4 Best Spots to See Seals and Sea Lions in La Jolla

Designed in the 1930s, the La Jolla Children's Pool was created as a safe space for families to take their children to enjoy the ocean.

Through the use of a long, curved barrier, this popular seal and sea lion spot keeps itself shielded from strong waves and currents, making it an ideal spot for the seals and sea lions to lounge about and give birth to their pups.

During pupping season (December 15 to May 15), the La Jolla Children's Pool is closed to the public to avoid any danger to both humans and the seals and sea lions.

Considered one of the smallest but more “secret” beach areas in La Jolla, Boomer Beach and Point La Jolla are popular visitor spots for bodysurfers and, in this case, watching the seals and sea lions.

While you can’t get up close and personal with the seals and sea lions anymore along the 150-foot stretch of Point La Jolla to Boomer Beach due to concerns for the health and safety of beachgoers and seals and sea lions alike, you can still view them from behind the safety of a barrier.

One of the most popular beaches in La Jolla, La Jolla Cove is home to a diverse range of sea life including seals and sea lions!

While Boomer Beach to Point La Jolla is permanently closed to visitors except those looking to swim in the ocean, La Jolla Cove, a nearby location, is another great place to see the seals and sea lions firsthand. They can often be found lounging in the sand or on nearby rocks.

But because the beach is surrounded by a deep cliff, you are likely to experience very up close and personal encounters with these creatures. So keep that in mind if you’re a bit uneasy about seeing them in such an intimate space.

Formed from 75-million-year-old sandstone, there are seven different sea caves you can visit in La Jolla.

One particularly fun feature of these caves is the ability to get up close with - and even swim - with the local seals, sea lions, pelicans, and other wildlife that frequent the area.

You can stroll through the caves on foot or can even kayak and paddleboard in the water alongside these amazing creatures through one of several Sea Cave Kayaking Tours, making it a unique and adventurous outing for you and other visitors.

Whether up close or further away, La Jolla is home to many great places to view the numerous seals and sea lions of San Diego. And if you’re planning a longer visit, consider staying at one of the many popular nearby hotels, such as Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine.