Lower Hermosa

Lower Hermosa occupies the coastal side of La Jolla Boulevard between Windansea and Bird Rock. Camino de la Costa follows the neighborhood's ocean edge, and the streets leading inland have a quieter residential character. A few blocks can change the outlook considerably, from bluff-front exposure to a sheltered garden setting.

Older Spanish and Mediterranean-style homes sit alongside renovated houses and newer contemporary residences. On an inland block, privacy, yard layout and the route to the coast often matter as much as whether the home has a view. Along the bluff, the orientation of terraces and living spaces determines how the house connects to the ocean.

For a specific property, distinguish ocean frontage, an ocean view and access to a public coastal entry. Tour the route to the shore in person and ask about the property's maintenance and permit history if a purchase or remodel is under consideration.