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Visiting La Jolla sea lions in San Diego is a really popular and really exciting day out. La Jolla is around 30 minutes north of San Diego and is home to some excellent snorkelling and swimming conditions. However, above all of that, La Jolla is the best place to see wild sea lions and seals! Here’s our breakdown of where to go and how to enjoy these amazing but wild creatures.

Parking and Where to See La Jolla Sea Lions

Parking is limited around the Cove and some of the locals told me it only gets worse on the weekend. This is worth bearing in mind if you plan to go on a Saturday or Sunday.

We parked for free along the top of Coastal Boulevard, which was a great spot! However, it is on a hill so if you do park here make sure you ‘curb your wheels’, meaning your front wheels are turned into the pavement. If you don’t do this you run the risk of getting a ticket!

The further away from the cove you go the more likely you are to find more free parking. Some of the hotels offer parking as well, but the rates vary. 

Views and Pelicans – La Jolla Sea Lions San Diego

By parking at the top of Coastal Boulevard we enjoyed a little walk down the hill towards the cliffs (which is where the sea lions like to hang out). Coastal Boulevard offers the most fantastic views out over Goldfish Point and the whole bay.

There weren’t many sea lions hanging out in this part of La Jolla Cove, but the views were show-stopping all on their own. They didn’t need a seal lion to make them any better.

Looking out along the cliff tops we also quite enjoyed watching the pelicans! As you walk down they are there nesting, grooming and generally just there watching over the water. It’s not hard to be impressed by these sizeable water birds. Up close they are pretty huge. We spent some time just hanging out with them on the cliff edges before we even got to the seals!

Finding the Seals and Seal Lions

If you’ve ever been around a large amounts of seals or sea lions then you’ll know what I mean when I say La Jolla Cove stinks! Which is great if you’re wanting to see some sea lions as you know they aren’t far away!

The further down the hill you travel the more pungent the smell, however, funnily enough, it’s all part of the experience. Soon the smell either disappears or it quickly gets forgotten as you encounter your first sea lions!

First you’ll see one or two, which is pretty exciting as you try and pick them out against a backdrop of the dark water stained cliffs, which happens to be the same colour as the sea lions shiny coats.

Then, as you continue to walk down the path the amount of sea lions quickly grows in number. Pretty soon they are everywhere! Leisurely sunning themselves on the sandy coloured cliff tops just meters from where you stand. If you look closely out into the breaking waves you will also spot seal lions playfully frolicking in the waves.

Does La Jolla have Sea Lions or Seals?

La Jolla is home to both seals and sea lions. The seals are called Pacific harbour seals and the sea lions are California sea lions. There is also the odd occasion when you might even see an Elephant seal, although this is rare as they are usually found higher up the California coastline.

Be Respectful

Be respectful to the La Jolla seals and sea lions. Although it might be really tempting to try and experience a close encounter with the sea lions in La Jolla beach, dont! You cannot touch the La Jolla Sea Lions in San Diego.

These seemingly harmless animals are in fact wild animals. There are numerous signs along the coast clearly asking you not to get too near for your own safety.

Remember, the seals and sea lions in La Jolla California are unpredictable wild animals. Some will be protecting babies and all have teeth. So it’s best to show them some respect and keep some distance between yourself and the animals when viewing the seal lions in La Jolla.

When we visited the majority of the visitors did just this. However, I did see some people out on the cliffs with the sea lions when we were walking back to the car. It seemed once one person made the decision, others seemed to think it was ok to follow suit.

The signs are there to protect the sea lions and the visitors from harm. Above everything, La Jolla is their home. We are just the visitors. The baby sea lions are incredibly cute, but bare in mind your own and your families safety.

Children’s Pool – La Jolla Sea Lions San Diego

We then walked along to the Children’s Pool and saw lots of sleepy seals sunbathing on the beach laid out like dominoes. This is another good place to see the seals and sea lions as they are easier to spot on the beach rather than on the rocks.

We also took the opportunity to use the facilities. There are also toilets nearer the cove end so if your travelling with children you are pretty well covered in the toilet department.

Recreation Time when Visiting La Jolla Sea Lions in San Diego.

There are plenty of picnic spots around the beaches and rocks where the seals and sea lions hang out. Come prepared and bring a picnic or some games to make a day of it. The views out to sea and along the coast are pretty fabulous too.

Other Things to do at La Jolla Cove

We were only in La Jolla to see the seals and sea lions for a couple of hours. However, there were lots of people swimming and using the beaches in and around the cove and the coastal walk continued past the Children’s Pool.

Note that the Children’s Pool is closed from December to May as it has become the Seals favourite place to breed!

We really enjoyed our lunchtime stop at La Jolla Cove! The views, the smell, the pelicans, sea lions and seals were a moment we’re glad we didn’t miss.

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Looking to see what else California has to offer? Take a look at the best things to do in Lake Tahoe!