near the Hapuna Beach State Park.  The giant tide pools are home to some marine life including coral making this destination a must see.  However, don’t plan on staying in Puako, it is such a small town that it doesn’t have any lodging and it really is off the beaten path.  

Who would have thought that horseback riding would be on the list of activities for a Hawaiian vacation?  Well, actually there is a huge ranch called the Dahana Ranch Roughriders in Waimea.  It’s owned and operated by a native Hawaiian family and is still a working cattle ranch.  The ranch raises and breeds, and trains cattle and horses.   There are also some excellent cycling opportunities here in Waimea as the terrain is full of rolling hills. 

Before checking out and leaving the island stop into the Pololu Valley which will offer some hiking trails.  You can even take a mule ride through the valley.  Lastly, you should take some more time to relax on the white sandy beaches of the big island.  Or perhaps, take one last snorkeling opportunity at Kauna’oa Bay.  Whatever you decide to do, I’m sure that your stay in Hawaii will amaze.   

More Hawaii Vacations!