Children's Pool & Seal Rock
A protected cove teeming with harbor seals and their pups, offering stunning coastal views and a free wildlife spectacle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more seals
Children's Pool & Seal Rock
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more seals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A protected cove teeming with harbor seals and their pups, offering stunning coastal views and a free wildlife spectacle.
"A must-see attraction for wildlife lovers, offering free, up-close encounters with seals and sea lions."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is tricky; aim for early morning to snag a spot. Patience is key!
📸 Get Your Photo Ops
You can get close enough for great photos, but respect the protected areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Harbor Seals & Pups
Children's Pool Beach
Witness adorable harbor seals and their pups lounging on the sand and swimming in the protected cove.
Seal Rock Views
Adjacent to Children's Pool
Observe sea lions and other marine life playing in the surf from the scenic seawall.
Coastal Strolls
Coast Boulevard
Enjoy a relaxing walk along the coast, taking in ocean breezes and wildlife sightings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Seal Sightings
Parking and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is tricky; aim for early morning to snag a spot. Patience is key!
📸 Get Your Photo Ops
You can get close enough for great photos, but respect the protected areas.
👃 Embrace the Scent
The smell of seals is strong but part of the experience! You'll get used to it.
🌊 Watch for Waves
Be cautious on the seawall; rogue waves can splash over.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is tricky; aim for early morning to snag a spot. Patience is key!
📸 Get Your Photo Ops
You can get close enough for great photos, but respect the protected areas.
👃 Embrace the Scent
The smell of seals is strong but part of the experience! You'll get used to it.
🌊 Watch for Waves
Be cautious on the seawall; rogue waves can splash over.
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Stroll
Perfect for an afternoon walk with family and visitors. It's free!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the abundance of seals and sea lions, calling it a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts and a beautiful spot for coastal strolls. While the strong ocean smell and challenging parking are noted drawbacks, the free admission and charming atmosphere make it a highly recommended, albeit sometimes crowded, attraction. Many appreciate the opportunity to see pups and enjoy the natural beauty.
"Great place to just walk and enjoy the evening and take visitors from out of town! The smell is strong but easy to get used to as you enjoy the bird watching, seals, and sea lions swimming in the surf below. Parking can be a little tricky but not impossible if you are patient. Plenty of bars/restaurants/ice cream shops nearby."
Christina Patten
"Great place to go if you want to see some super cute seals and their pups! The beach is of course fenced at some points to keep people safe but you can still get close enough to get some nice photos.
Public washrooms are available which is nice.
Definitely a must see if you live inland like me and a great sight even in less than stellar weather but having seen it I'm unlikely to go back unless I'm bringing someone else for the first time."
Daniel Kruitbosch
"Great place to come and look at the seals.
Arrive early to heal a parking spot.
First time I came there was an abundance of seals, 2nd time I visited there wasn't many.
Be careful walking along the seawall, you may get wet."
Steve
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Children's Pool is located at 850 Coast Boulevard in San Diego. Parking can be difficult, especially during peak season. Many visitors recommend arriving early in the morning or late afternoon to find parking. Ride-sharing services are also a good option.
While specific bus routes can vary, San Diego's public transit system does serve the La Jolla area. It's advisable to check the MTS (Metropolitan Transit System) website for the most current routes and schedules that get you closest to Coast Boulevard.
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim to visit on a weekday morning before 9 AM. Summer months are generally the busiest due to the presence of seal pups.
Yes, Children's Pool is part of the scenic La Jolla coastline. You can enjoy a pleasant walk from nearby La Jolla Cove, taking in the ocean views along Coast Boulevard.
Parking is available along Coast Boulevard near Children's Pool and Seal Rock. However, it is highly competitive, especially during weekends and summer. Be prepared to circle or walk a bit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit Children's Pool and Seal Rock. It is a public beach and viewing area, making it a free attraction for everyone.
