Lovely La Jolla, California - 10 reasons to visit this beachside paradise

my personal favorite beach town

10. Family Friendly

9. Seaside dining

8. Live Sea Lion Entertainment

7. Boutique shops line the strand

6. World class Golf

5. Oceanside walks, La Jolla Cove

4. HH prices you won't believe

3. Sweet Beaches and Green Park areas

2. Beautiful Sunset views

1. La Jolla Caves

 

La Jolla is the mature, lush secret of San Diego. One of my all time favorite beach towns, La Jolla has a well manicured, affluent energy that draws in discerning tourists from all over the world, for the right reasons.
The La Jolla cliffs overlook a calm part of the Pacific ocean with walking paths which make the views accessible to visitors while minimally disturbing the local inhabitants. The well groomed paths are lined with florals, and the sweet birds they attract, enticing visitors like a charming, fairy-tale village.

The serenity and quiet vibe La Jolla exude make it:

Sunny La Jolla Cove

10. Family friendly - this is a place you can take grandpa and the toddlers. Age appropriate activities for every member of the family. The pace of La Jolla is suitable for ages 2 to 82.

Shops dedicated to children and their needs, as well as full service, family accessible restaurants and shops alongside the beaches. There are many dedicated trails along the cliffs to provide safe hiking experiences for the entire family.

For adult experiences, couples, or after the kids go to sleep there are:

9. Fantastically sexy, high-end restaurants and bars. The seaside dining is superb. Famous chefs, a reputation for white tablecloth service, and the most divine seafood along the coast. You can find lobster and oysters on almost every menu in this city.

The bar scene is fancy. Like Aspen in January, fancy. If that's your thing, you'll love it. It is the only part of San Diego where flip flops and tee shirts aren't truly welcome.

Sea Lions

8. The sea lions will keep you highly entertained for hours and hours. They play in the ocean and swim back and forth nudging one another with nose kisses. They bounce along the sand finding friends and mama sea lions to sun next to. The days grow long watching these sea creatures enjoy the lazy days of beach living.



When you've had your fill of the sea creatures life on the beach, make your way up the winding streets for your recommended dose of retail therapy:

7. The boutiques that line the curved streets of La Jolla are filled with various trinkets, boutique clothing items, as well as beach wear, and golf attire. Anything you might need for a weekend in California, you can find along the streets of this sweet town. The children's stores are reminiscent of animated stories and candy, with their bright colors and sweet accessories.

If you are not a big shopper, but still want to be outdoors:

6. Don't forget your putter. You will find world class golf in La Jolla, including the famous Torrey Pines golf course where Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have been teeing up for many, many years. The greens are beautiful. The grounds are well maintained, and it is one of the most scenic golf courses I have ever had the pleasure of walking.

serene shell lined walkways

Before the sun begins to set, or you are looking for an early morning introspective walk along the oceans edge:

5. Walk the dedicated paths that line the cliffs in La Jolla cove. The walks will soothe your soul as you listen to the waves and feel the soft earth under your feet. The smell of the ocean and the sound of the water will take you to your happy place and you will never want to leave. It is a great place to meditate and reflect. This space was constructed with peace and solitude in mind.

As the day progresses and the warmth of the sun and the "feel goods" start to prepare you for the light of evening:

4. Sip a late afternoon cocktail at one of the famous restaurants and bars who dim their prices for the twilight crowd. I like a discounted glass of wine on the beach. Who doesn't? Yet, the bartenders at these spots have been around as long as the waves have been crashing against the beachside windows that overlook the ocean. They would give these new "mixologists" a run for their money.

One of the best Happy Hours in the area is notably at the Marine Room. They do have a dress code if you reserve a seat in the dining room, but the views are well worth the coat and tie. Sit in the bar area and enjoy the lovely background of ocean waves as families, and couples stroll along the sand taking in the gift from Mother Earth.

3. Some of the best beaches, albeit intimate and quiet, are located in this small strip of land. The beach areas are just as beautiful as the green spaces. Parks are everywhere - take the kids and the dog, or simply find a quiet place to rest the head of your lover on your lap for an afternoon of memory making to share with your own grandchildren in 30 years. Some of the park areas are so small, they seem to be made solely with you and your special one in mind, for an impromptu picnic. Just enough space for you, your love, the blanket you sit upon... and your picnic basket. Enjoy the moments. Appreciate the intimacy la Jolla offers. If you stay long enough to catch a sunset:

2. Make certain you enjoy a sunset view from the cliffs. Take advantage of the optimally placed benches along the cliff trails. Sit and watch the sun disappear into the ocean, or stand along the palm trees or on the bridge that connects the top of the cliffs with the city limit. But take it in. Breathe it in. Take a few minutes to observe one of natures most famous daily events and wonder how such a lovely gift is offered to us mere mortals each and every day if we stop long enough to appreciate it. The oranges and yellows as they finish the ocean blue is the perfect combination of the beginning and ending of life itself, in the form of day to night.

