Pelicans of the cliffs and other La Jolla, CA Things to Do Tips

If you click to enlarge this pic, you will see that there are dozens and dozens of pelicans on the clliffs. I don't remember seeing them when we lived out there years ago. Probably they have accumulated as the species has recovered from near extinction. I understand that once DDT was outlawed, the pelican came back strong.
These are the brown pelicans, but there are many varieties.

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Again, if you click to enlarge you will see the birds better. Pelicans take two years to reach maturity. The immature individuals are brown overall and lack the colorful pouch characteristic of the breeding-age adults. You can see her vibrant red pouch in this photo.
They say we could take a lesson from the pelicans who take turns at leadership when they are surfing in on the waves. It's a very orderly and democratic society !! Imagine.

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These caves are fascinating. I wanted to go down and explore but my companions were not so adventurous. It's probably a wonderful place for marine life. This is really quite an intereting section of coastline.

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These may be Russian Olive trees, but I am not certain. Write to me if you know. My husband was intrigued by their unusual configuration. Sort of Japanese looking, too.

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The John Coles' Book Shop has been in La Jolla for years, and stood as one of the last book stores privately owned. No mega Borders Store here. It's a sweet little place where you can find local books, travel books, old books, and novels. Unfortunately the store was having a going out of business sale when we were there. However, the good news is that it will be picked up by a historical group who will preserve it as a piece of La Jolla's history. I'm thankful for that...but how sad to think that these little book stores will be heading for extinction.

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This is a 60,000 sq ft museum on a 3 acre site overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was established in 1941, originally the home of celebrated philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps, deisgned in 1916 by Irving Gill. Breathtaking coastal views in the heart of downtown. In 1996 there was a renovation and expansions which gives the museum a very contemporary appearance. It is a museum of contemporary art and the region's most important forum for the exploration and presentation of the art of our time. Film, video, lectures, performances and educational programs are available for visitors of all ages.

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Phone: 858 454 3541 x 151
Address: central to La Jolla ... business district
Directions: follow the beach road
Website: www.mcasd.org

We decided to have lunch in the cafe with outdoor seating at the Museum of Contemporary Art. I generally find that one can depend on a museum's lunch menu and this one did not disappoint. Salad dishes were fresh and interesting....portions were generous for burger lovers, and deserts made on premises with pride. It was warm and pleasant sitting there in such beautiful surroundings. It was lovely to be able to eat outdoors in January.

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Phone: 858 454 3541
Address: 700 Prospect St, La Jolla
Directions: along the beach road...in business district

St. James by the sea is a wonderful place to visit. It's an Episcopal church with Spanish elements in its design, and it occupies a prominent position in the midst of the growing business district in La Jolla. Beautifully cared for, with lovely grounds and a quiet courtyard to sit, rest, and contemplate.

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Phone: 858 456 1105
Address: 743 Prospect St., La Jolla
Directions: across the street from the Contemporary Art Museum
Website: stjamesbythesea.org

St. James Gift Shop is a "must see". I learned about it here on VT and decided to look into it for myself. So glad I did. In fact the women were charmed that we have such a site and took our address so they could tune in and see their little plug for the gift shop. The shop is filled with gifts from around the world. I was taken by the jewelry from the southwest, but there were handmade crafts from all 4 corners of the globe. Some quite inexpensive considering the quality. As someone else on VT pointed out, it was nice to be supportive of such a wonderful church, as well. I would recommend it for your gifting or for a crazy southwest necklace such as I bought....with lots of parrots, silver, chilis....you get the idea. :-)

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Phone: 858 456 1105
Address: 743 Prospect St., La Jolla
Directions: along the beach road in business district
Website: stjamesbythesea.org
Other Contact: kfast@aol.com

Classic in its design...as all Episcopalian churches seem to be..... this was a pleasant and cool stop to make in mid afternoon. They hold daily services...even weekday noon time. Very unusual, I would say. I didn't get all the history of the church, but its architecture with its Spanish influence told me that it has probably been a mainstay in La Jolla for a very long time.

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Phone: 858 456 1105
Address: 743 Prospect St., La Jolla
Directions: along the beach road....business district
Website: stjamesbythesea.org