Children's Pool is a public beach and is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, access to the water for swimming is restricted when seals are pupping or molting.
There is no entrance fee for Seal Rock or the surrounding viewing areas. Enjoying the wildlife and coastal scenery is completely free.
Swimming is allowed at Children's Pool during certain times of the year, typically when seals are not present for pupping or molting. However, due to the seals' presence, swimmers are often discouraged.
Visitors are asked to respect the wildlife and maintain a safe distance from the seals and sea lions. The beach area is often fenced to protect the animals.
📸 📸 Photography
The best time for photography is during the 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset. The soft light enhances the natural beauty and can create stunning shots of the seals and the coastline.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended to capture clear, detailed shots of the seals and sea lions from a distance without disturbing them. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scenic coastal landscape.
Drone usage is generally restricted in protected wildlife areas to avoid disturbing the animals. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone near Children's Pool or Seal Rock.
While you can get relatively close for photos, it's important to maintain a safe and respectful distance. The beach area is often fenced to ensure the seals' safety and privacy.
The seawall along Coast Boulevard offers excellent vantage points for photographing both the seals on the beach and the sea lions in the water. The elevated views provide a great perspective.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the La Jolla Village area, just a short walk from Children's Pool, offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops. You'll find options for every taste and budget.
While there aren't dedicated picnic facilities directly on the beach, you can enjoy a picnic in the nearby grassy areas or along the coastal paths. Remember to pack out all your trash.
Typically, there are no permanent food vendors directly at Children's Pool. It's best to bring your own snacks or plan to dine in the nearby La Jolla Village.
La Jolla Village boasts a diverse culinary scene, from casual cafes and delis to upscale dining establishments. You can find seafood, Italian, Mexican, and international cuisine.
Dining in La Jolla can range from moderately priced to quite expensive, depending on the establishment. However, there are certainly budget-friendly options available if you look for them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Visiting in the morning can mean fewer crowds and more active seals. Be prepared for the natural ocean smell, which is part of the authentic wildlife experience. It's a great educational opportunity to teach children about marine conservation and respecting wildlife from a distance.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Save money by: Packing your own lunch and water. Enjoying the scenic walk instead of relying on local transport for short distances. The incredible wildlife viewing is the main attraction, and it costs nothing!
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The coastal scenery itself is also stunning, particularly during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Gear recommendations: Bring a telephoto lens to capture detailed shots of the animals from a respectful distance. A wide-angle lens is great for sweeping ocean vistas. Be mindful of the sea spray from the waves, and consider bringing lens protection.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Seals of Children's Pool
While swimming is sometimes permitted when seals are not present, the primary purpose of the area has shifted to wildlife observation. The presence of seals has transformed the beach into a protected marine mammal preserve. The seals often bask in the sun on the sand or swim gracefully in the ocean, providing a captivating spectacle for visitors. The sheer number of seals can be impressive, and their behaviors offer a fascinating glimpse into their daily lives.
It's important to note that the seal population can vary. Some visitors report seeing an abundance of seals, while others have seen fewer on different visits. This natural fluctuation is part of observing wildlife. The best advice is to come with an open mind and appreciate whatever the seals decide to share with you on your visit.
Navigating La Jolla's Coastal Charm
Beyond the immediate vicinity of Children's Pool, the broader La Jolla coastline is worth exploring. Nearby La Jolla Cove is another popular spot for wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and diving. The tide pools in the area can also reveal a fascinating array of marine creatures during low tide. The charming La Jolla Village, with its upscale boutiques, art galleries, and diverse dining options, is just a short walk away, offering a perfect complement to a day of nature exploration.
When visiting, be prepared for the possibility of strong ocean smells, which are a natural part of a thriving marine environment. Many find that the captivating sights of the wildlife quickly make the scent a minor detail. The combination of stunning natural scenery, abundant wildlife, and the vibrant atmosphere of La Jolla makes this area a must-visit destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit