Spanish for "The Jewel," La Jolla is located 15 miles from San Diego and holds its own among all the other gems that make up California's coastal cities. Consistently nice weather and beautiful natural scenery provide the backdrop for a community filled with art galleries, fine restaurants, and shopping galore. A visit to La Jolla will show you all the best aspects of America's Golden state, so go west, young travelers.

Several beaches are certainly worth visiting along La Jolla's coast, including La Jolla Cove, one of California's most photographed beaches. Though relatively small, this strip of shoreline is striking in its beauty and within easy walking distance of the town. Another notable spot is Black's Beach, which is located at the base of the cliffs. It makes a great place for surfing, but due to often difficult trail access it attracts only the most adventurous hikers.

Golfers will find themselves in a veritable paradise here in La Jolla, thanks to the Torrey Pines course and two country clubs. Prepare to swing your clubs in the most breathtaking of environments, and be prepared to test your skills by playing through a little fog if you choose to visit the seaside courses. Culture-minded travelers will want to take notice of the Athenaeum Music and Arts Library as well as the Contemporary Art Museum, and if your budget permits, make an appointment at the local spa for an end of the day massage or pedicure.

If you like to enjoy a hearty day of shopping, La Jolla is the right place for you. Pick up a priceless piece at one of the many antique shops, find the painting that will fit above your mantel among the gallery offerings, or check out ever-trendy California's latest offerings as you cruise through the clothing shops. An array of fine jewelers will make window shopping a must, or if you've been saving up perhaps you'll even step inside for a better look. Finally, several specialty boutiques will make bringing home unique souvenirs a distinct possibility, so keep your eyes open for that special something that will help you remember this trip for years to come.

After filling your days with these activities, it's likely that you'll work up an appetite for a satisfying meal. Nestled into the cliffs and providing a front-row seat to what's sure to be a striking sunset, many restaurants have created enticing menus to match the ideal ambience of La Jolla. Seafood is a popular offering, but other than that the primary theme of the dining scene is eclecticism and tantalizing flavors. From elegant to casual, the assortment of establishments will ensure that you never go hungry. Don't forget that you're pretty close to wine country, so be sure to pick out a locally created bottle to go with your dinner.

Many special events make La Jolla an even more magnetic place to visit, and it's likely that something fun will be going on at the time of your visit. Book readings, swimming events, movies by the sea and an annual Summerfest filled with music and dancing are just a few examples of the ways that this jewel of a city likes to celebrate, so be sure to take advantage of everything that's happening while you're here.

To make this vacation truly stellar, look into renting a vacation property so that your home base will be as fabulous as the rest of the trip. Choosing a one-of-a-kind spot along the beach with high ceilings, ocean views, and modern decorations will make you feel truly privileged. And on a practical note, having access to a kitchen, washer and dryer, and plenty of closet space means that you won't have to worry about the little things that can sometimes bring a vacation down.

There are many vacation rentals available in the La Jolla area, so whether you'd prefer to be within walking distance of the shopping district or tucked away in the hills with a 180 degree view of the seascape, you're sure to find something elegant and comfortable. Victorian style cottages and attractive adobe casitas stand out from the usual lodging options, and choosing to stay in a unique and cozy place for your visit to this traveler's paradise will definitely seem like the right thing to do.

Go online to weigh your options, and settle for nothing less than the La Jolla Vacation Rental of your dreams.