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If the OP will end up renting a car then I definitely recommend La Jolla. It’s only about 20 minutes away from the hotel area and most times of the day there won’t be much in the way of heavy traffic between the two. I think the coastline is very scenic from La Jolla cove on south from there (and north too for that matter). La Jolla cove has a nice large grassy park area right up to the cove and cliffs and one can wander along there down to the ‘Children’s Pool’ which is really another cove but generally has lots of sea lions at it and wander even further south from there, down to where some houses are, and see the tidepool areas on the sandstone type of rocks along there. There’s also expensive shopping/store gazing if you like that sort of thing there as well. It’s all walkable once you get there. Parking can be a little bit of a hassle but I’ve always found a spot on the street but usually not right along where the park is - just a block or two in from there. There are also parking garages to make it even easier but I’m generally too cheap to pay for one.</p>
<p>If you have a car you can also see Mission Bay which is between the hotel and La Jolla.</p>
<p>OTOH you’re right in that there are lots of other scenic areas and nice beaches but I think La Jolla cove is particularly scenic.</p>
<p>If you wanted to go there but don’t have a car you could also cab it (don’t know what the cost would be) or take a city bus.</p>