Family-Friendly Adventures in La Jolla, California!

Sunny Jim Sea Cave

Why Visit?

Family Visit to Sunny Jim Sea Cave in La Jolla, San Diego

Morning Adventure: Exploration of Sunny Jim Sea Cave

Start your day at the historic Sunny Jim Cave Store at 1325 Coast Blvd, La Jolla. Arrive early (opening hours are typically from 9 AM) to beat the crowds. For a small fee, descend the 145 steps down the man-made tunnel dating back to 1902. As you navigate the stairway, marvel at the unique carved passageway that leads to the only sea cave in California accessible by land. Illuminated by the natural light at the tunnel’s end, the cave opens up to reveal stunning views of the ocean. The cave"s name comes from the British cereal mascot, "Sunny Jim," due to the cave"s entrance resembling the character. A great spot for photos and echoing hellos!

Midday Treat: Picnic at Ellen Browning Scripps Park

After exploring, walk a few minutes north to Ellen Browning Scripps Park. Lay out a blanket for a picnic with pre-packed sandwiches and snacks. The park offers expansive grassy areas perfect for kids to play and for adults to relax with breathtaking ocean views.

Afternoon Exploration: Tide Pooling at Shell Beach

Just a short walk from the park, spend your afternoon at Shell determined by the tides, so check tide charts before you go). This spot provides a fantastic opportunity for kids to discover marine life in their natural habitats. Look for sea stars, anemones, and small fish among the rocks.

Sunset Finale: La Jolla Cove

Conclude your day at La Jolla Cove, only minutes away on foot. Known for its calm waters and spectacular sunsets, it’s a serene spot to end your adventurous day. The Cove is also famous for its sea lion population - a delightful sight for both kids and adults.

Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera to capture the memories of this picturesque day by the sea!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Children"s Pool Beach

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Children"s Pool Beach, La Jolla

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Begin your day at Children"s Pool Beach, a small cove located at 850 Coast Blvd, La Jolla. If you"re driving, street parking is available though it can fill up quickly; alternatively, there are paid parking lots nearby. Arrive early to enjoy the tranquil morning atmosphere and secure a good spot.

Fun Fact: Children’s Pool was initially created as a safe swimming spot for children with a seawall built in the 1930s. However, it has become a favored haul-out site for harbor seals!

Mid-Morning: Seal Watching

Spend the next part of your morning watching the seals. The seals can be seen sunbathing on the sand or playing in the water. It"s a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn about marine life up close. Remember to respect wildlife — observe quietly and keep a safe distance.

Lunch: Picnic by the Shore

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grassy areas near the beach or on the seawall if available. There are also several family-friendly restaurants nearby if you prefer a sit-down meal. Try Cody’s La Jolla for its great ocean views and kid-friendly menu!

Afternoon: Stroll and Explore

After lunch, take a leisurely walk around the area. Visit the nearby La Jolla Tide Pools, about a 10-minute walk north. Low tide is the perfect time for kids to spot marine creatures like starfish, anemones, and crabs.

Evening: Relax and Reflect

As the day winds down, find a comfortable spot to watch the sunset — the views from Children’s Pool are breathtaking. Reflect on the day’s adventures and snap some family photos against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

End your day with some local ice cream from Bobboi Natural Gelato, just a short walk from the beach, before heading back to your accommodation. Enjoy and cherish these moments by the sea!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Torrey Pines Golf Course

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Torrey Pines Golf Course and Surrounding Attractions

Morning

Start your day at the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course. Nestled atop cliffs towering above the Pacific Ocean, this world-renowned course offers breathtaking views and a challenging game. While booking a tee time is essential for golf enthusiasts, families can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the Torrey Pines Grill with scenic views of the courses.

Getting there: Located at 11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, the golf course is easily accessible by car from downtown San Diego. There’s ample parking available.

Midday

After breakfast, take a short 5-minute drive to the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. It"s an ideal spot for hikes and nature walks. Choose the Guy Fleming Trail (0.7 miles) or the Razor Point Trail (1.3 miles) for an easy to moderate hike featuring stunning ocean vistas and opportunities to spot local wildlife.

