We went to Brockton Villa last night for dinner. Got a parking spot in front and got to see the sunset. Could not have been better!

Good question. They were in March I believe but I'd check out their website and maybe call or inquire. But either way you'll probably go to Balboa Park anyway to see other things so you can ask at the entrance while you're there. It's across from the giant organ pavillion. I like their outdoor seating restaurant.

Cool volcanogirl. Finding a parking spot is major!!

Thanks, nana! Is that the one called Prado? I was wondering how that place was.

The Prado is a separate restaurant but it happens to be next door. I LOVE the ambience at the Prado but the food is just OK. The Japanese Garden has a little fast food type place to order almost like pre-made Japanese food which is actually quite good. The seating is only outdoors, but it is very pleasant.

We made it to Cody's too - excellent French toast. And Bobboi for yummy gelato. Thanks for all the good tips.

Went to George's at the Cove. Wow, beautiful view. Have also gone to the Cottage. And the zoo and the Midway. Went to the Crack Shack but it was too crowded, and we couldn't find parking.

Last night we went to the Padres game and saw a win! Lots of homers!

We went up to the glider port at Torrey Pines and saw whales swimming offshore. Dolphins too! That was great! Thanks again for helping us plan our trip.

Great report! You need to check out the secret Prohibition style bar, in the Gaslamp, on your next trip. :)

Thanks, jetset - that bar sounds great. I would love that! We ate at a cute rooftop bar called Level 9 that I really enjoyed - great views, good flatbread pizzas and salads.

I was wondering if anyone has been to the Marine Room - that looks like a neat spot with the waves crashing against the windows or maybe that just happens during a storm? I think my husband would get a kick out of, does anyone know how the food is?

For the Brockton Villa lovers, I was pretty excited to find this recipe online. It will be nice to have a little taste of La Jolla even when we're far away.

http://lajollamom.com/brockton-villa...-toast-recipe/

Hi Volcangirl! Sounds like you are having a great time.

The food at the Marine Room is good but expensive and formal. I would maybe go for a drink or light lunch. You can check the high tide schedule probably on google so you can see the waves. It is fun. Don't go in the evening because it will be dark and you won't see much.

Or you might try calling the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club which is next door on the sand and find out if they have a restaurant open to the public (they are private).

You might want to consider doing a kayaking tour at the Shores which is guided and takes you to the caves. YOu can see the sea lions up close and probably snorkel as well.

https://www.lajollakayak.com/

This is just one of many small local companies that do snorkeling, kayaking, diving, etc. It is really worth it if you have the time.

If you are in the La Jolla Shores (which I recommend as it is fun and has a very small beach community feel) I'd highly recommend Piatti's. Make sure to get reservations. If it's a nice day you can sit outside under the giant old tree. They are open for lunch and dinner.

http://piatti.com/

Thanks, nana - this is all really great information. We're back from our trip, so now I'll have some things to look forward to for next time. We ate so many meals in La Jolla that I'm thinking for our next trip, we might just stay in the area vs. driving in from Coronado or downtown SD. We loved everything we did, and everywhere we ate - we were pretty much wowed the entire trip.

I thought La Valencia and The Grande Colonial both looked like they would be amazing places to stay in in La Jolla. Would love to know what you guys think of those! Is anyone familiar with them? I haven't checked prices yet - they look pretty nice, so I'm sure $$.

So glad you had an amazing time...oh the "La V" ...what a wonderful place! I have not stayed there but been to there a number of times and my Mom and stepdad often stay there when they visit La Jolla..it is amazing.... The Grande Colonial is also nice....there is a place right on the cove less expensive but that is sort of campy and nice enough... La Jolla Cove Suites... not in the same ballpark but if you get priced out at the other two a good option :)
http://www.lajollacove.com/

Thanks, Momdd! I saw La Valencia from one side and though it was very small, but then we walked around, and I saw how big it was. We even walked inside, and I thought I could definitely like it here! I made a note of La Jolla Cove Suites too - the location looked fantastic. We also walked by a little perfume shop called Tijon where you can make your own perfume. They were really nice and friendly - their class looked like it would be fun to take, but I could see my husband's eyes glazing over haha!! Maybe for a future trip.

You know after all my planning, we never made it to Balboa Park. I thought we would go the same day as the zoo, but we were at the zoo for seven hours, and that kind of ate into our time. I loved seeing the pandas. It was very hot when we went, and there were no lines for anything which was great. I got about 15,000 Fitbit steps that day.

