La Jolla (La-HOY-a) stretches out along Southern California's western coastline, just a brief drive north of downtown San Diego, and about 30 miles north of the Mexican border. It's famous for its small cove and its beach, surrounded by residential homes perched on its cliffs. Its fame also includes surfing, snorkeling and scuba activities. Free public parking is very limited --- mostly found on the street. There is a strong ecological movement, so it's a haven for sea lions, sea gulls, and various fishes.

Each summer the Terry & Jackie Nishimoto family of Sherman Oaks, CA, load up their Volvo station wagon for a week-long vacation to one of California’s most spectacular destinations. Yosemite? The Redwoods or Joshua Tree? Wrong. The Nishimoto’s destination of choice is nestled along the Pacific Ocean, less than a two hour drive south of Los Angeles.