Children's Pool: A Beach Shared by Humans and Harbor Seals

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Observe playful harbor seals at La Jolla's Children's Pool, a unique coastal experience with stunning views and controversial history.

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Children's Pool La Jolla

Originally built as a safe swimming area for children, Children's Pool in La Jolla is now a popular spot to observe harbor seals in their natural habitat. A seawall constructed in 1931 created a protected cove, but over time, the beach has become a haul-out spot for seals, leading to ongoing debate about its use.

A brief summary to Children's Pool La Jolla

834 Coast S Blvd, La Jolla, La Jolla, California, 92037, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Children's Pool La Jolla.

Arrive early, especially on weekends and during peak season, to find parking.
Bring a camera to capture the seals frolicking on the beach, but remember to keep a respectful distance.
Walk along Coast Boulevard to La Jolla Cove to see sea lions and explore tide pools at Shell Beach.
Check the tide charts for low tide to explore the tide pools near South Casa Beach, located behind the lifeguard tower.

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Getting There

Walking

From the heart of La Jolla Village, walk south along Girard Avenue, then turn left onto Coast Boulevard. Continue along Coast Boulevard for approximately half a mile to reach Children's Pool. The walk offers scenic coastal views and takes about 10-15 minutes.
Public Transport

From San Diego, take the Route 30 bus towards La Jolla. Get off at the Silverado St & Herschel Av stop in La Jolla. From there, walk south on Herschel Avenue, turn left onto Coast Boulevard, and continue for a few minutes to reach Children's Pool. The bus fare is typically $2-$5.
Driving

From I-5, take the La Jolla Village Drive exit and head west. Turn left onto Torrey Pines Road, then right onto Prospect Street. Continue on Prospect Street until you reach Coast Boulevard, then turn left. Children's Pool will be on your right. Parking can be challenging, especially during peak season. Street parking is available but limited to 2-3 hours. Paid parking lots are located on Prospect Street and adjacent streets, with rates around $5 for all-day parking at Ace Parking (875 Prospect Street).

Discover more about Children's Pool La Jolla

Children's Pool, also known as Casa Beach, is located in the La Jolla area of San Diego. In 1931, philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps funded the construction of a seawall to create a protected swimming area for children.However, since the mid-1990s, harbor seals have increasingly inhabited the beach, turning it into a haul-out and rookery. This has sparked controversy, as some advocate for preserving the area as a marine mammal sanctuary, while others wish to maintain it as a recreational beach for children.Today, visitors can observe the seals from a paved walkway above the cove or on the beach itself, maintaining a safe distance. Swimming is discouraged due to high bacteria levels. The Children's Pool remains a must-see attraction, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities and scenic views of the La Jolla coastline.