volcanogirl

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!

nanabee

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.

nanabee

Cool volcanogirl. Finding a parking spot is major!!

volcanogirl

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

nanabee

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.

volcanogirl

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

volcanogirl

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.

volcanogirl

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

volcanogirl

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.

jetset1

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

volcanogirl

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.

volcanogirl

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/

nanabee

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.

nanabee

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/

nanabee

http://piatti.com/lajolla/

volcanogirl

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 $$.

Momddtravel2

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/

volcanogirl

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.

MikeReifeiss

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.

volcanogirl

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