No seals, just boring humans in the water and on the land. But if you listen closely and follow the sounds, you can find them in a different area nearby. read more

The level of arrogance and ignorance aggravates me. Today there are dozens of tourists wading in the water and more importantly, letting their toddlers bob in the feces and urine saturated water and sand. They don't care anything about San Diego, but to see what they can get out of it for their two weeks of vacation. The seals should be left alone and that beach permanently closed to people. There are so many more beaches and coves for tourists to play in. read more

Great location. Was once a great place for kids to swim. I'm going to try and get a high school field trip together and have the young adults try and ride the seals. Who ever stays on the longest gets an A for the day! read more

Amazing experience you get to see the sea lions, crabs and much more. The water is beautiful and clear! This is a must see place to go to read more

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This place is just beautiful. It's been years since I'd been here, and I took my two girls today to see the seals and my 3 year old was amazed. My infant was amazed too, but I think she was just staring at my shirt the whole time. There were babies there today and they played and played and you need to go and check it out. The children's pool is such a pretty place. A great day out! read more

PRO TIP: If a spot on the concrete walk is wet... you're going to get wet too :)

I see there is a lot of confusion or dishonesty about what is properly known as the Children's Pool so I stopped by to clear it up. In 1920 this area featured jagged rocks, swift currents AND NO BEACH. Just to the north is Seal Point and, off Seal Point to the west, one can see what remains of Seal Rock, now somewhat eroded from what it used to be in the 1930s but still visible, particularly so during lower tides. The rock got it's name due to the occasional seal that would haul out and soak up the sun there and some still do despite claims that there is "no place where seals can haul out". Plus if you go up to the point near the sea caves that used to be known as the clam or the bear claw you will see many seals haul out there where they are much safer than they are at the Children's Pool. There are other haul out spots but, for the safety of the seals, I won't list them. Troublesome activists do congregate here and they often attempt to start riots when people exercise their legal right to go down to the beach, plus they will make noise to try and disturb the seals so they flush into the water then they will blame it on those who went onto the beach. They claim the seals are endangered but there are 40,000 East Pacific Harbor Seals in California and 300,000 from Baja to Alaska - in fact there are attempts to start legal culls due to their adverse impact on coastal fish populations. This spot is a public beach, expressly created for human use and specific acts of law confirm this status. As a specific condition of it's creation it was to be left for the use of children "for all time". Ellen Browning Scripps devoted significant time and effort to the children of La Jolla and their safety. For this reason she came up with a plan to create a protected section of this rocky, jagged coast where children could experience the ocean for the first time in a safe manner. La Jolla beaches often feature treacherous along shore currents and indeed this spot was well known for them before she contacted Hiram Newton Savage. He came up with a 1922 design to build a wall as a 300 foot breakwater with an arc length of almost 178 feet here to match the natural features that were present and to create a protected beach for the specific purpose of allowing children to experience the sea for the first time safely. That plan, as modified in 1930, is what you see built today. It is ironic that the delay was due, according to Savage, to "political interference" in his works and he only agreed to build this project after obtaining a promise no such interference would be allowed. Also note the pool side of the wall has steps that are 18 inches high and wide, so that they would "facilitate the children in climbing around...and to also serve as seats." It also includes four sluiceways designed to allow the natural currents to flush out the pool and keep it clean and clear, though they worked so well they caused the sand area that formed a beach here after the wall was constructed to change constantly and so they were blocked off to allow it to stabilize. On April 23, 1931, Gov. James Rolph, Jr. finally approved Senate Bill 422, "An Act Granting Certain Tide and Submerged Lands of the State of California to the City of San Diego", for the express purpose of building this area for the specific purpose of allowing a safe, healthy place for children. There were many hurdles at all levels but all were cleared and the structure was built over the next year or so. I should mention this was also the location of scenes from at least one movie, The Stunt Man (1980). http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081568/ For decades many children, including me more recently, enjoyed this special place, though when I was here the seals were already starting to arrive. Previously seals that were rescued by Sea World were released way out to see, far from here, but that changed in the late 1980s when rehabilitated seals were released a mile or less from this beach. Naturally some found there way here and liked it. As long as the population was kept reasonable the beach was still clean and humans and seals tolerated each other well. That all changed when the activists arrived. Their disruptive, angry behaviors have really ruined this place and have created a backlash of people who are determined to solve the problem by getting rid of the seals. They've also attracted a minority element of people who take advantage of the fact this is NOT a safe place for seals as this small malicious group can easily and sometimes does harass them. The ideal solution would be to dredge the beach back to it's proper configuration, modify and use the sluice gates as necessary to keep it clean and flushed out and to go back to allowing humans and seals to use the beach together in peace - to accomplish this the activists must be banned. Are you listening, City Council? read more

Nice spot to come and view the seals. I wouldn't swim here though, because this is their beach, and who would want to swim in fecal matter?! I say boo to the people who are trying to get rid of the seals here. Boo and shame on you read more

