Be a local tourist in La Jolla's sea caves

👋 Kate here, telling you that it's fun to be a tourist in your own city, especially when you get a sunny and 75°F day in the winter!

Driving the news: I kayaked with Everyday California in La Jolla Shores.

• We went with friends who've lived here for years but have never been to the sea caves.
• Unfortunately, we still haven't been: The swell was too high to venture in.

The intrigue: Dolphins swam around us as we took in the coastal views, which are even better from the water.

• We also laughed at our tour guide's dad jokes and learned about restoring kelp forests, local sea turtles and migrating orcas, glamorous oceanfront properties and prohibition-era liquor smugglers.

Pro tip: Definitely opt for the tandem kayak with your fiancé, it counts as premarital counseling. 😅

• If you're still happily together after, grab a beer and the hot garlic pretzel sticks at Shore Rider Bar.

💭Andy's thought bubble: It's been a cool decade and a half, but I actually used to be one of those dad joke-spewing tour guides. A couple thoughts:

• Wintertime is a great time for the trip, since it offers a chance at spotting gray whales (although cold water seems to be a barrier to fun for many).
• Like most things in San Diego, it's perfect in September. The water is warm and less crowded, and mating season for the leopard sharks means you'll see hundreds.