From Exploring Birch Aquarium to Roasting S’mores on the Sand, These Activities Are Sure to Cure Your Winter Blues
On any given day, you can find San Diegans gathering in La Jolla Shores for a front-row seat to a spectacular seal show or simply taking a leisurely stroll in the sunshine. Though the city is known for warmth and sunshine, we aren’t spared when it comes to chilly winter days and nights. However, the beachside community doesn’t go into hibernation mode when the temps drop below its usual perfection—it simply adjusts its activities. Have your fun as close to the call of the ocean with these seven things to do in La Jolla Shores during winter!
BBQ on the Beach
Prepare to play with fire. Let the leisurely evening commence with a beach BBQ at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, where a barbecue is delivered right to your spot on the sand. Gather with family and friends and put your grilling skills to the test, or make it a romantic date night for two and take the cooking slow and steady. Getting a spot with these picturesque beachfront experiences can be difficult during high season, making winter the ideal time to grill up. Those staying on the property can reserve their spot through guest services.
Roast S’mores on the Sand
Get cozy this winter and cuddle up around the fire! La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club offers a specialty S’mores Beach Package for two, which comes with a fire pit on the beach, a s’mores kit and breakfast for two at Club Dining. It’s the tastiest two-for-one we’ve seen in a while! Want to DIY? Bring your own s’mores goodness and grab one of their community fire pits available every Friday and Saturday through fall and winter!
Dine During High-Tide at The Marine Room
Dine right on the sand without a single gust of wind at The Marine Room in La Jolla. This upscale restaurant sits right at sea level, allowing guests to truly take in the dramatics of the sea (waves are known to even splash against the windows!). Check out The Lounge at the Marine Room, a new experience focused on elevating seafood small plates and cocktails with a stunning presentation. Begin with a beverage, such as the island-inspired Sunset View, then go for your fill of delicious Moroccan Lamb Lollipops. Top it all off by sharing the Orange Creamsicle Crème Brûlèe—need we say more?
Play Pickleball at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
Not a resort guest? You might be in a pickle. Guests staying at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club have access to several pickleball courts and even the option of group lessons with a pro! Time slots are available all week long throughout the day from beginner clinics to advanced courses, so you’re free to play solo or take your pal along. Want to go one-on-one? Opt for the Sunday drop-in play, which is available from 9 a.m. to noon. Check their website for updated times and prices!
Explore Birch Aquarium
The water might be below 60 degrees, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pay the ocean a proper visit. Take a trip to Birch Aquarium, the award-winning public exploration center located at the Scripps Institution of Technology. The aquarium sits pretty with an ocean view atop La Jolla, housing over 60 habitats full of fish, invertebrates and beyond! Be sure to check their website for a full schedule of exhibits and happenings—penguin-feeding presentations and seahorse tours don’t happen every day, and some require an advance reservation.
Go Whale Watching
It’s not every day that you experience the majestic nature of a gray whale, but it’s a whole lot more likely with Everyday California. Gray whales begin their annual migration from Alaska every year in October, passing through La Jolla from the end of November through the beginning of March. Let your educated guide lead the way on this two-hour kayak experience, where you’ve got a front-row seat to not only potentially whales, but dolphins, sea lions and harbor seals too. This intimate experience is a one-of-a-kind whale-watching adventure.
Visit The Cave Store
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You promised you were staying home today, but we’re willing to bet you’re about to cave in. The Cave Store in La Jolla is an ancient bootlegger’s tunnel leading through sandstone cliffs and ending in a breathtaking sea cave. No reservations necessary—this self-guided walkthrough takes just about 15 minutes, allowing guests to take as much time as they’d like to enjoy the peaceful crashing waves of the cave. Dug out in 1902 and a long-standing historical piece of San Diego, this 144-stair descent is a must-do for any visitor or local alike.
Jaclyn is a sunshine chasing San Diego native with an extensive writing background. When she isn’t word-smithing, you can find her playing beach volleyball, skating the boardwalk, or on a rooftop enjoying a drink in the sunshine with her pals.
