Traveling to Gorgeous La Jolla
I was fortunate to tag along on a trip to the Lodge at Torrey Pines, in La Jolla. Wow - it was so peaceful and pretty. And the little downtown area nearby has great restaurants and unbelievable views of the Pacific. Torrey Pines is a public golf course that has a beautiful lodge adjacent to the course. It was the hometown course for Phil Mickleson, who grew up in nearby San Diego.
We arrived in late afternoon…
The hotel consists of a beautiful lodge with an interior courtyard and fab views of the course overlooking the ocean. This was one of - if not THE - prettiest courses I’ve seen. It was very chilly when we were there in early May, but we had a lovely time. I did my best to pack appropriately, and wore most of what I took.
There is a long walking path along the course, next to the hotels and research centers (such a brain trust in the area!). Every day when the weather permits, you see hang gliders and parasailers flying around. Let me show you around the place…
Click images to enlarge
The LODGE, Entrance and grounds
The stained glass front doors…
Coming from the East Coast, the vegetation looks so exotic!
There was a wedding there that first weekend.
The lodge looks like it has been there for decades, but is in perfect condition. The architecture and style is Arts & Crafts, which had it’s hayday in CA from 1900 - 1930. Torrey Pines has won awards for its’ amazing attention to these details. BUT, it was constructed in 2002 - only 24 years old! I was so surprised.
Throughout, it is filled with fresh flowers and interesting period artwork.
Every little nook is so well done…
The Courtyard at the Lodge…
The view from our room. That is the little lawn where they have events. A gorgeous place for a wedding. They had croquet set up on this afternoon.
We ended up with a really nice suite, which is always nice when Chip has to get up at O-dark-thirty to work…
The bathroom…
The reserve
The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is about a mile north of the property. We drove up there and took several short hikes to see the scenery and learn about the Torrey pines. Just what are they? They are an endangered pine species that only grows in San Diego county and a nearby island. They grow in coastal sage scrubland, which is super dry and sandy.
It was just gorgeous, even on a cloudy “May Gray” day…
We drove into the Village of La Jolla for dinner several nights. I didn’t have time to do much shopping, but there was a lot of eating and drinking!
Piazza 1909
The first night we ate at a little Italian place in a 1909 beach house. Piazza 1909……Delicious food and the chef’s son waited on us. We met the owner, who is from Milan and gave us travel tips for our upcoming Italy trip this fall! So nice!
Georges’ in La Jolla Village
The next night, we ate at upstairs overlooking the ocean at Georges at the Cove. Always good and magnificent vistas. You overlook Seal Island and dozens of pelicans flying by.
The view from our table at Eddie V’s…
And we went to Eddie V’s Prime Seafood with our group one night. The food and service were both superb. They had a group of 35 to serve and you would never know it.
We had an amazing dinner the last night with a good friend, in the nicer restaurant on site, A.R. Valentien. It was absolutely delicious and the service was excellent.
The Grill at Torrey Pines…
We ate several of our meals at The Grill at the lodge, overlooking the golf course. The food was great and so was the view.
It was warm enough to go to the pool on the last day…
The lodge and golf course are relatively quiet and somewhat secluded, even though it is a public course. But it is close to San Diego, where there is a ton of stuff to do, including…
Coronado Island and the Hotel Del Coronado ( historic property where Some Like It Hot was filmed. We stayed there once - so cool. We were in the older section, where the resident “ghost” wanders the halls. I didn’t see her.)
San Diego Zoo - iconic and wonderful
Birch Aquarium - a small family aquarium affiliated with UC San Diego and the Scripps Inst. of Oceanography
Heading north, you are only an hour away from beautiful Laguna Beach and Newport Beach - in that area, you can see the wild Crystal Cove State Park (which has it’s own unique story), and Balboa Island, which is also cool.
What to pack for a May Visit to La Jolla, CA…
It was blue and white for the most part…
My travel outfit…Frank & Eileen set, LTT Turkish towel and M Gemi sneaks. I wear them over and over.
Another Frank & Eileen look that was on super sale and is no longer sold. Same sneaks. I am wearing this above. I wore this or my Quince sweatpants every day - it was CHILLY! 🥶
I wore this to dinner at Piazza 1909. AYR shirt, Edited Pieces reversible belt, Lulie Wallace scarf and BR jeans. The espadrilles I got in Spain.
Outfit for pool if it was warm. Old suit from Garnet Hill, turkish towel and my black jelly flips.
Outfit for pool if it was cool - this was worn…. Coolibar top ( I will add this to my June favorites - I love this top!, Lululemon skort, Amazon sports top and cheap flips I got on vacay when I had a blister… 🫤
I wore this to the reception. Sezanne top, BR jeans, and Donald Pliner wedges.
Madewell shirt, BR jeans, old white J Crew sweater and same espadrilles. I am in this at Georges’ above.
I wore this to dinner at Eddie V’s. Old Lilly Dress, older jewelry, and Boden wedges.
Gap modern tee, Anthro collette pants, same J Crew sweater and same Boden wedges. All older. I am wearing this above too.
Travel outfit for the way home. More Frank & Eileen. I know it is pricey, but I wear it over and over. It is my travel uniform. I love their triple fleece.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a beautiful place.
If you get the chance to go, take it.
I hope you enjoyed reading about The Lodge and what to pack for a May visit.
Later this week or next, I plan to give you an update on the river house. I’ll also be posting the ever popular Gadabout series and Books & Screens, we’ll be talking about grief and I have a new series starting soon called “Shop My Closet”! There’s a summer floral how-to and more painting projects will be revealed. I’’m also sharing my favorite summer salads and we’re heading north to Cape Cod.
Lots to come so Stay Tuned!
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