I recently returned from a wonderful weekend in La Jolla and have been dying to share my three favorite stops along the way. Southern California is such a popular and easy-to-get-to spot for us Arizonans that there is no reason why La Jolla shouldn’t be at the top of your list of places to visit in the near future. San Diego is great but the artsy beach town just to the north is one of my favorite spots on earth. Here are my recommendations and highlights for the perfect La Jolla weekend!
Where to Stay:
The Scripps Inn is located just enough footsteps away from the artsy inspired town to feel quietly removed but close enough to walk to all the fabulous shops and dining La Jolla has to offer. It’s the perfect spot to rest your head at night while listening to the ocean waves crashing right outside your window. This quaint but luxurious bed and breakfast is so darn cute and the hospitality is incredible- the owners are happy to recommend activities and dining options for anything you are looking to experience while in town. The very large rooms are decorated in pale blue ocean hues, updated nautical décor, and feature one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept on. Each morning guests are greeted with fresh pastries, coffee, and of course the morning mist coming off the water all of which can be enjoyed from your own set patio chairs. Take 20 steps and you’re wading in the water (give or take a few steps based on your height!) Scripps Inn also offers a hot commodity in La Jolla…a parking spot for every guest! We can’t wait to stay here again, it was THAT charming. Click HERE to visit the Scripps Inn website!
Where to Eat Dinner:
After doing some dining research and talking to locals, I knew we had to make it a priority to eat at California Modern at George’s at the Cove while in La Jolla. Perfectly elegant yet SoCal laid back, this dining destination is situated on the water where the view is nearly as gorgeous as the food presentation. Nearly. Try to go at sunset and request a table by the window. Both James and I indulged in the 4 course menu sampling some of the west coast’s freshest seafood. The flawlessly charred octopus, deconstructed ahi tacos and butter poached lobster tails were my favorite treats from the sea. James loved his perfectly aged steak and egg yolk ravioli that had so many different dimensions of flavor in every bite. Of course you know we had dessert and not just one. The coconut cream beehive topped with bee pollen and chia seeds was very different than anything we’ve ever had but was quite enjoyable. Of course the warm chocolate cake was everything we had hoped for after reading numerous raving reviews on Yelp. Overall, George’s California Modern is a MUST when visiting southern California. Click HERE to visit George’s website and see the incredible menu!
Where to Eat Brunch:
If I had to pick a favorite meal in life, it would be brunch. There’s something about that time between your morning coffee and weekend afternoon cocktail that is glorious- especially when you’re brunching on vacation. We heard about The Cottage from a friend who swears by The Cottage’s crab cake benedict so of course we had to check it out ourselves. Indeed, the recommendation was spot on and judging from the 30-40 minute wait on a random Thursday early afternoon we could tell this place was going to be good. Not only was the crab dish to die for, the triple decker club sandwich and scratch made clam chowder was heavenly. You can’t blame us for trying to consume our body weight in seafood- we are from Arizona after all. My tips for dining at The Cottage include to make a reservation, sit on the patio, and order the fruit plate with extra strawberry crème fresh dipping sauce as a starter! Another incredible restaurant to be sure and visit while you’re in town!
The Cottage even shared their famous white chocolate bread pudding recipe with us! Enjoy!!
Ingredients:
– 1 already made pound cake loaf
– 4 oz. white chocolate squares, broken into small pieces
– 2 cups frozen or fresh raspberries
– 5 eggs
– 5 egg yolks
– 1 1/3 cup sugar
– 1 1/3 cup heavy cream
– 1 1/3 cup milk
– 2 tsp. vanilla extract
Procedure:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 10-inch round pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper. Crumble 4 pound cake slices and place on the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle the chocolate pieces on top. Layer the raspberries over the chocolate. Crumble the remaining pound cake slices over the raspberries. In a medium bowl whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar. Add the cream, milk, and vanilla. Mix well and then strain. Gently pour the mixture over the cake. Bake for 1 hour or until set, bubbly and brown. Bon appetit!