La Jolla, California, with its palm trees, glistening beaches and incredible coastline views, is just one of those places that makes you want to sing Phantom Planet's "California" (also the theme song of the hit show The OC) at the top of your lungs. It is the ultimate destination for the wealthy, the romantics, the wanderers, the beach bums, the photography lovers, and essentially anyone who just wants to take a break in paradise.
As a lucky La Jolla resident myself, I have, over the course of a few years, found some great places to capture this beautiful slice of coastal heaven.
To catch a glimpse of the incredible La Jolla Shores beach and the coastline, the best places to stop and take pictures is all along La Jolla Shores Drive which is a curving road that has magnificent views, at all times of the day, of the turquoise blue waters down below offset by a lush, green mountain to one side.
Once down at La Jolla Shores beach itself, the colorful umbrellas on the glistening sand, surfers in the water and yoga classes in the midst of the grassy, palm tree lined square behind the beach make for the perfect photo op.
For pictures of lazy sea lions relaxing in the sun, and rows of palm trees along crystal blue waters, The Cove at downtown La Jolla and its many running trails offer beautiful views at every turn. Downtown La Jolla in itself is worthy of being captured with its Mediterranean style architecture, colorful buildings surrounded by palm trees and trés chic boutique stores and eateries.
To capture the colorful and awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets - Scripps Pier in La Jolla is without a doubt the place to be. The sea reflects the molten light of the setting sun, bathing the beach in a warm, golden aura as the sand simply glistens. It is an incredible photo-taking spot in the early mornings and late evenings.
The Gilder Port next to the Salk Institute in La Jolla is another one of the best spots to take pictures. With colorful hang gliders leaping into the air on one side and the breathtakingly intricate, rocky cliffs leading down to the beaches on the other, "The Cliffs" of La Jolla are truly one of the most special and romantic spots in all of California.
For a higher, alternate view of La Jolla Shores beach and its nearby surroundings, Mount Soledad is a beautiful mountaintop to capture the stunning coastline, as well as the Mount Soledad Cross, a large and beautiful religious symbol. The drive itself up to Mount Soledad is filled with many spots to stop and take pictures.
These are just a few of the noteworthy spots to take pictures of within La Jolla, a true beach lover's paradise. So grab the camera, get in the car, drive to La Jolla and Phantom Planet's lyrics of "We've been on the run, driving in the sun, looking out for number 1, California here we come" will truly come to life.