And finally, one of my favorite things to do in La Jolla is visit the seven caves at the foot of the cliffs:

1. La Jolla caves, whether by kayak, or via foot; Find yourself traversing down 145 steps to the inside of the caves. Read about the history of ancient pirates, human trafficking, and original migrant workers here along the coast back in the day. It's fascinating and well worth the couple of bucks it costs to check it out firsthand.

the steep trek into Sunny Jim Cave

Each of the seven caves has a name and a story associated with the cave. From The Cave Store ($5 for adults/ $3 for children), you can climb down the steep stairs into the only cave accessible by foot.

There is a kayak excursion which will take you on a scenic tour of all the caves and even allow you to enter the only cave large enough to allow traffic, the Clam Cave. If the tide is low enough, that is.

The caves represent history, and perhaps folklore from the time. The white woman cave gets its name from the story of a young bride who was swept away and never seen again. These tales, as interesting as they are, still represent the danger of the ocean and the very real consequences of daring too far to tempt Mother Nature.

La Jolla is the intuitive breast of California. I embrace this town for the peaceful space it represents (in myself).

"Shift your vibration to change your reality. Vibrate on a frequency that attracts what you desire. Make it your reality." SSK

Key West Florida and my love for Hemingway

I have been fascinated with Ernest Hemingway for most for my life.

I don't know if it was his stereotypical writers life - the booze, the solitude, or the romanticism of being a tortured soul and writer. I have found myself drawn to him, his life and the cities where he is famous for living. I have this same fascination with Toulouse Lautrec (another tortured artist).  I do see my issue here, but you can't help what you can't help. These men were well known tortured souls who created something magical with their words and their art.

This is what initially drew me to Key West; almost, I should say, as fast as I was drawn to Havana. I knew I had to visit these places where this mysterious, reclusive old man, Hemingway had been inspired to live and to write about.
My trip to Havana was such a success, I knew I couldn't wait much longer to see Key West. Although, I despise Florida in general, (the humidity, the bugs, the simple blech), I made an exception to visit this writers famous home.

There have been songs written about the keys. Key Largo and Margaritaville are well known tunes that pop in your head almost immediately, if you are thinking about beach vacations, cocktails and sunsets. People equate Jimmy Buffet with spring break, and Florida. Lazy beach lyrics, go hand in hand with music written about island life and paradise. There is something to it.

The Hemingway museum located in the heart of Old Town Key West is the home of the famous author. The grounds are meticulously kept, even though the famous cats who live there roam the grounds freely. Although sometimes, there is a line around the block to get in, you do not have to pre-book, but note, they only take cash. Feel free to take a guided tour, or just wander about the house and gardens, and breathe in the old man and the sea.

The downtown Key West area has many museums, lighthouse, and shops to visit. There are popular restaurants and bars, and lots to see and buy. The downtown area is walk-able and the perfect place for a walking pub crawl. Live music can be heard bellowing out of open windows. The night seems to invite you in to each stage daring you to enjoy your night just a little bit more, and a little bit longer.
Downtown Key West is like many tourist destinations. Quaint shops that make money on the concept of the town itself. The music and artists that the town is known for, the famous songs. This cities tourism is built specifically around what the town symbolizes for the locals and the tourists. Pink houses have been translated onto t-shirts and mugs. Flamingos aren't just for lawns, they are for shot glasses and beach towels. Pineapples are for cocktails and icees. 


These famous fruity drinks are a popular item for tourists in the downtown area. We Americans have a thing for walking around with the largest non-cup item in our hands drinking something obscure from it.
I remember being in the Bahamas once and my kids demanding a coconut with something bizarre inside simply because it had a straw coming from the top of the coconut.
Juice in a nut.
I fear I may be too lazy for this drinking sport. Or, perhaps I am not fancy enough. I have been told that before as well.

I digress.

I stumbled upon a turtle rescue just outside of Key West in Marathon, Florida. What more apropos of the beach community I was so attracted to to have a rescue for animals I love the most. The turtle hospital was a short drive from our beach house and I couldn't pass by it every single day without a nagging feeling to see what was inside. Their main focuses are rehabbing injured turtles, research and education. This turtle facility is doing great work and I was happy to contribute to the cause.

This also may have been the saddest part of my visit. Seeing the damage we do as humans to our earths living creatures and wildlife. These rescues had debris stuck to their shells, in their nostrils, and deformities due to our garbage in the ocean, and/ or being hit by boats and disregarded.
It was terrible to see, but happy to see we have resources that care enough to take care of them.



Of course, after visiting the local turtles, I found my own personal watering hole to call mine, for the week. I felt like Norm from "Cheers" by the end of my stay. Where everybody knows my name; it is far too easy to fall into a place like this and feel at home.

Vacations give the illusion of life, as is - but this place had a local feel to it that is genuine and tangible. More locals than tourists made conversation and invited us to feel welcome in their small community. There really is a sense of kinship, and it is pretty solid.

Key West is very special. It still suffers some damage from the hurricanes that rip through there almost regularly. But the sense of neighborhood there is strong. The people are there rebuilding and living their island life dream. The homes were quietly coming back. The beach debris is slowly getting picked up. The ocean is still there, vast and as far as the eye can see.

