La Jolla Jewel of the coast

Swimming, surfing, shopping and supping: La Jolla has it all. Only one hour and a half south of Long Beach, this city's many diversions make it an intriguing weekend destination.

La Jolla means "the jewel" in Spanish, and such a name is no exaggeration for this coastal gem. Its rugged shore is splashed with seven miles of white-sand beaches. Azure waves beckon surfers, scuba divers and swimmers to experience the wonders of the deep. Tree-lined streets house a variety of picturesque galleries, restaurants, college pubs and shops.

"La Jolla has so much to do," said first-time visitor Katrina Nason. "I have lived in Southern California all my life and have never been to La Jolla. I never knew how charming this city really was."

Despite its ritzy demeanor, one can enjoy La Jolla on a student's budget. Several state beaches offer camping at very reasonable rates, and La Jolla has a wide selection of budget accommodations. However, if a rich uncle has just remembered you in his will, a stay at the regal La Valencia hotel may be in order. Built in the 1920s, this pastel pink landmark claims a stunning stretch of shoreline and boasts the city's finest restaurants.

Dining is something rest-auranteurs take seriously in La Jolla. Restaurants abound. Prospect and Girard Streets are lined with eateries featuring many kinds of local and international fare in all price ranges. La Jolla's annual Festival of the Arts and Food Faire is an excellent way to sample cuisine from more than 20 local gourmet restaurants, as well as partake of a variety of artwork.

The festival will be held June 10 and 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the La Jolla Country Day School, 9490 Genesee Ave. For more information call (858) 456-1268.

Summer brings serious surf enthusiasts to La Jolla. Made famous by the Beach Boys' songs in the 1960s, La Jolla's Windansea Beach is reputed to have one of the best breaks in Southern California. Surf  legends come from far and near to attend the University of California, San Diego Cancer Center Foundation's annual Luau and Longboard Invitational surfing competition.

This event helps raise funds for the foundation's cancer research, and will be held on Aug. 27. One may contact the UCSD Cancer Center at (858) 822-0023 for more information.

The Birch Aquarium at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography in La Jolla houses one of the nation's oldest and largest collection of marine life. Interactive displays, touch tanks and fascinating creatures explore many aspects of oceanography.

During summer months, the aquarium conducts weekend field trips to local tide pools and snorkeling venues. For more information one may call (619) 534-FISH.

Hiking fans and nature lovers will enjoy miles of trails at La Jolla's Torrey Pines State Reserve. This nature reserve spans 2,000 acres of San Diego County's most rugged shoreline and is home to the rarest pine trees in the nation.

One may spend time basking in the sun on the reserve's flawless beach or hiking trails to jutting cliffs, windswept canyons and awe-inspiring ocean viewpoints. The park is open seven days a week from sunrise until sunset. A $4 admission fee is charged.

The summer would not be complete without a trip to the county fair. La Jolla's neighbor to the north, Del Mar, is home to San Diego County's old-fashioned annual fair. Featuring midway rides, concession booths and agricultural displays, the Del Mar Fair will be held from June 16 to July 5. For more information one may contact (619) 793-5555.

Whether playing at the beach, sipping a cool beverage at sunset or exploring colorful village stores and galleries, La Jolla will do its best to please the weekend visitor. Offering a true slice of the Southern Californian summer experience, this city is unquestionably a "jewel" of San Diego County's coast.

For more information about accommodations, restaurants and events in La Jolla, one may call the La Jolla Chamber of Commerce at (858) 454-1444.