The best place to begin a walking tour is along Coast Boulevard at La Jolla Cove (2). Parking near the Cove is sometimes a problem (arrive early). It's a local saying that the true test of positive thinking is finding parking at the cove in the summer. Please be aware that parking regulations are strictly enforced and violation tickets are costly. La Jolla Cove is a favorite spot to swim, scuba dive, snorkel and sunbathe, and the water is calm and clear. You are likely to find the beach packed in the summer and reasonably crowded on warm days throughout the year. Hardier natives swim here year-round, and lifeguards are on duty daily.

For an adventure of a lifetime, scuba or snorkel the clear waters of La Jolla Cove with Scuba San Diego (2) (619- 260-1880). They have been leading underwater excursions of La Jolla Cove for more than 40 years. Use their coupon for 10% off with payment in cash.

Stretching southward from the cove is a wonderful broad grassy park called Ellen Browning Scripps Park (3). Dotted with graceful queen palms that are nearly 100 years old and magnificent Torrey pines, this park is ideal for a wedding site, a picnic lunch, relaxation and enjoying the ocean views.

A walking tour of La Jolla's shopping and dining district can begin almost anywhere. But the best place to begin or conclude such a worthwhile tour is on Prospect Street. It was named “the Rodeo Drive of San Diego County” by Sunset magazine. Prospect Street offers an incredible variety of award-winning and ocean-view restaurants, art galleries and fashionable boutiques. The boldfaced numbers in the text refer to their locations on the La Jolla map. The SAN DIEGAN walking tour of Prospect Street begins at the northern end of the shopping and dining district.

Yes, there are more than a half-dozen ocean view restaurants overlooking La Jolla Cove, and everyone of them offers something special. The newest of these is Eddie V's Prime Seafood (4) at 1270 Prospect St. (858-459-5500) featuring fresh seafood and USDA prime, center-cut steaks broiled to perfection. They are open for lunch and diner and feature breathtaking views and live music nightly.

A landmark restaurant across the street is the one and only Alfonso's of La Jolla (5) at 1251 Prospect St. (858- 454-2232). Alfonso's was voted Best Mexican Restaurant in the 2009 La Jolla Light Readers Poll. It's been a favorite among locals in the know for 40 years. A wonderful place to dine is on their festive sidewalk patio where you can enjoy a frosty margarita and flavorful Mexican food. On cooler evenings, ask for a table inside next to one of the fireplaces.

A visit to La Jolla wouldn't be complete without discovering La Valencia Hotel (6) at 1132 Prospect St. (858-454- 0771). It has been a La Jolla landmark since 1926. With its Spanish architecture and tradition, La Valencia was a hideaway for movie stars Greta Garbo, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. Still a favorite of the cognoscente, its charm is enhanced by delightful, cozy rooms and by spectacular ocean views from its balconies. Fifteen beautiful villas, complete with fireplaces and balconies are available. La Valencia also has three impressive restaurants.

For the lastest in swimwear look no further than Sauvage Swimwear (7) at 1025 Prospect St. (858-729-0015). This is an internationally known company based in La Jolla. One of their stunning suits was worn on the cover of the special Sports Illustrated 2011 Swimsuit Edition. Their lingerie-inspried line, Luxe by Sauvage, mixes sophistication and high fashion. To look your best, don't settle for less.

Farther down Prospect Street is a hamburger sensation worthy of discovery. It's Smash Burger (8) at 1000 Prospect St. It's a winner! Also on Prospect Street is La Jolla's spectacular must-see famous Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego (14) at 700 Prospect St. (858-454-3541). Wonder - fully displayed is world-class contemporary art as interpreted in paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings. It's open daily from 11 a.m., except Wednesdays.

