Even though we were now staying in Rancho Bernardo, we took a drive down to La Jolla in San Diego for a day of more sightseeing.
Our first stop was Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial, where one of my husband’s uncles are noted.
Since La Jolla is surrounded on three sides by water, the views impressively showcased the Pacific Ocean, with Mexico in the far distance.
….and then we also saw the mountains near the desert.
At the time I had no idea Dr. Seuss lived just below this monument, on the ocean side. Stay tuned for that story.
Driving down the mountain with steep roads, I saw many lovely properties built into the mountain that must all have stunning views of the ocean…and citrus trees!
LA VALENCIA HOTEL ROARING TWENTIES
Eventually reaching the seaside, we arrived at La Valencia Hotel, which is nicknamed The Pink Lady of La Jolla.
First opened in the late 1920s, La Valencia attracted Hollywood stars who knew one of the owners.
Located on the Pacific Ocean with terrific views and easy beach access among the cliffs, La Valencia was deemed an unspoiled “jewel,” by Hollywood movie stars and movie makers, who enjoyed relaxing there.
In between respites, Hollywood shot movies there among the beaches and cliffs.
WORLD WAR II
Soon after its opening during the Roaring Twenties, La Valencia survived the Great Depression, then endured World War II.
Like a great Hollywood movie, the hotel’s tower overlooking the Pacific Ocean enabled lookouts to keep watch for enemy planes and ships.
Meanwhile, La Valencia saw lots of WWII romance from young brides who awaited their loved ones to return home from war.
Some military officers chose La Valencia for R&R while waiting to be shipped out.
POST WAR HOLLYWOOD
After the war, famous movie stars who frequented the hotel included: Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire, Charlton Heston, Ginger Rogers, and David Niven.
SCENIC LUNCH
Seated at a table in the Mediterranean Room with lovely views of the Pacific Ocean, we enjoyed a delicious lunch.
Delicious corn bisque…
I’m trying to remember the protein I had with this terrific salad (that was actually fresh and green) but I think that is a charred pineapple. Yum!
Chocolate with foamy meringue and flowers is always fun for dessert!
PATIO SEATING
After lunch we enjoyed the patio seating for a bit while I took a few more snaps.
The town of La Jolla looks really cute. I’d love to return and spend more time there to check out the shops.
I also wish I had time to explore the hotel further and see how the grounds allowed access to the beach.
Hopefully next time!
