We’d planned La Jolla for day three of our San Diego trip. The morning we woke up to dense coastal fog sitting low over the water and showing no sign of clearing, so we redirected downtown to USS Midway instead. It was the right call. But we still wanted La Jolla, so we shuffled the itinerary and went back two days later on a clear morning.
It was the day the kids talked about most when we got home.
La Jolla is mostly free — and in San Diego, where the zoo alone costs $250 for a family, that feels significant. What you get for nothing: seals on the rocks, tidepools full of life, and a beach that’s genuinely calm for small children. The only thing that costs money is the kayaking, and that’s optional.
The Seals at Children’s Pool
This is what everyone comes for, and it’s worth it.
Children’s Pool is a small cove on the La Jolla coast, protected by a low curved sea wall that was originally built to give children a calm place to swim. The seals discovered it at some point and decided it was better suited to them. They’ve been there ever since, and now the beach below belongs entirely to the seals while people watch from the raised path above.
When we arrived, there were thirty or so spread across the sand and rocks. Some were sleeping in a pile, completely indifferent to the crowd watching them. A few were at the water’s edge, flipping lazily into the surf and hauling themselves back out. Filip stood still at the railing for a long time. That doesn’t happen often with a three-year-old.
There’s a voluntary distance rope on the viewing path — most people respect it, and the seals look more peaceful for it. In pupping season (December–May) the population increases significantly; you might see pups resting alone on the sand while their mothers are in the water.
Tip: Come in the morning when the seals are most active and the viewing area is less crowded. Mid-afternoon it gets busy and the light on the rocks is harsh for photos.
The Tidepools
A short walk along the cliff path from Children’s Pool brings you to the La Jolla Cove tidepools. Low tide opens up shallow rock pools full of sea anemones, hermit crabs, sea urchins, and small fish. You can crouch right over everything — no glass, no barriers, nothing between you and what’s in the water.
Both kids went quiet in that focused way they do when something requires careful looking. That’s the thing about tidepools — there’s no barrier between you and what’s in the water, and small children take that very seriously.
Check tide times before you go — at high tide there’s much less to see. Low tide is when the pools open up properly and the rockfaces reveal themselves. A quick search for “La Jolla tide chart” will show you the schedule for any given day.
La Jolla Shores Beach
About a kilometre from the Cove is La Jolla Shores — a long, wide, sandy beach with gentle surf and shallow water close to shore. This is the right beach for small children.
The waves come in slowly, break well out, and wash up as shallow foam. No rocks, firm sand near the waterline, calm water — the kind of beach that actually works when you have under-5s.
We spent an hour here after the tidepools. The kids dug while Igor and I sat nearby in a state of moderate collapse. It was a good afternoon.
La Jolla Shores is also where the kayaking departs from, if you want to add that to the day.
Kayaking the Sea Caves
Along the La Jolla cliffs there are seven sea caves, accessible only from the water. Guided kayak tours depart from La Jolla Shores, typically running 90 minutes, and take you along the cliffs and into the caves. Several operators also offer snorkel tours if you want to get into the water.
The caves are genuinely striking. You paddle in from the ocean side, the ceiling drops low, the light turns green, and the sound of the waves outside echoes off the rock. It’s one of those things that photographs badly and in person feels much more significant.
We didn’t do it on this trip — the kids were too small and we ran out of day. But a friend did it on a separate San Diego trip and said it was genuinely amazing. I’d probably save it for older kids who are comfortable in water. The tours are guided, but you’re still on open water with the possibility of waves, and that’s a lot to manage with a toddler in tow.
🛶 Book a La Jolla sea caves kayak tour →
Birch Aquarium (Worth Knowing About)
A short drive up the hill from the Cove is Birch Aquarium at Scripps, attached to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. It’s smaller than a major city aquarium — Pacific fish and coral displays, outdoor touch pools, good views of the ocean from the hillside — but well put together and never overwhelming.
We didn’t go on this visit (we’d done SEA LIFE at Legoland earlier in the week and felt aquarium’d out), but if you’re building a La Jolla day and want a structured, shaded stop, it’s a solid option. Tickets are around $20 adults / $14 children.
Where to Eat
Prospect Street runs through La Jolla village — upscale, slightly touristy, but worth it for a lunch terrace with a sea view. We ate at a place with fish tacos and a terrace facing west. The meal cost more than it should have and we didn’t mind.
George’s at the Cove is the well-known local option — multiple floors, a rooftop terrace, good food. We walked past it, clocked the queue, and chose something quicker.
For something more casual, there are beach cafés near La Jolla Shores that are fine for post-sand, post-tidepool hunger.
One warning, and I say this as someone who learned the hard way: watch the seagulls. We were sitting outside with pastries when one swooped in and took Ela’s straight off the table. Clean strike, no hesitation, gone in a second. The seagull landed on a nearby bin looking completely unbothered. Ela did not share his composure. It took a while to recover from.
Practical Tips
Tide times matter — check before you go. Low tide gives you the full tidepool experience. High tide and you’re mostly looking at water.
Parking — La Jolla Shores Drive has free street parking but it fills up fast on weekends. Arrive before 9am or use the paid lot near Children’s Pool.
Sun — La Jolla faces southwest and the afternoon is strong. Shade is limited on the cliff path and near the Cove. Sunscreen, hats, and a plan for a break matter more here than at the zoo.
Strollers — La Jolla Shores beach is accessible. The cliff path around the Cove is paved and manageable. The tidepool section involves stepping over rocks, so that stretch is better done on foot.
Order of the day — seals first (morning, when they’re active), tidepools after, lunch on Prospect Street, beach in the afternoon. This flows naturally and keeps the tide on your side for the pools.
Book kayaking in advance — tours fill up, particularly in summer. Check minimum ages if you’re bringing young children.
Guard your food — the seagulls are bold and fast. Keep pastries close and lids on drinks when eating outside.
Our Verdict
La Jolla is the kind of place that doesn’t need selling. You show up, the seals are there, the tidepools are there, the beach is there — and none of it costs anything. For a day in San Diego that isn’t a theme park or a museum, it’s as good as it gets.
Filip asked on the drive home if the seals would be there if we came back. We didn’t really need to answer — we all already knew.
Quick reference:
- Don’t miss: Seals at Children’s Pool + tidepools at La Jolla Cove — both free
- Check before you go: Tide times for tidepool access
- Best beach for small kids: La Jolla Shores — gentle surf, no rocks, wide sand
- Optional add: Sea caves kayak tour from La Jolla Shores (~90 min, family-friendly options available)
- Optional add: Birch Aquarium at Scripps (~$20 adult / ~$14 children)
- Parking: Free on La Jolla Shores Drive (arrive early); paid near Children’s Pool
- Lunch: Prospect Street for a terrace; beach cafés near La Jolla Shores for casual
- Watch out: Seagulls will steal food — no shame, no hesitation
- Part of: One-week San Diego itinerary
