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Bridgeworthy: La Jolla Seals, Sea Lions and Cave Store Adventure

After a few days of rain last week, the sun emerged and we decided to head over the bridge to visit La Jolla. It took about 30 minutes to wind our way to our destination and it was worth it. Enjoy the photo recap and if you get a chance, be sure to set aside a day to explore the beautiful coastline of La Jolla:

La Jolla Children's Pool (however, children and adults may not swim here!)

850 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla, 92037 (map)

We found a wonderful parking spot about a block from the La Jolla Children's Pool or as locals call it, the 'Casa'. A man-made sea wall was constructed so that children could play here, but once the seals and sea lions moved in, public use was restricted. However, you can get about 20 feet away from these amazing creatures by either walking along the sea wall or going down the steps to the beach:

smashburger (very family friendly)

1000 Prospect Street (map)

After watching the seals sunning themselves on the sand, we decided to grab a bite to eat. A local told us to walk about a block up the hill to Prospect Street and check out the menu for both The Living Room and smashburger. Since we were exploring with both of our 'monkeys', we opted for smashburger and we were handsomely rewarded. The salads and burgers were full of flavor and the price fit the wallet nicely. Hint: It was packed inside, so try to find a seat outside so you can enjoy the sunshine and people watching:

Once our tummies were full/stuffed, we walked about two blocks down the hill and through Ellen Browning Scripps park right next to the La Jolla cove. AAA reports that this is the most photographed spot in all of San Diego. We discovered a centennial memorial to President Abraham Lincoln that was erected by the people of La Jolla in 1909. President Lincoln was born in 1809 and we don't think he ever wore Ugg boots - no disrespect intended:

If you continue through the park and head South, you will come to the famous La Jolla Cove where you can see lots of sea lions and sweeping views of the San Diego coastline. If you continue walking further South on Coast Boulevard, you will get a view of one of seven caves near the La Jolla Cove. The first cave is named Sunny Jim Cave and was named by Frank Baum (Wizard of Oz) because the silhouette resembled the character 'Sunny Jim' from a 1920's British cereal (yes, we thought that was an odd name as well):

Cave Store

1325 Cave Street, La Jolla 92037 (map)

Continuing up the hill, look for the Cave Store on the left - you can't miss it, since it's the only building right above the cave. There are some items for sale inside (jewelry, clothing, etc.), but the main attraction is the staircase that takes you 145 steps down to a platform right inside the cave. Cost is $4 for adults and $3 for kids 16 and under:

While it was very cool to hike down and take in a very unique view of La Jolla, we were split on whether it was worth the price. It just might be one of those things you do once and cross off the list. An additional option for those not wanting to hike down 145 steps is to head out to the lookout point in front of the store and then walk around the hill on the dirt path. The views are outstanding and we can only imagine how beautiful the sunsets are from that location.

Gelateria Frizzante

7979 Ivanhoe Avenue, La Jolla, 92037 (map)

No adventure would be complete without a good dessert - plus, the 'monkey's were restless (see photo below) and thought they deserved a treat for how good they were all day - we agreed, plus we wanted some gelato!

So, there you have it. Fun and beauty does exist off the 'island' of Coronado. Take a day and enjoy exploring La Jolla!

Point Loma Tidepools

Tags: activities, bridgeworthy, la jolla

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Comment by Jennifer Lund on February 24, 2011 at 7:43am: La Jolla is lovely. I took my out-of-town visitor there this past weekend. I've also done the 7 caves kayak tour in the past, but never done the cave store tour. It sounds interesting. I also really like Prospect Bar and Grill for burgers and fries - plus they often have live music and a view of the sea!

Comment by MIKE GAPP on February 24, 2011 at 12:03pm: That area is definitely a jewel in San Diego County's crown.

While it is unfortunate that the Children's Pool has been shut down (is it still? I thought they re-openend it for some reason), the increase in seals' activity in the La Jolla area because of it and the temporary closure of the cliffs area below the Shell Shop (aka "The Clam" where we used to always jump off) has made swims and dives in the reserve there extra fun, as the Harbor Seals and Seal Lions come by and check you out. I've had baby harbor seals latch onto my weight belt on night snorkels, and ride around on me - you just have to act shy and move smoothly, and they will be very interested in you... moms are usually grateful for the break, as long as you stay in sight.

Lots of happy times at the Cove.

Mike Gapp

Comment by Peter Terezakis on February 26, 2011 at 10:52pm: Going to have to add the cave store to my list of things to do when looking at the seals next.

This is prime time to see seals pupping:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children%27s_Pool_Beach

http://lajollafriendsoftheseals.org/about.html

Comment by Pamela McCollum on February 28, 2011 at 11:45am: Thanks for the scoop. How did we not know about The Cave Store? Can't wait to check it out! :)

Comment by Pamela on April 26, 2011 at 11:36am: This collection of activities is one of our favorite family day trips. I don't believe the recommend swiming at children's beach anymore because of all the seal activity--unhealthy water and maybe even aggressive seal activity. If your kids are old enough you can swim, wade and snorkel at the cove but there can be a strong surge, so be wary. We like Brockton Villa for breakfast, lunch or brunch. Their Coast Toast is so yummy. The cave is really fun but it's a brief activity. If the tide is out, you can climb around the little cave near the cove and see some small sea life in the tidepools there.

Also, the Birch aquarium is right up the hill and there is some nice mild hiking among the eucalyptus near the aquarium and on the UCSD campus. That would round out a pretty full day with lots of healthy activity!