A Tour of La Jolla's Grand Homes

[Elizabeth Hansen]

La Jolla homes are some of the most beautiful and expensive in the United States, and it's not surprising that many visitors to San Diego would like to take a peek at them. Unfortunately, the most intriging houses are surrounded by view-obstructing walls and hedges.

However, once a year - this time it's Saturday, May 14 - the Secret Garden Tour of Old La Jolla provides an opportunity for guests to enter the gardens and wander over the grounds of private residences that are otherwise off-limits.

The event is sponsored by the La Jolla Historical Society and tickets are still available via the website or by calling 858-459-5335 ext. 5. The self-guided tour begins at 10am and costs $40 for members and $50 for non-members.

The five houses are located in various areas in our community - ranging from Bird Rock to La Jolla Farms - so participants will have a chance to tour gardens surrounding historic homes, newer architectural wonders, and formal estates. Some have ocean views, others offer innovative outdoor entertaining areas, and one has a long winding drive paved with cobbles relocated from an historic Philadelphia street.

In conjunction with the Secret Garden Tour, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is offering a "Bountiful Botanicals Package" that includes waived resort fee, complimentary valet parking, 20% discount in all restaurants, complimentary valet parking, and 20% discount at the spa for only $169 per night.

This is a great time to be in La Jolla and this event has all the makings of a perfect girlfriends getaway.

 

Image: Table setting in garden included on 2010 Secret Garden Tour of Old La Jolla.

Photo credit: ADAMS / HANSEN STOCK PHOTOS

 

Labels: architecture, beautiful homes, coastal scenery, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, flowers, gardens, Historical Society, houses, La Jolla travel information, San Diego, secret garden tour

[Donna Esposito]

I've only gone to San Diego once, but I remember the Estancia La Jolla Hotel, and I thought I couldn't afford it. I wouldn't call $169 cheap, but the hotel is beautiful, so this is a fair price. You've convinced me that my next visit to San Diego will be during the Secret Garden Tour.