Located just 20 minutes north from downtown San Diego, La Jolla's seven-mile stretch of coastal property is technically within the San Diego city limits. Yet La Jolla has undoubtedly earned a reputation as a city in its own right. Known as one of the most expensive places to live in the United States, La Jolla boasts premium beaches, fine dining and distinguished art galleries. In addition, this seaside town hosts world-renowned research facilities, such as the Salk Institute and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. La Jolla's history is filled with legacy as well as controversy.
In 1850, the land in the present day La Jolla became part of San Diego. However, La Jolla did not see permanent settlers in the area until almost 20 years later. In 1869, brothers Daniel and Samuel Sizer each bought an 80 acre plot of land off of today's La Jolla Blvd. for $100.00 each. Today these plots would sell for millions of dollars.
Frank Terrill Botsford arrived by boat in 1886 and described La Jolla as simply "magnificent." Mr. Botsford was the first person credited with developing property in La Jolla and was later referred to as the "Father of La Jolla" because of this. Botsford acquired investors including George Heald, and subdivided the property. Botsford subsequently auctioned off the pieces of land.
The name La Jolla and its roots are a somewhat controversial subject among town historians. No one truly knows how the name was established or what it is truly supposed to mean. However, the theory that La Jolla spelled phonetically in Spanish "La Hoya" means "the Jewel" is widely accepted. The reference to the city as "the Jewel" comes from its rare components including its spectacular seaside cliffs and sea caves and La Jolla Cove, with its rare north facing position, keeping it very calm most of the time.
However, another theory claims that La Jolla has indigenous roots with the word "jolla" actually meaning the "hole" and the holes actually refer to the Caves.
While it remains a mystery as to the exact origin of La Jolla's name, there is no doubt that La Jolla is truly a magnificent place. La Jolla lies along the Pacific Ocean with its mysterious seven sea caves and unique plant life. La Jolla boasts its glorious beaches and remarkable location along sea cliffs, giving merit to its reputation as the "Jewel."
