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Highlights
| Logistics
| Getting
There | Insider
Tips
Highlights
Close to downtown La Jolla, the Children’s
Pool — or the “Casa,” as locals call it —
is a tiny cove protected by a concrete breakwater. It was once a
swimming area for children until the seals and sea lions took over.
Now visitors can sunbathe and enjoy the added bonus of an ongoing
marine mammal show courtesy of the seals and sea lions that play
in and around the shore or at Seal Rock, their offshore reserve.
Walkers and hikers can check out the trails next to Coast Boulevard.
High above the beach, these paths offer panoramic views of the water
and the sandstone cliffs leading down to ocean’s edge. Grassy
picnic areas lie north and south of Children’s Pool. Mix with
the well-to-do at La Jolla’s high-end hotels, shops, and restaurants,
or spend the day near the Pacific Ocean watching the seals and sea
lions as they cavort at the Children’s Pool — either
way, a day well spent!
Logistics
Although swimming is now discouraged at the
beach, the Children’s Pool is still a beautiful spot to sunbathe.
Diving is also no longer allowed since the seals and sea lions are
protected from harassment by federal law. These mammals inhabit
the beach during winter, spring, and fall. However, visitors can
walk out onto the breakwater for close-up views of the Pacific or
to observe the tide pools that teem with interesting sea creatures.
Note that this beach has no wheelchair access because of the steep
incline leading down to the ocean. There are no parking lots near
the beach and street parking (metered during the week) fills up
quickly on summer weekends. It’s best to arrive early, park
downtown in one of the paid lots, or stroll to the beach from the
hotel. Downtown is a short distance to the beach.
Getting There
From the north, take I-5 to La Jolla Village
Drive west. Turn left on Torrey Pines Road. Turn right at Prospect
Street, bearing right on Coast Boulevard. From the south, take I-5
north to Ardath Road and stay on this road until it turns into Torrey
Pines Road. Take Torrey Pines Road to Prospect Street and turn right.
Veer right on Coast Boulevard.
Insider Tips
At low tide, tide pools emerge on the west
side of the sea wall. The pools team with sea life, and several
are suitable for wading and swimming.
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