San Diego Communities to Visit
Easy Access from La Jolla
Neighborhoods define the personality of San Diego's Coastal Communities. And like the people who call them home, each community possesses a unique spirit of its own. In the following, you will see how San Diego, a vibrant and divergent city, has won the hearts of not only the people who call it home, but its many visitors as well.
Activity/Attraction
Directions
Coronado
Almost but not quite an island, Coronado lies between the blue of San Diego Bay and the deeper blue of the Pacific Ocean.
From La Jolla, drive south on I-5 and exit on the Coronado Bridge which takes you over San Diego Bay and into Coronado. Or take the Coronado Ferry which departs from downtown San Diego at the Embarcadero.
Del Mar
Del Mar is a charming coastal community whose Spanish name appropriately translates to "of the sea."
Drive I-5 in either direction and exit Del Mar Heights Rd and then take a left to reach the downtown village of Del Mar found along Camino Del Mar. You can alternatively exit Villa De La Valle which is best if going to the Del Mar Fairgrounds (horse races or County Fair)
Downtown San Diego & The Gaslamp Quarter
Long the political, legal and financial center of the city of San Diego, in the past twenty years, downtown San Diego & the Gaslamp Quarter have transformed into San Diego's heart and soul.
From La Jolla, drive south on I-5 and exit Front Street and drive to Broadway. Find any parking available because you are in the vicinity of downtown San Diego and the Gaslamp Quarter!
Julian California
Julian is an antidote for city stress and a perfect getaway. No matter when you visit Julian, you won't be disappointed with its one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
To reach Julian from Coastal San Diego, the best route is to go 8 East to Highway 79 and then North on Highway 79 to Julian. Highway 79 will lead you right into Main Street where you will want to look for parking.
La Jolla
Synonymous with wealth, beauty, culture and elegance, La Jolla is internationally known as one of the most fashionable residential, commercial and resort areas in the world.
From downtown San Diego, take I-5 north and exit La Jolla Pkwy. Drive up Torrey Pines Rd, turn right onto Prospect which brings you to La Jolla Village. From I-5 north, exit La Jolla Village Dr and turn right and then left onto Torrey Pines Rd until you see Prospect and make a right.
Mission Bay Park & Mission Bay Aquatic Center
With 4,600 acres of outdoor parks and open water, Mission Bay Park is the ultimate outdoor playground for sailors, jet-skiers, joggers, family fun and so much more.
Take I-5 in either direction and exit Tecolote Rd. Take a right and you arrive at Mission Bay Park. Alternatively, exit Sea World Drive and turn right and you can reach a different part of Mission Bay Park.
Old Town San Diego
Although Old Town San Diego Mexican restaurants are among the very best restaurants in San Diego, if you explore Old Town San Diego beyond the cuisine, you will find evidence of San Diego history everywhere you look.
To get to Old Town San Diego, take I-5 in either direction and exit Old Town Avenue. Go East and take a left at your second stop light onto San Diego Avenue and look for parking because you've arrived at Old Town San Diego!
Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach has been transformed from a quiet, nondescript San Diego beach community into one of the most exciting and most popular San Diego neighborhoods. For day and night, Pacific Beach is hot!
From downtown San Diego, drive north on I-5 and exit Grand & Garnet. Take a left onto Garnet Av and drive 10 minutes until you hit the water!
From the north, drive south on I-5 and exit Balboa Avenue and turn right on Garnet and again drive 10 minutes until you hit the water!
Point Loma
The epitome of a seaside beach community, Point Loma is a very desirable neighborhood among San Diego residents and one of the best San Diego attractions for visitors. Limited by size but certainly not attributes.
From La Jolla, drive south on I-5 and exit Rosecrans. Stay straight on Rosecrans for 10-15 minutes until you reach the heart of the Point Loma village.
Rancho Santa Fe
Located off I-5 a few miles east of Del Mar and Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe is a charming, quiet community, yet it boasts some of the most expensive homes in the country. Homes reflect the mood of the ranch; relaxed, calm and open.
Drive I-5 in either direction and exit Villa De La Valle in Del Mar and then head east. Remain on the road for 7 miles and you will find yourself in Rancho Santa Fe.