La Jolla Shores

Stretch of land boasts a beach front club, underwater and above-water attractions

History: Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the canyons and cliffs of La Jolla Farms is a slice of serenity known as La Jolla Shores. It was developed in the early 1920s by R.C. Rose of Germantown, Pa., who clearly knew a good California thing when he saw it. The Shores’ Big Bang happened in 1926, when Frederick William Kellogg launched a $900,000 plan to dig a harbor, build two breakwaters and create an exclusive hangout for the sailing set. The harbor didn’t happen, but the La Jolla Beach and Yacht (now Tennis) Club did, giving the neighborhood an exclusive beachfront clubhouse that still wows visitors. Fortunately, La Jolla Shores beach is open to everyone (who can find a place to park).

How it got its name: It isn’t clear how a parcel of land originally called Long Beach became La Jolla Shores, but it was an excellent call.

Things To Do: Explore the La Jolla Sea Caves by kayak. Swim, snorkel or scuba dive around the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve. Check the Birch Aquarium at Scripps website for one of their guided walks on the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier, which is normally closed to the public. Reserve a spot at the Marine Room’s High Tide Breakfast. And, it’s never too soon to start preparing for the Shores’ annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge swim.