How to Spend the Perfect Weekend Recharging in La Jolla

If you're staying at La Jolla Cove Suites, start your day with coffee and delicious treats at the Parakeet Café downstairs. The mango smoothie and croissant were my personal favorites.

To begin your exploration for the day, start at La Jolla Cove. There will usually be tents set up with people selling bracelets, art, crystals and all kinds of things. You can wander down to the beach to get a closer look at the marine life - but not too close. I've seen the sea lions get a little aggressive with people wanting selfies.

Just down the coast (0.2 miles) is the Children's Pool for more seal and sea lion sightings. Tip: Skip swimming there or at La Jolla Cove; head to La Jolla Shores for swimming instead.

Explore the shops on Prospect St. & Girard Ave., and definitely stop at Warwicks – my absolute favorite La Jolla shop! It's the oldest family-owned bookstore and a magical place for unique gifts.

After shopping, head half a mile south for fresh and delicious seafood sandwiches (halibut & sea bass are our picks!) at El Pescador Fish Market & Restaurant– a relaxed beach vibe for refueling. Or, if you're craving tacos, The Taco Stand is a popular and affordable spot (but expect a line!) with great carne asada and al pastor.

After lunch, walk down to Windansea Beach and watch the surfers. There's a few benches at the top of the overlook where you can sit and watch.

Next up is about a mile walk to the La Jolla Tide Pools to go tide pooling! Get ready to be amazed by all the cool sea creatures from tiny crabs to colorful sea anemones. Make sure and check out the tide schedule. Low tide is the best time to explore the tide pools.

After the tide pools, find a cliffside spot to watch the sunset – a perfect way to relax before heading back to your hotel for dinner.

For a fancy dinner with stunning views, book George's at the Cove for top-notch seafood, steak and drinks (make a reservation for the top floor). For a more casual meal, Duke's has a delicious Hawaiian-inspired menu and a can't-miss hula pie.

Start your day right with another coffee and pastry from Parakeet Café. Some alternate options are Better Buzz Coffee or Pinpoint Café.

Then check out Sunny Jim's Sea Cave. This is a must-see if you're exploring La Jolla! As the only land-accessible sea cave in the area, it's a pretty unique spot. The cave was dug in 1902 and rumor has it, during prohibition, it was used to smuggle alcohol by bootleggers!

Just a heads up, there are steep stairs leading down to the cave, so it's not ideal for everyone. Tip: It can get crowded, especially later in the day, so get there early. There's a $10 entrance fee, but it's totally worth it for the experience.

After shopping around the Sea Cave Museum, enjoy a scenic and short 0.6-mile hike on the Coast Walk Trail. It overlooks the bluffs and has several benches ideal for soaking in the beautiful views (highly recommended).

After your walk, check out the Cove House for a great brunch with a concise menu. Don't miss the grilled fish tacos and the incredible Stone Crab Benny (that homemade biscuit.. holy moly).

Head over to La Jolla Shores. This is the recommended spot for swimming if you'd like to get in the water. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards here.

Freshen up at your hotel then explore the art and shops in La Jolla Village, before stopping at La Dolce Vita Ristorante for a memorable pasta dinner and great vibes.

Drive or take a ride-sharing service to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (a short drive north of La Jolla). Enjoy a hike along the scenic trails with breathtaking coastal views. There are trails of varying difficulty.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at Torrey Pines with sandwiches and snacks you picked up earlier, or grab a bite at the lodge there.

Depending on how much longer you have to spend in La Jolla, you can also check out the Birch Aquarium at Scripps (best to buy tickets in advance).

Here are some great additional food options:

Girard Gourmet - Deli that has a wide variety of options, and amazing looking desserts. A lot of their fruits and vegetables come from the owner's organic garden.

Wayfarer Bread & Pastry - Great bread and pastries. They also have pizza nights Fri and Sat but you must pre-order online before 3pm.

The Marine Room - A La Jolla staple for fancy seafood. Visit on a summer night during high tide to see the waves crashing against the windows!