Description: Whether you are staying in La Jolla or just visiting for the day, I am sure you will be visiting this oceanside town’s world famous waterfront. The ocean views here can be bought on postcards all over San Diego and have been for decades. If you are starting west on Prospect Avenue I recommend walking down Coast Boulevard and ending at the Children’s Pool.
Coast Boulevard is a moderately steep road, so wearing rubber-soled shoes is a good idea. As you head down the hill, you will notice that straight ahead are some cliffs. Take a walk on the mini boardwalk to the lookout point. From here you might see harbor seals on the rocks below sunning themselves. This is a popular spot with kayakers (if you are interested in kayaking there are a couple of outfitters here). If you look closely at the water you will be able to see moving orange objects in the ocean. That orange blob is the California state fish, the orange garibaldi.
Continue walking down Coast Boulevard and after about 100 yards you will reach La Jolla Cove. A small beach is here, a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and people-watching. Ellen Browning Scripps Park is adjacent to the cove and it is very popular with the locals. Public restrooms are located in the park if you are interested in picnicking or sunbathing for the day.
If you follow the path past the beach there is a rocky shoreline here. I highly recommend walking onto the rocks and checking out all of the nooks and crannies here. Hidden here are small crabs, sea urchins, and small fish. This area is also a great place to take some beautiful pictures.
Finally, after about 200 or 300 yards, you will reach the Children’s Pool. This man-made cove is a controversial area in La Jolla. This U-shaped beach was originally built so families could come here and parents could watch their children in the shallow waters protected from the currents. That is until the harbor seals arrived and made this place home. Now the area is protected and at certain times you may see dozens of harbor seals basking in the sun. Swimming is prohibited in this area now. Take a walk on the U-shaped wall for some nice photo opportunities.
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