The silence is just as loud as the noise. The water gave weight to beach life, instead of the bars.
History outweighed the masses. Key West is magical and I can see why Hemingway split his time here. I felt his solace and peace spending time here.

Whoa! West Palm Beach Florida!

I don't know anything better than being able to take a warm vacation in the fall or winter season. Before you get bogged down with the winter blues, get away to the warm sunshine.

After debating an international destination, I decided on West Palm Beach, Florida to share my birds eye view of the pro-grownup destination choices we have right here in our own southern hemisphere.

The downtown area is a combination of city and parks areas. Slightly art deco, like their southern counterpart Miami, but more industrial, similar to the layout of any mid-level city in the mid-west. It is easy to get around - small enough to walk once you get downtown, but taxi's are in abundance if you aren't into walking.
The parks and open spaces between downtown and the marina area, is dedicated to visually pleasing statues, spaces and art pieces.

Areas like Flagler Park have community activities  year round with live music, and entertainment everyone will enjoy.




I expected sunny, warm days and quiet evenings along the shore with relaxing walks and serene
What I did not expect was the active downtown area, with trendy restaurants and coffee houses. I was surprised at the art culture, and by surprised, I mean pleasantly delighted.

West Palm beach is well known for the high end shopping districts and homes accented by boats and luxury toys. City Place is a more than typical outdoor shopping mall with attractions like a Comedy Club and a bowling alley within the parameters. Clematis Street is the hip and trendy part of downtown with a strip of bars and restaurants reminiscent of cities like Denver and Austin.


I was amazed with the historic value and museums available for locals and tourists alike. Easy to find and access, the city seemed happy to share their prized beautiful gifts. A unique and treasured aspect, a traveler is always happy to stumble upon in any city.






You will find all the usual ocean side activities, but expect to find some wonderful pieces of art in unlikely places. Please take the time to walk or bike around the city and be sure to get to Palm Beach, where they have the most visited bike trail alongside the beach between the homes and the ocean.
There is fascinating natural and man-made art everywhere you look if you venture off the beaten path. Wander this city; it invites you to peek at all it's hidden precious talents.

I was enamored with the low-key feel of West Palm Beach and wanted more. I could have stayed here for weeks, and I understand why the snowbirds come down in the winter and why people retire to this wonderful little nook.

If you are looking for an adult getaway with enough night life to keep you entertained for a few days, look at West Palm Beach.
Feel relaxed and happy when you head home after this vacation.



A quick shout out and thank you to iScoot rentals who may just be the coolest scooter and bike rental joint in the state. If I could recommend one local business to check out: iScoot is cool people.
http://iscootpalmbeach.com/blog/

Mexican Drug Wars and American Vacations

Today I woke up to the morning news and another heartbreaking story of an American couple devastated by the disappearance of her husband who was jetskiing on a lake bordered by Mexico. David Hartley's body was never found. Shortly after the investigator of the case was found beheaded. Here is a followup story.

This drug war has been going on for years now.
Each incident that happens seems to be surprising, yet the mass terror has been reported on every news station, in every news paper, internationally and domestically.
Why are we still vacationing in Mexico?
My sister wandered over the border a couple years ago, and I mentioned the drug wars. Upon her return, she talked about the border patrol trying to deter them from crossing over and mentioning the massive bloodshed and drug war going on.
I think a couple years ago, we were not clear on the severity of the cartels and the impact of the drug war. But, now we know. City after city - death after death, be-heading's, entire towns being killed - what is it going to take to get the message across that there are other vacation destinations in the world, even here in the States, without risking death in the crossfire of a major war?
There are lakes and beaches everywhere - are we as a country naive enough, or just so ignorant we won't stop traveling to a country that is having a border war comparable to any other war.
Are people also traveling to Afghanistan right now, for the sun and warmth?
Is it me?
Tragedy after tragedy, and all I can think is why as a country are we not making a political statement by protesting travel and imports/ exports to our neighbor until this madness ends?

Amazing summer experience

I live for summer. The smell of the beach. The sound of the ocean. The freedom of a few weeks, kidless and fancy-free. The concept of no-school. The 3 month period where no one expects anything. Even as an adult, I feel - this is the time I get to be me - 100%.
I have been planning a trip abroad, but took an opportunity to spend some time time with someone I have been wanting to get to spend personal/ one-on-one time with. A road trip - old school.

My trip started in Moab and traversed the desert National Parks via Bryce Canyon and Zion. This portion of the trip included camping, which is not my ideal of vacation, but I am open to trying new things so I jumped aboard. I camped for a few days. I took in the sights of the beautiful National Parks. I readied myself for Las Vegas which is my playground for most summers (at least one week).
Las Vegas is one of the few places in this country where you can truly let yourself go and its considered part of what's expected. Part of the ease of Vegas is not having to be accountable for your actions. Gamble, party and just rock on!
I realized this trip that the camping portion was the most relaxing part because I did not have to show up and be a rock star...for once. I could hike and be quiet and just let someone else take the reigns for once.
It's exhausting to be "on" all the time and this is the first time I realized that I don't want to be on - sometimes I just want to chill... and this week I got to chill.
And my brother happened to have a baby while I was on vacation...so I got to be an aunt... How hot is that?