La Jolla is Spanish for The Jewel, a name that this California town strives to live up to with an abundance of recreation and scenic areas. Located 15 minutes from downtown San Diego, La Jolla features a unique and picturesque coastline and is favored as a travel destination for its beaches, restaurants and art galleries. Home to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), a marine research institute that promotes marine ecology projects around the world, and the University of California San Diego, the town emanates a lively, college feel. The Museum of Contemporary Art is just one of the many art galleries that are based out of La Jolla, allowing visitors to experience an array of artistic expression while visiting this coastal town. Families can make a visit to the Birch Aquarium, which is affiliated with the SIO and features a range of educational programs and interactive displays.