Vanessa
Harlingen, Texas
I'm tagging along on a friend's business trip and need to occupy myself for a Thursday afternoon/evening and Friday morning. I'm staying in the Torrey Pines/La Jolla area and will probably have a car. Suggestions for things to do in that area by myself? We'll be doing San Diego proper stuff over the weekend (Zoo, Gaslamp, etc.) Thanks in advance!
You could go to the beach at La Jolla Shores near the La Jolla Shores Hotel or hiking at Torrey Pines State Reserve. If you want to go shopping, have lunch, or just do some sightseeing, you should drive into La Jolla Village around Prospect St. La Jolla Cove is a nice place to walk around and take in the ocean views. They are doing construction on the lifeguard area, but it doesn't affect the views or the park near the cove. 
Good restaurants with views in the area include George's Ocean Terrace and the bar area under it,
Eddie V's - La Jolla, 
and the terrace at the La Valencia Hotel
There are many other restaurants and a lot of interesting shops in the area.
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Hi Vanessa~
John has some awesome suggestions and I'd just like to add that La Jolla is super bike friendly. Grab a bike and just cruise around town and up and down the shore. The nature and wildlife is just beautiful and you can spend much of your time just watching the baby seals (maybe they are all teens now...it has been 3 weeks since I've been out there).
The Promiscuous Fork is a nice place to eat.
Cave Store Head to this store and then you can walk down through the cave. A bit on the smelly side but something different to do.
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego You can check out the sculpture garden for free and it is lovely.
All of theses places can be reached while on a bike and you won't have to fight for a parking spot.
Enjoy!
~Ronelle
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Go for a sunset hike at Torrey Pines State Reserve Go for a walk in La Jolla village, get a coffee at Brick & Bell Cafe and cruise around the shops and walk down to La Jolla Cove
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Don't forget to visit Balboa Park, next to the Zoo. The park has a Museum and a Science/Astronomy building if you like to check out the universe. Also, try downtown on Broadway Pier to view the decommissioned USS Midway Museum.
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You could go for a nice sunset hike at Torrey Pines State Reserve, or head slightly North to check out the little shops in Encinitas. Breakfast at Swami's Cafe or 101 Cafe Historic 1928 is great (I recommend the Hawaiian pancakes at Cafe 101!) Depending on what your tastes are, you could also take in a show at the Belly Up in Solana Beach - it's a super fun venue.
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Ronelle
Vanessa
