The Solo Scale:
In San Diego, you’ve got a wealth of gorgeous beaches, but there’s one that comes with something a little extra. True, you can swim, but you’ll be sharing the beach with plenty of other friends. In La Jolla, the draw isn’t the sandy shores or the blue water. It’s still a nice reason to go, but the true draw is the wildlife you’ll find.
La Jolla is only a twenty-minute drive from downtown San Diego if you’re staying in the area. There are also bus and trolley options available if you don’t have a car. Truthfully, those might even be better options. When I visited, I spent a lot of time just trying to find parking. It just may not be as convenient to take transit.
It’s free to access the overlooks and the beach, which does make it a popular destination. Add in shops and restaurants and it might be difficult to find parking. There’s some street parking options on the hills above the cove, but you may have to spend a lot of time circling to find one.
When I visited, it was the middle of a weekday in April, but I still spent about twenty minutes finding a space before hiking down the hills towards the beach. I stayed in the overlook area to see the seals and sea lions, but you could go down closer to the water if you wanted to spend more time here. The animals are mostly located in the rocky Point La Jolla, whereas most of the swimming and other sea-worthy activities take place in the north-facing cove.
Want to learn more about the animals you can see? Check out the Animals of La Jolla Cove website here to learn the difference between seals and sea lions, and also some facts about the other things you might see (like birds and even leopard sharks!)
If you’re not planning to do much swimming, this won’t be a particularly long stop for you. It’s an incredibly popular spot and fantastic for photographs, but be mindful of both the crowds and the animals. Don’t get too close, don’t touch, and don’t do anything silly that might get someone hurt (especially in these rocky areas). However, while it’s not a full day activity, it can still be a great outing on a beautiful California day.
You can still swim there as well! Check out the latest conditions here if you’re planning to take a dip, but the animals aren’t the only draw.
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