A few doors south of the foot of Girard Avenue is the nationally acclaimed Nine Ten
Restaurant, which is located in The Grande Colonial Hotel (8) at 910 Prospect St.< features a five-story main building, as well as three separate suites buildings, all encompassing air-conditioned, non-smoking guest rooms and luxury suites (some with fully-equipped kitchens and fireplaces). Also offered is 5,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space (most with ocean front views), accommodating up to 120 guests for weddings, meetings and other special events. And the highly acclaimed, award-winning NINE-TEN Restaurant at the Grande Colonial Hotel boasts nationally acclaimed chefs, “Evolving California Cuisine” and a Wine Spectator-recognized wine list.

With its ideal location, gracious service, and environment of extraordinary comfort, the Grande Colonial Hotel is the premier destination among La Jolla hotels near San Diego.

One shopping and dining thoroughfare not to miss while exploring La Jolla properly is Girard Avenue. This avenue is home to the who's who in the world of fashion, jewelry, art and more. These nationally known shops include Armani Exchange, Polo Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, Talbots and a women's boutique called White House/Black Market. A La Jolla favorite is Girard Gourmet (10) at 7837 Girard Ave. (858-454- 3325). The food and desserts on display in the window are just a sample of the delicious creations you'll find inside. For catering, food to go or a leisurely meal, this is the place.

A worthy discovery is Warwick's (11) (858-454-0347) at 7812 Girard Ave. This complete book, magazine, gift, stationery and office supply store has been a La Jolla landmark and family-owned business since 1896. The rest of La Jolla is spread out and best explored by car. Both south and north La Jolla have their own attractions that are well worth seeing.

For a true adventure in dining visit Marrakesh Restaurant (13) (858-454- 2500) featuring authentic Moroccan cuisine and live belly dancing shows nightly at 7 p.m.

Discover South La Jolla

South La Jolla is even more of paradise on earth. The homes overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean are dreams come true. Many are enhanced with tall, majestic, swaying palm trees and wellmanicured lawns. The pace is slower than that of the Village of La Jolla. En route to south La Jolla is Windansea Beach. It is the most renowned big wave surfing spot on the West Coast. Surfing is good yearround, with the big surf coming in the fall. When the swells are big, the surf breaks a half mile out.

For award-winning Chinese and Asian cuisine it's Mandarin House (15), 6765 La Jolla Blvd. (858-454-2555). A testimonial to how good this restaurant is, is that it was voted best Chinese Restaurant in the 2009 La Jolla Light Readers Poll. Need we say more? Celebrating over 35 years in business, this restaurant features an extensive menu of quality entrées such as their popular asparagus chicken. Plus, they deliver.

Beautiful palm tree-lined streets, elegant shoreline homes and one of San Diego County’s most popular beaches can all be found in north La Jolla. On Avenida de la Playa, you’ll find north La Jolla’s small, yet charming shopping and dining district. (see map)

Just a block to the west, swimmers, surfers and sunbathers flock in droves to La Jolla Shores (16) during the summer because it’s one of San Diego’s most beautiful and well-equipped beaches. It’s outstanding because of its length (nearly two miles), a yearround public parking lot, lifeguard service, public restrooms with showers, playground for children, surfboarding year-round, bonfire pits and beach gear rentals from the nearby rental companies.

Resting at the water’s edge is a worldclass beachfront resort, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club (17) at 2000 Spindrift Drive (858-454-7126). The surroundings here combine tropical greenery with the sophistication of the French Riviera. A private beach, excellent accommodations, pool, tennis, par 3 golf course and elegant dining at three seaside restaurants have made this a favorite vacation spot for discerning travelers for decades.

The star in this galaxy of restaurants is The Marine Room (17) (858-459- 7222), which is right on the beach. It has received the Distinguished Restaurants of North America award many times, and rightly so. Enjoy global cuisine prepared by award-winning Executive Chef Bernard Guillas. The Marine Room is perfect for any occasion including wedding receptions and special events.

Piatti Italian Ristorante (23) 2182 Avenida De La Playa (858-454-1589) is nestled in the unique La Jolla Shores neighborhood with an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Their light and airy interior décor features an exhibition kitchen and full service bar. Outside, they offer two tree-covered patios – perfect for a private event or al fresco dining. Piatti’s Executive Chef, Pepe Ccapatinta, has developed their menu with recipes from all over Italy.

