Day One Trip Report La Jolla & Back

Question

Flew in late Thursday night. Taxi to Coronado. Staying at El Cordova. We have a 1 bed suite! Great space - living room, full kitchen, dinet, walk in closet. The grounds are lovely. It’s adjacent to the Del, great area.

Breakfast at Henry. Excellent service and yummy food. Get a smoothy! Rented a car for the day at Enterprise. Drove to La Jolla. Started at La Jolla Beach Park. It’s so beautiful. Went to Children’s Pool, Seal Rock. We drove down Coast Blvd. Lunch at Miss B’s Coconut Club! Incredible cocktails!!! Mission Bay is directly in front of it. It’s a great area with so much to do (water activities). We didn’t stay, just looked around.

From there we went to the Santa Cruz Cliffs. There are tide pools everywhere. You can see Ocean Beach pier from there. From there we drove to Carrillo Nat Monument, saw Pt Loma Lighthouse and the Rosecrans Nat Cemetery. It is a $20 car entrance fee but incredible views and history.

We stopped at Jensens Foods for some snacks and beverages. Nice store.

Answer

Your first day in San Diego sounds wonderfully full and scenic. Staying at El Cordova on Coronado is a great choice, offering spacious accommodations and proximity to the Hotel Del and the bay. The one-bedroom suite with living room, full kitchen, dinette, and walk-in closet makes it a comfortable home base for exploring the city.

Starting the morning with breakfast at Henry is an excellent choice. Their service is highly praised, and the smoothies are a must-try. Renting a car for the day gives you the flexibility to explore the wider San Diego area efficiently.

La Jolla is a fantastic first stop. La Jolla Beach Park offers stunning coastal views, and the Children’s Pool and Seal Rock are great for observing wildlife, particularly seals in their natural habitat. Driving down Coast Blvd provides scenic oceanfront views, making it a highlight of the drive.

Lunch at Miss B’s Coconut Club is a memorable experience. The combination of excellent cocktails, fresh food, and views of Mission Bay makes it a perfect midday stop. Even without engaging in water activities, the area is vibrant and enjoyable for sightseeing.

From there, the drive along the Santa Cruz Cliffs allows you to explore numerous tide pools and enjoy views of the Ocean Beach Pier. Continuing to Cabrillo National Monument, the $20 vehicle entrance fee is worthwhile for both the historical significance and breathtaking vistas. Visiting Pt. Loma Lighthouse and Rosecrans National Cemetery adds depth to your day with history and iconic landmarks.

Stopping at Jensen’s Foods for snacks and beverages is a smart move. It’s a convenient local store with a good selection, perfect for a quick break before heading back.

Morning: Breakfast at Henry, pick up rental car at Enterprise.
Late morning: La Jolla Beach Park, Children’s Pool, Seal Rock, Coast Blvd drive.
Lunch: Miss B’s Coconut Club at Mission Bay.
Afternoon: Santa Cruz Cliffs, tide pools, Ocean Beach Pier views.
Late afternoon: Cabrillo National Monument, Pt. Loma Lighthouse, Rosecrans National Cemetery.
Snack break: Jensen’s Foods for beverages and light snacks.

Overall, this itinerary balances natural beauty, coastal scenery, historical landmarks, and excellent food stops. It’s a full but very manageable day, especially with a car, and gives a great first impression of San Diego.

Day One Trip Report La Jolla & Back

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