La Jolla is for gli anziani (in mind, body or both)
You should tell the locals who hang out around Bird Rock and surf at Windansea Beach that.
La Jolla is certainly an affluent town but the neighbourhoods have different atmospheres and the coastline, the real asset of La J, is open to all (no private beaches).
If a flat mile-long expanse of sandy beach, gentle waves, palm trees, bougainvillea and a backdrop of some of the most expensive real estate in California appeals, then La Jolla Shores is a good place to go. (But not at weekends.)
If it doesn't then Bird Rock, just a few minutes drive in the other direction, couldn't be more different. It's a much younger neighbourhood and has a very different shoreline - rugged beach, reefs, small coves, very quiet and uncrowded. No facilities on the beach but lots of moderately priced restaurants/bars just couple of blocks away, or buy a disposable and do what many locals do - barbecue on the beach.
Nearby Windansea Beach is the place to surf - or just marvel at the skill of the surfers. It's called Windansea for good reason - lots of wind and hard breaking surf right up to the shoreline. (Not suitable for small children.)
I've flown over the desert, but haven't been to Jacumba. Thanks for posting the tip.
Agree with you about the North County coastal towns.
Ocean Beach? Hmm.
I suppose if Dave wants a 'head shop' or a tattoo or some body-piercing while he's in San Diego, then Ocean Beach would be a good place to go.
FL