BIG, FAT, LAZY SEALS. Just everywhere. I loved this place. Good to just spend some time walking around and checking out the silly seals. Also, it's free... Nothing's better than free! It's a beautiful location and it's nice to see the seals just hanging out. There was a seal pup who was SO adorable and there was one really fat seal who basically jiggled his fat until he got to the water's edge. That was hilarious. hehe... I would definitely stop by here again on my way down to San Diego. read more

Parking is difficult even on weekdays. I noticed the fence (rope) and was disappointed that we couldn't let our 4 yr old and 9 year old in the water. Everyone was standing behind the rope just watching the sea lions. They were on the rocks. I asked a local and she said they only close it when they are birthing pups. I went to the lifeguard station right there and asked the lifeguard, if I We can go in. He said yes we can. I asked what are the ropes for and he said "they don't mean anything. It's to deter people from going too close to the sea lions". So basically if there are ropes, you can still go in if you are brave enough. read more

Beautiful and lots of seals with babies. Also funny squirrels running on the beach with wet fur. I am from Kansas so I loved it all!

Oh man, this was just gorgeous! Brought our out of town guest here for a bit of time wasting and sight seeing and were NOT disappointed! The views were amazing, and we had a fantastic time! It wasn't horrendous to find parking, which is a rarity any where in the area, and there was plenty of easy access to get to the tide pools! We saw ton of little crabs and fish and it was just wonderful! Only downer, which is by no way the locations fault, was that some other people weren't being as considerate of the area and space, and were allowing their dogs to "attack" the tide pools and parent's allowing their children to mess with and attempt to capture the creatures within the pools!!! Saw a couple of weddings and photo shoots taking place, AND the odor from the Sea Lions was minimal that day! read more

Great place to visit, esp. if you have children. They will love this place. We saw many seals there yesterday. They were so cute! However, the parking might be a problem if you go there on the weekend. We spent almost 20 mins to find a parking place yesterday (Thursday). Please do not get to close to the seals, they might be scared because of it. I hope they can always enjoy their life there, so we can go there to visit them again! read more

Awesome area and beautiful views. I personally think that this cove should be reserved for the seals. We sat by and watched for hours as only a handful of folks played in the water but the seals were looking at the beach wanting to have a place to rest. There is not enough spots for them to get up on the nearby rocks and they clearly call that spot home. We usually visit early so we don't see the people but we came late morning. I think that the tourists would still come and there are plenty of other little spots for people in the area. read more

This has got to be one of the absolute best places to bring your little ones. We brought our kids all under age 8 and they loved seeing the sea lions, big waves, and birds. Plenty of public restrooms and tons of photo locations. And if you have a stroller or wheelchair this is as convenient as is gets to close to the beach. We will definitely be back and not eat at The Cottage. See my review for that place. read more

This place is a little jem! Off the beaten path a little bit - easy parking on the street. Just pop outta car and meander over to the cliffs to see what's making all that racket! Seals! So close and so cool! Certainly worth while to pop over and check this place out. There are a few caves you can explore on the beach. There is also a lifeguard on staff as well. read more

Its a funny story that this place was initially made for children to shield them from the waves so they could enjoy the beach safely. Apparently not just humans love this place, but the sea lions do too! You can watch them lounging around as they bask in the sun and then clumsily wiggle their way back into the salty ocean to cool off and play around. Its relaxing and fun to observe the intermingling of nature with man-made structures. read more

Come and see but LEAVE THE SEALS ALONE. Sheesh people. If there's a rope there, stay behind the rope. How is that confusing? I wish there were more police or lifeguards or security wAtching this area. I saw 4 teenagers go past the rope right into a group of seals- it was dark out and they started flashing cameras in the seals faces. The seals started yelling and barking- I wish they had bitten these kids. read more

You have got to be kidding me!!! There is a baby seal pup, just three days old that has been left unattended by the mom for days now.....A very concerned person is videoing constantly, calling Seaworld, Marine Mammel Center and all news stations in the area and NO ONE WILD RESCUE THIS PUP!! What is wrong with organizations down there! Come on Sea World, you have a JOB to do and DO IT!! You already have a reputation for NOT helping and now this?? I'll never ever visit this beach or Seaworld!!! https://www.facebook.com/andrea.e.hahn/videos/vb.1849180163/10204245844946835/?type=2&theater&notif_t=video_reply read more

I love visiting this place every time I go to La Jolla. Very nice place

Our son loves it here! Since Sea World is a big no no, make a stop here to sea some sea life. If the kids are older, take them snorkeling in the cove as well... Way better of an experience, and you're not trapping huge whales, who are kept on display for a stupid show. read more

