Seals and Sea Lions in La Jolla: When and Where to See Them
- San Diego Beach Review
- Nov 24, 2025
- 4 min read
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La Jolla, one of San Diego’s most scenic coastal neighborhoods, is also home to one of California’s most beloved wildlife encounters with the large seal and sea lion presence. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or a full vacation, seeing these playful marine mammals up close is a must-do experience.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best times and locations to spot La Jolla’s seals and sea lions, plus tips for safe viewing and tours that get you even closer.
||| Related: Guide to La Jolla Cove | Marine Life in San Diego
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Why See Seals and Sea Lions in La Jolla?
Year-round wildlife viewing just minutes from downtown San Diego.
Unique behavior where you can watch them sunbathe, bark, and dive into the waves.
Family-friendly activity perfect for kids and nature lovers.
Photo opportunities with dramatic cliffs, coves, and ocean backdrops.
Where to See Seals and Sea Lions in La Jolla
1. La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is the most iconic spot for seeing sea lions. You’ll find them lounging on the rocks, barking loudly, and often diving into the water just steps from the walkway.
Best for: Sea lions in their natural habitat.
Tip: Arrive early in the morning for fewer crowds and great photos.
2. Children’s Pool (Casa Beach)
This small beach, originally built as a swimming area, is now a protected seal rookery. From December through May, it becomes a key pupping site, making it one of the best places in California to see harbor seals with their pups.
Best for: Seal pupping season (Dec–May).
Tip: Visitors must stay behind barriers to protect them but views are excellent from the sea wall.
3. La Jolla Sea Caves and Cliffs
Along the cliffs and hidden caves, both seals and sea lions can be seen resting and swimming. Many kayaking and snorkeling tours highlight these areas, giving visitors a chance to see marine life from the water.
Best for: Guided tours and close-up sightings.
Tip: Book a kayak tour for the best chance to see wildlife up close.
Local Insight: Walk along the sidewalk from La Jolla Cove to Children's Pool. It wraps the coast and Ellen Browning Scripps Park. Along the way, you'll see tons of seals playing in the water, on the rocks, and on various beaches. Apart from this area being absolutely stunning, you'll find it also provides less crowded viewing than at La Jolla Cove or Children's Pool too.
How to Tell the Difference Between Seals and Sea Lions
Feature | Harbor Seal | California Sea Lion |
Ears | No external ear flaps | Visible ear flaps |
Movement | Crawl on belly | Can “walk” on flippers |
Size | Smaller (up to 200 lbs) | Larger (up to 700 lbs) |
Sound | Quiet, grunts | Loud barking |
Best Time to See Seals and Sea Lions in La Jolla
Year-Round: Sea lions and seals are present all year.
December to May: Best time to see baby seal pups at Children’s Pool.
Summer & Fall: Great for sea lions around La Jolla Cove.
Morning: Fewer crowds, easier parking, cooler temps, and active wildlife.
With limited parking and crowdedness being a factor in any visit to La Jolla Cove, be sure to check out our Guide to Parking on the San Diego Coast, as well as the Best Time to Visit San Diego Beaches, so that you can make the most out of your trip.
Tours to See Seals and Sea Lions in La Jolla
If you want a closer, guided experience, tours are a fantastic option. Many combine wildlife viewing with kayaking, snorkeling, or eco-education.
La Jolla Kayak and Snorkel Tour – Paddle past the caves and spot sea lions up close.
La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour – Explore hidden sea caves and watch sea lions sunbathing on the cliffs.
Snorkel with Sea Lions in La Jolla – A unique underwater experience with playful marine life.
If you'd like to forgo a tour, you can always rent or purchase your own snorkel equipment and head into the water at La Jolla Cove to see for yourself. Best snorkel gear:
Responsible Wildlife Viewing
La Jolla’s seals and sea lions are wild animals, and respecting their space is essential.
Keep at least 50 feet of distance.
Never feed or touch wildlife.
Stay behind marked barriers at Children’s Pool during pupping season.
Use a zoom lens instead of approaching for photos.
FAQ: Seals and Sea Lions in La Jolla
1. What’s the difference between seals and sea lions?
Sea lions have external ear flaps and can walk on land using their flippers, while seals are smaller, lack ear flaps, and move more awkwardly on land.
2. Can you swim with seals and sea lions in La Jolla?
Yes, with a guided snorkel or kayak tour, you can swim near them. They are curious but wild, so tours ensure safety and proper distance.
3. Is it safe to see seals and sea lions up close?
Yes, if you respect barriers and distance. They can be aggressive if approached too closely.
4. When is seal pupping season in La Jolla?
Harbor seal pups are born from December through May at Children’s Pool Beach.
5. Do seals and sea lions stay in La Jolla year-round?
Yes, both species can be seen all year, making it one of the best wildlife viewing spots in California.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re standing along the seawall at Children’s Pool, exploring La Jolla Cove, or joining a kayak tour along the cliffs, seeing seals and sea lions in La Jolla is a highlight of any San Diego trip. With year-round opportunities, this wildlife experience is truly evergreen—and one you won’t want to miss.
Ready to plan your visit? Book a La Jolla tour today and see San Diego’s marine wildlife up close.
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