La Jolla, California

La Jolla, California, is a seaside resort community within the City of San Diego. Pronounced "La-Hoy-Ya", which is possibly Spanish for "The Jewel", it is often referred to as the "Jewel by the Sea." La Jolla borders Pacific Beach to the south and extends north to Torrey Pines State Reserve and Del Mar, California to the north. Along the way it encompasses neighborhoods like Bird Rock, Wind 'N Sea, The Village, La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Farms, and Torrey Pines. Interstate 5 forms La Jolla's man-made border to the east. With its palm-tree lined streets, large estate homes, and mediterranean climate and atmosphere, La Jolla is reminiscent of a southern European village with the flair of Beverly Hills. Much of La Jolla's natural charm stems from the presence of Mount Soledad, the narrow curvy roads that follow its contours, and the hundreds of unique homes that are nestled on its slopes, many boasting spectacular ocean views from its heights. La Jolla's population is 24,440 as of January, 2005 http://cart.sandag.org/profiles/est/zip92037est.pdf.

Related Topics:
California - Seaside resort - Community - San Diego - Spanish - Pacific Beach - Torrey Pines State Reserve - Del Mar, California - Interstate 5 - Beverly Hills - Mount Soledad

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La Jolla is noted for its natural beauty stemming from its rugged coastline dotted with sandy beaches; unique village atmosphere comprised of quaint shops, designer boutiques, art galleries and a variety of nouveau-style restaurants; interesting residences ranging from historic cottages to modern architectural masterpieces and mansions; and by the presence of several higher-education and research institutions, such as University of California, San Diego (including the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the San Diego Supercomputer Center), the Scripps Research Institute, and the Salk Institute. It is therefore no surprise that La Jolla has become a central hub in the Southern California biotech and computer industries.

Related Topics:
University of California, San Diego - Scripps Institution of Oceanography - San Diego Supercomputer Center - Scripps Research Institute - Salk Institute

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La Jolla is also the location of Torrey Pines Golf Course, made famous by the PGA TOUR Buick Invitational held there each February (in 2005, the competition was held in January). Down the steep cliffs from the Salk Institute and the Torrey Pines Golf Course is the famous de facto nude beach, Black's Beach.

Related Topics:
Torrey Pines Golf Course - PGA TOUR - Buick Invitational - De facto - Nude beach - Black's Beach

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La Jolla's uniqueness gives it an identity separate from the rest of San Diego, and many people think of it as a separate city. This is perpetuated by La Jolla residents and business owners who often refer to the "city" or "town" of La Jolla. La Jolla does have a town council which works to unify the voice of the community.

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Beaches in La Jolla, from the south to the north, are Wind 'n' Sea Beach, La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Beach and Tennis property, La Jolla Shores, Scripps, and Black's Beach, leading up to Torrey Pines State Reserve.

Related Topics:
Black's Beach - Torrey Pines State Reserve

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Walking along the beach walkway at all times (but especially at sunset) is a very popular undertaking for both couples and singles. Perhaps one may even be able to glimpse the "Green Flash".

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La Jolla has always been regarded as the haute-couture shopping mecca of San Diego, with Prospect Street and Girard Avenue, housing high end designer boutiques like Banana Republic, Polo Ralph Lauren, Rolex, Tommy Bahama, Armani Exchange, Sigi's Boutique and Nicole Miller to name a few, and has often been comparable and referred to as the Rodeo Drive of San Diego. Downtown La Jolla is littered with jewelry stores, fine dining and several excellent hotels, many commanding outstanding views of the cove and/or ocean. Such an array of diversion and entertainment reflect, in part, the fairly well-to-do and well-incomed La Jollans.

Related Topics:
Banana Republic - Polo Ralph Lauren - Rolex - Tommy Bahama - Armani Exchange - Sigi's Boutique - Nicole Miller - Rodeo Drive

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In recent years, harbor seals have taken over the Children's Beach, a quaint man-made cove near downtown. The seals are protected animals under federal law, so removing them has become a difficult and controversial issue. As of now, the beach is open; the rope is down. However, harassment of the animals is prohibited; swimming is allowed but not recommended.

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La Jolla is home to the prestigious La Jolla Country Day School and its rival, the Bishop's School.

Related Topics:
La Jolla Country Day School - The Bishop's School

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