Also on charming Avenida de la Playa near the beach is La Jolla Kayak (21) at 2199 Avenida de la Playa (858-459- 1114). They have been giving tours and renting equipment here for 17 years. The gear they rent includes kayaks, snorkel gear, bikes, surfboards and boogie boards. In fact, they have just about everything you’ll need for a day on the water or at the beach. Use their discount coupon for $10 off double kayak tours and $5 off double kayak rentals!

With two locations to serve you Hike Bike Kayak Sports (19) at 2246 Avenida de la Playa (858-551-9510) is open 9 a.m. until sunset in the summer and till 5 p.m. the rest of the year. Their extensive selection and friendly staff make Hike Bike Kayak Sports a great choice for beach rentals. They have a large fleet of kayaks, snorkel gear, bikes, surfboards, body boards, stand-up paddle boards and more. Be sure to ask about their guided kayak and bike tours conducted by expert naturalists. Present their coupon for $10 off tours and $5 off rentals. Their second location is in South Mission Beach.

Bike & Kayak Tours (18) at 2158 Avenida de la Playa (858-454-1010) offers exciting kayak and bike tours as well as snorkeling adventures. Bike down Mt. Soledad or meet sea lions and leopard sharks while exploring La Jolla’s seven famous caves. They offer $5 off bike and kayak rentals and $10 off bike and kayak tours, or 20 percent off all tours and rentals before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

A must-see attraction three miles north is the Birch Aquarium at Scripps (22) at 2300 Expedition Way (858-534- 3474). See map. Birch Aquarium is the public outreach center for world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where visitors of all ages can explore more than 5,000 colorful fish and invertebrates as well as cutting-edge ocean- and earth-science research.  This is a must-see attraction, with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and La Jolla. The aquarium boasts more than 60 habitats of marine life, including seahorses, sharks, jellyfish and more, and features daily feeding presentations.  The aquarium is open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m., closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. You can save $2 off admission for up to six people with the discount coupon. Admission for adults ($14); seniors 60 and older ($10); college students with student ID ($10); and children 3-17 ($9.50); children under 3 are free.  Visit the aquarium's Book & Gift Shop, as well as the Splash Cafe, featuring an array of gourmet, organic and sustainable snacks. Parking is free.

For a thrill of a lifetime either as a spectator or as a glider enthusiast, discover the Torrey Pines Gliderport (30) at 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr. (858-452-9858). This is the premier soaring site and number one paragliding school in the United States. Be sure to use their discount coupon for $10 off. The location is perfect for yearround paragliding, hang gliding and remote controlled gliders. Tandem hang gliding and paragliding can accommodate adventurists of all ages and levels. You can also enjoy a light meal and a great view at their Cliff Hanger Café, which is open from 9 a.m. to dusk (weather permitting).

A bit farther north is the beautiful Torrey Pines Golf Course (800-985-4653) , site of the annual Farmers Insurance Open, formerly known as the Buick Invitational, held in late January. This course was also the site of the 2008 U.S. Open. Just beyond the golf course is the famous Torrey Pines State Preserve. Below is Black’s Beach, San Diego’s only “bathing suit optional” beach.

Nearby is the Golden Triangle, which is home to trendy restaurants, upscale homes, classy condos, mirrored highrise off ice buildings and hotels that catch the glimmering coastal sunrises and sunsets. It’s located just east of La Jolla and forms a triangle outlined by three intersecting freeways: Highway 52, and Interstates 5 and 805.

The area has become a focal point for hi-tech industry, as well as medical and scientific research. This is due in large part to the proximity of the University of California, San Diego. It has an undergraduate student population of more than 20,000 and is one of the top schools in medicine, science and engineering. The major shopping center is Westfield UTC (23) (858-546-8858). There are more than 140 stores including department stores Macy’s, Nordstrom and Sears. There is also a 24 Hour Fitness Center as well.