San Diego is known for it's great craft beers, while you're here you could take a limo brewery tour for a relatively small price. Or if you enjoy a good wine better you could visit Temecula Valley for a great adventure and excellent wineries.

Thanks, Mike - I think my husband would like that. Maybe we can do that on a future trip.

Handily enough, this guy owns a limo company. ;)

volcanogirl you mentioned La Jolla Cove Suites. It has a reputation of being a little run down and being literally a few feet from the Cove so you have the constant flow of traffic. But the real drawback is the stench from the sea lions (unfortunately) which has become a community problem. I still go to the Cove and swim there but for many tourists the smell over a number of days is off putting.

Thanks, nana - what do you think of La Valencia and the Grande Colonial?

My husband and I have started about taking another trip. Since we loved San Diego, and particularly La Jolla, so much, I thought I'd come back here for some more good advice. What other places have you guys visited that you think are comparable that we might enjoy?

We love being on the water, places with historic charm, sailing, pretty views, good open air restaurants, cities with lots to do. In addition to San Diego/La Jolla, we've really loved Newport, Boston, Old Town Alexandria, and Key West. Have also been to New York, Chicago, Santa Fe, and Charleston. I'll probably start a separate thread, but I would love any suggestions you guys have. Any ideas of places you think we'd like?

I love all the places you've mentioned as well. But it sounds like you are thinking of places other than those you've mentioned?

Have you been to Hawaii? I would consider Oahu for a family - because there is a lot of diversity in things to do. There are historic places (USS Arizona, Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, China Town, Punchbowl), wonderful beaches (including the North Shore where the famous beaches such as Sunset, Waimea, Pipeline are located), shopping, nightlife, etc.

Hi, nana - yes, we've been to Hawaii and loved it. You're right that we're looking for someplace new, and I should have mentioned it. We went there for our honeymoon and have been back once. My husband was thinking maybe Seattle? We were thinking of traveling in September.

Seattle would be great. I've never been though, but it's on my bucket list. It would be nice because of all the outdoor activities. You could maybe add Portland, Oregon (with the Columbia River Gorge).

Santa Barbara!

Yes to Portland. Great food scene, progressive & young vibe, bike-friendly, and easy, gorgeous views and hikes along Columbia River Gorge and Multnomah Falls (just 30 min from Portland but we often spend 2-3 nights out in Hood River or Mosier). Cool and charming AirBNBs in funky and fun neighborhoods.

nanabee on Jun 6, 16 at 5:13pm
volcanogirl you mentioned La Jolla Cove Suites. It has a reputation of being a little run down and being literally a few feet from the Cove so you have the constant flow of traffic. >

Nanabee - My boss just stayed there for a week and it has been updated/redone recently....

Thanks, everyone - I appreciate all the good info.

Hawaii is great we've been going there for thirty years. We have never been to Honolulu other than to land and catch another plane. It's the last place I would go in Hawaii. North of Honolulu there are fabulous beaches one after the other. We rent a room in a house or a cottage or small house because outside Honolulu there are no hotels, only Turtle Bay which is very expensive. We never stay in hotels, just renting houses, condos...much cheaper and nicer. Mainly Hawaii is about water sports, the ocean. We like the Big Island and Maui as well as north of Honolulu on Oahu.

Seattle is wonderful, go in the summer, July or August to find sunshine. Take a side trip to Vancouver, a beautiful city. Portland is not as beautiful.

San Diego does have bad weather sometimes, foggy and very cold. Check a guidebook to find the best time to go there. La Jolla Shores is great. Don't miss Balboa Park.

I think we've decided to go to Seattle. I would definitely like to take a side trip to Vancouver if we can fit it in. My husband just went there on a business trip and really liked it.

Both Seattle and Vancouver are beauriful cities with lots to see and do. With the current exchange rate of Canadian to USD, Vancouver will be a bargain.

Seattle is wonderful! I hope you enjoy it!

I didn't know that about the exchange rate - that's great to know. I'm glad to hear that you guys all enjoy Seattle. I think it's about time I checked it out! We've done a lot of tropical vacations - it will be fun to try something new!

We also love both Seattle and Vancouver, as well as all the other places you mentioned you have been. Do some research too about visiting some of the islands near Seattle. Also Victoria B.C. is charming.

We visited Vancouver BC and it is a nice city. But, we did not have time to visit Victoria and I think that was a mistake. If you have to chose between the two I'd probably pick Victoria.

My husband just sailing around the San Juan Islands - it was stunning!!

We went in 2015 for spring break as a family of four with two tween aged kids. Click on my name and look for the trip report maybe it will have some activities your family would enjoy. Enjoy!