Getting there: Head north on North Torrey Pines Rd. and look for the reserve entrance on the left.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon at La Jolla Shores, just a 15-minute drive away from the reserve. This family-friendly beach is perfect for a picnic, sandcastle building, or just relaxing by the sea. For a unique adventure, consider a guided kayak tour to explore the nearby sea caves.

Getting there: Drive south on North Torrey Pines Rd, turn right onto La Jolla Village Dr., and follow the signs to La Jolla shores.

Interesting Fact: Torrey Pines Golf Course is a public course, one of the few venues on the PGA Tour that"s open to the public, making it an accessible choice for all golf lovers.

This itinerary blends relaxation with adventure, making it perfect for a family day out exploring the beauty of La Jolla and the excitement of Torrey Pines.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Exploring Birch Aquarium at Scriops

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by arriving at Birch Aquarium, located at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, California. Parking is available onsite and it fills up quickly, so aim to get there by opening time at 9:00 AM. As you enter, grab a map of the aquarium to help guide your visit.

Exploration Begins

Begin your tour with the Hall of Fishes, where you can see more than 60 habitats of fishes and invertebrates from the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and the Caribbean. This is a fantastic spot to teach kids about marine biodiversity and the importance of conservation.

Interactive Zones

Next, head to the outdoor area where the Tide Pool Plaza offers touch experiences with sea stars, hermit crabbish, and sea cucumbers. It’s a hands-on learning opportunity that allows children to interact directly with marine life. Be sure to check the demonstration schedules to witness feeding times!

Lunch Break

Around noon, take a break and enjoy lunch at the Splash! Café, where you can indulge in ocean-friendly seafood and various kid-friendly options. The café also offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

Afternoon Activities

After lunch, visit the Seadragons & Seahorses exhibit to marvel at these mystical creatures. It’s a rare chance to see some of the most elusive species in the ocean. Engage with staff members to learn fascinating facts, such as how male seahorses give birth!

Ending the Day

Wrap up your visit by exploring the newest exhibit, Oddities: Hidden Heroes of the Scripps Collections, showcasing the most bizarre and fascinating marine creatures. This exhibit highlights the incredible adaptations marine creatures have developed to survive.

Departure

Conclude your visit by 4:00 PM, ensuring you beat the traffic while reflecting on a day full of marine discoveries and memorable family fun. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for a souvenir to commemorate your day at Birch Aquarium!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by arriving at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, located north of San Diego. Parking is available near the reserve’s South Beach entrance, but arrive early as spaces fill up quickly. Purchase a day pass which covers parking and entry.

Visitor Center

Kick off your visit at the Visitor Center on top of the reserve, accessible via the road just right of the entrance. It’s a small hike up, but you"re rewarded with fascinating exhibits on local wildlife and geology. Here, children can learn about the unique Torrey pine, the rarest pine species in the United States.

Guy Fleming Trail

Next, embark on the Guy Fleming Trail, an easy 0.7-mile loop perfect for families. The trail offers two scenic overlooks: North Overlook provides views of the dramatic cliffs and the vast ocean, while the South Overlook offers a chance to spot dolphins or even whales during migration seasons. The path is stroller-friendly and showcases diverse plant life and stunning rock formations.

Lunch Break

Around midday, head back down to the beach for a picnic lunch. The beach at Torrey Pines is typically less crowded, offering a serene spot to relax and maybe even dip your toes in the water.

Parry Grove Trail

After lunch, take a short drive or hike to the Parry Grove Trail for a more secluded experience. This half-mile loop includes a steep entryway but leads through a peaceful grove of Torrey Pines, with benches to rest and enjoy the tranquility.

Departure

Conclude your visit by mid-afternoon to avoid the evening crowd, heading back with memories of breathtaking views and unique nature explorations. Ensure to carry enough water, wear sunscreen, and have hats for the sunny trails.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.