Red Robin is also at UTC and is known for their delicious burgers and great selection of food, with a happening happy hour. Once you dine at a Red Robin Restaurant you’ll know that every other hamburger restaurant is a wannabe compared to a world famous Red Robin Gourmet Hamburger Restaurant. This legend in the world of burger mania has been the most recommended since being founded in Seattle, Washington in 1969! Having a burger is more than just sitting down and having a burger. The setting sizzles with Americana memorabilia that runs the gammet from classic photos of James Dean to an American gothic super embossed picture of hamburgers on pitch forks.

Family-owned Bite of Boston at 3202 Governor Dr. (858-453-4000) produces a very simple and straight-forward menu of East Coast-style submarine sandwiches, Maine Lobster Rolls, North Atlantic-harvested seafood, fresh cold-cuts, and other accompanying food items to eager consumers throughout Southern California.

Across the street to the north from UTC is Harry’s Bar and American Grill (31) at 4370 La Jolla Village Dr. (858-373-1252). It’s fashioned after the famous Harry’s Bar in Florence, Italy known for its notable clientele, such as the late author, Ernest Hemingway. This award-winning restaurant serves authentic cuisine of northern Italy including freshly made pastas, grilled fish and fowl. It’s the perfect place for lunch or an intimate dinner. And you’ll love their happy hour from 3 p.m.–7 p.m. daily.

To the west of UTC, across Genesee Avenue, is a neighborhood mall that complements UTC. Costa Verde Center (24) has everything UTC doesn’t, including a Bristol Farms supermarket, a large bookstore and several shops. There is also a U.S. Post Office that is open Mon.–Fri., 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m. and Sat. until 5 p.m.

The only other shopping center with a supermarket on the east side of I-5 is La Jolla Colony at Regents Road and Arriba Street. It’s home to a Vons supermarket and several restaurants including the popular Leucadia Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant (25) at 7748 Regents Rd. (858-597-2222). This place has been a San Diego favorite for over 21 years. Everyone raves about their fabulous gourmet pizzas, flavorful pastas, big sandwiches and fresh salads.

South of Nobel Drive is La Jolla Village Square (26). It’s home to a Ralphs supermarket, Trader Joe’s, discount stores, an AMC La Jolla 12 Theater. At the corner of La Jolla Village Drive and Villa La Jolla Drive is the popular Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery (27) (858-450-9277) offering fine food with more than 200 recipes to complement their handcrafted beer and fun atmosphere. Enhance your dinner with one of their award-winning beers for a delicious and satisfying meal to remember.

Just off I-5 at La Jolla Village Drive at 3299 Holiday Court is the Sheraton La Jolla (28) (858-453-5500). With 252 rooms, a fitness center and heated pool, it has all the amenities you’d expect. Not to be missed is their award-winning Humphrey’s La Jolla Grill (858-452- 4000). This local favorite serves superb California coastal cuisine including great steaks and fresh seafood. For lively entertainment, check out the hotel’s Shooter’s Bar and Grill (858-452-4001), which offers live entertainment Tues.–Fri. nights and karaoke Sat. and Sun. nights.

The best new restaurant in San Diego is Truluck’s Seafood Steak & Crab House Restaurant (29) 8990 University Center Ln. in the Aventine (858- 453-2583). Their late cocktail hour Mon.–Sat., 10 p.m.–closing features half price cocktails and half off lounge bites. They also have a three-course meal offered nightly for ($39) per person. This is definitely the best upscale restaurant in San Diego. Join Truluck’s Seafood, Steak & Crab House for their Crab Extravaganza each Monday night. This extravaganza features impressive, to say the least, All-You-Can-Eat fresh Maine Jonah Crab Claws. For fresh seafood, tender steaks and delicious crab, dine at Truluck’s tonight!

Stephanie Jezek is San Diego’s preferred Realtor for buying homes in La Jolla. Feel free to contact her via phone (858-243-3495).