San Diego Unique Tours: Exploring La Jolla Village

If you are going to be in sunny La Jolla, your trip there just won’t be complete without a tour of the city's downtown area. Locally known as "the village", this downtown area is filled with trendy shops, galleries, and nice places to eat. La Jolla Village is something you need to tour on foot to fully appreciate.

There is another reason why walking tours are best in La Jolla Village. Parking is not easy. The downtown streets offer two hour free parking, although your best bet will probably be one of the garages along Fay Avenue where a flat rate will ease your mind of parking worries for the entire day.

Let's Start Walking

Once you have found a place to park, you should begin your tour at the corner of Fay Avenue and Prospect Street. This is where you'll find some of the most famous restaurants in the downtown area, including Moondoggie's and Il Forno.

As you pass by the restaurants, you'll see the Arcade Building, which resembles an old hybrid style. The Arcade Building leads to an alleyway with many specialty shops.

After you explore the treasures of the Arcade Building alley, continue your tour North along Prospect Street and you'll come to a stretch of art galleries. If you appreciate art, you'll love everything the village has to offer you.

Take a Break At The Grande Colonial Hotel

Just across the street from the art galleries, you'll find The Grande Colonial Hotel. This hotel is famous and well known for its rate of $1 per day since the opening in 1913. The hotel has been renovated many times and now ranks as one of the best landmarks in La Jolla Village.

As you continue your walk down Prospect Street, you'll encounter Girard Avenue, which offers you plenty of shops and eateries. By this time you may be thirsty and hungry. Take a break and get ready so do some more sightseeing in La Jolla Village.