La Jolla Cove (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is La Jolla Cove?
What makes it 68% Baby-Friendly: Parents with babies find stroller-friendly park paths, benches, restrooms with change space, and rental strollers, yet beach access needs stairs and no true nursing room, lowering overall comfort.
Positives:
- Stroller-friendly paths: The paved walkways at Scripps Park accommodate most standard strollers
- Free baby-care facilities: Public restrooms, showers and changing rooms are available above the Cove
Challenges:
- Limited shade on beach: Bring a pop-up beach tent or umbrella for UV protection
- No dedicated nursing room: Use a restroom stall or shady bench for privacy
What is La Jolla Cove?
- A small, sheltered cove carved into the sandstone cliffs of La Jolla’s Pacific coastline
- A State Marine Conservation Area encompassing vibrant kelp forests, rocky reefs and intertidal tide pools
- A natural habitat for harbor seals, sea lions and diverse subtidal marine life
What is so special about La Jolla Cove for with baby?
- Smooth bluff paths perfect for strollers
- Safe seal–watching from seawall or bluff
- Shaded picnic spots with benches
- On-site restrooms, showers and changing rooms
Recommended visit duration: 3–5 hours
Why 3–5 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Time enough for a leisurely stroll, seal watching, picnic and baby breaks
Baby-Friendly Activities in La Jolla Cove
Stroll Ellen Browning Scripps Park:
Walk on smooth paved paths under shady trees
Tip: Bring a sunhat for baby and lock stroller wheels on slopes
Seal and sea-lion viewing:
Watch animals from the Children’s Pool seawall or bluff
Tip: Go mid-morning when seals rest on rocks and crowds are smaller
Picnic on the bluff:
Use park benches or grassy lawn for snacks and naps
Tip: Pack a blanket and shade umbrella to keep baby cool
Use Cove facilities:
Visit restrooms, showers and changing rooms above the beach
Tip: Rinse off sand in outdoor showers before heading back
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to La Jolla Cove
- Early arrival: Get a parking spot and choose a shaded picnic table
- Plan restroom stops: Visit facilities before walking down to the sandy cove
Reviews of La Jolla Cove
Patty Fields
This was a great place to see the ocean, seals, and sea lions. It’s an easy walk along the water. The only downside was lack of restaurants close by (since we didn’t have a car).
Isaac L
La Jolla Cove is absolutely stunning! It’s much more than just a beach; there’s a great park area with grass that is perfect for a family picnic. We even saw street performers making massive bubbles, which the kids loved. The absolute highlight is the wildlife. There are so many seals and birds everywhere—watching the seals play in the water or just chill on the rocks is fascinating. Word of cau...
Caleb Soberanes
Beautiful place a must in San Diego tourism. The trail provides incredible views and scenery. The Cove it self harnesses an oceanic eco system with a variety of sea life. Don’t get to the seal ions or seals. The area is heavily protected by rangers and lifeguards. Great place to enjoy from unique sea adventure or just a stroll with the family. Restrooms areas are clean as wells as showers. Play ar...
Aaron E.J O'brien
Beautiful ocean views and a scenic landscape surround the beach. You can see sea lions up close. Anyone traveling to San Diego should visit this spot to enjoy its magnificent natural beauty.
E. H.
Beautiful place to walk, watch the birds & the seals, and see the sunset. We were able to grab a Lyft from our hotel downtown very easily and it was the perfect last day to our San Diego trip.
When is the best time to visit La Jolla Cove (San Diego, United States)?
Weekends in summer fill the park early—visit on weekday mornings. In winter, temperatures are milder and crowds are lighter.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Metered parking (3 hrs × $2/hr) | USD 6 |
| Stroller rental | USD 60 |
| Picnic snacks | USD 20 |
| Total Estimated | USD 86 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of La Jolla Cove
Address: La Jolla Cove, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
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