Honestly when I first went to this pool there was a ton of seals which I thought were cute, and the coves are definatly one of the most beautiful places in La Jolla because the water looks clearer then most oceans in so-cal, but the smell was horrific due to the seals on the shore!! I recently returned to the cove to take my kids swimming. I didn't realize that the pools had dangerous levels of poop from the seals. So after we had been in the water I immediatly got my kids out. Also when we were there this protester was screaming at children in the water. People weren't to close to the seals, and the seals weren't scared of us it seemed. They were in the water swimming at a distant. Now that I think about it I should have knocked one of those protesters in the water with the seal poop. To be honest the seals are cute and all but from what I was reading they are turning the coves into terdsville. read more

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Beautiful scenery! The children loved being able to see the seals up close with remembering to give them their space. What a great experience! read more

This was one of the highlights for our trip to La Jolla. We went down just before sunset and saw all the sea lions come in to rest. It wasn't crowded at all and made for a nice evening walk from our hotel. The smell was a little strong, but that's to be expected. read more

I took my 3 year old son there this afternoon for the first time. What a great place. I sincerely do not understand how people can be so selfish and want to force the seals away. Like many other visitors have pointed out there are miles of beach where children can play in the water. The seals should stay as long as they want. It is sad to think that humans can not appreciate nature if it in one way or another doesn't benefit them. I am sure the seals attract more visitors to the La Jolla coastline than a cold, salty swimming area for children. Please lets learn to respect nature for its beauty and leave the seals alone. The fact that this is even a debate is "sealy" :) read more

contrary to the name of the place it is not really a place for young children to swim around as if it were a pool. The place is overrun but the seals which are cute. So come here planning to see the seals, not to bring babies and little ones to swim in a pool. It has a lot of seaweed and the water color is dark, not like other beaches in la jolla where you bring kids to go swimming at. read more

Lots of people swimming, so all the wild life were further out and not easy to see. It was fun to walk out on the sea wall and watch the waves and we enjoyed watching all the birds. We wished the seals had been closer to shore, but we still had a good time. read more

Such an amazing place. Great to be able to see sea lions and seals in their natural habitat.

This place is a must when coming to San Diego. I couldn't believe how close we were to the seals. There are several awesome photo spots.

I came here often as a child. There is nothing quite as exciting as laying out on the beach and having a seal lay crawl out of the water, look you in the eyes, and lay down next to you. It saddens me that many will never have this experience because of the political debacle. Adults ruin everything. read more

From a tourist's perspective I was so giddy when I discovered all the seals sun bathing. They were all so adorable and could not contain my squeeks and awwwww's. Not busy (Friday 3pm). It is a little smelly so be ready for that, still 5 stars to me though! read more

Really cool place here in San Diego to check out for locals and tourists alike. Great place to check out the view of the ocean. However the main reason to stop by here is to watch the seals play in the waves and sun themselves on the beach. read more

Beautiful little area. Loved watching the sea lions.

This isn't a pool...there are lots of rocks and sea weed. It's nice that they've coved this area off to break the waves for kids though and swimming next to seals is amazing...that said, no one was really swimming. The water wasn't warm (no fault of anyone obviously) but the big pile of seaweed attracted many bugs and the rocks were a deterrent for my 3 year olds. On the other hand sooooo cool to see seals so close. We waked so parking wasn't an issue (and could be for sure). The bathrooms were typically beachish so can't really complain there. read more

Tourist place since all those seals took over the beautiful beach, but nice tidepools & sunsets.

AHHHHHHHHH! Baby sea lions and seals! Cool spot for pictures. Just don't go on the weekends or on holidays, way too crowded! Also is fairly chilly right on the water. Be prepared to fight to the death for parking! read more

I'm not familiar with all the political back story, but it was great to get an up-close and personal view of the seals that lounge here in the cove. The waves breaking along the seawall were quite stunning. There were a couple snorkelers in with the animals, I assume from Scripps. There is currently some construction taking place at the site, which is a little distracting. read more

Nice view and lots of fun. We came at 2:30 terrible parking and no sea lions. kids were very disappointed. Maybe next time. read more

Children's Pool - Beaches Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Love taking my daughters here. It's so beautiful and calming. The girls love to watch the seals swim and play while they play on the beach. They have been remodeling this place for what seems like forever but well worth the wait. The also love the neighboring tide pools. They think it's so cool to see all of the fish, crabs and creatures swimming around at their feet. I love that there are lifeguards on duty. We always have to keep in mind that the seals are wild animals and can and will do us harm if we don't give them there space. The lifeguards help educate the kids on the sea life which I think is great. read more

We came to Childrens pool because it is one of the only beaches in San Diego area that it is safe for a child to enter the water. We kept our distance from the seals coming in and out of the rocks but really enjoyed playing in the sand and waves. I hope they continue to allow access to the ocean for young kids. Walking from Childrens pool up to La Jolla cove is easy (maybe 1/2 mile) -sidewalk/path the entire way and you WILL see seals and sea lions along with other wildlife. FUN times! read more