I live in La Jolla and raised my daughter here. As a family travel advisor specializing in San Diego, I spend a lot of time helping parents plan La Jolla with kids, from which beaches are safe for little ones to what to skip when attention spans are short.
Yes, it’s an upscale community, but it’s actually very family-friendly and casual. We have some of the best restaurants in San Diego, and you can take your kids to any of them. We have beachfront hotels that welcome sandy feet and a coastline that keeps kids busy for days. You can either base an entire San Diego family vacation here or drive in for the day, and either works.
For La Jolla attractions better suited to adults, see my things to do in La Jolla guide. For the San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND, and other attractions beyond La Jolla, see my San Diego with kids guide.
Planning Your Visit to La Jolla With Kids
Before you head to the beach, a few things are worth knowing. La Jolla isn’t really one neighborhood. It’s three distinct areas, each with a different family vibe.
La Jolla’s Three Neighborhoods
The Village (downtown La Jolla) is walkable to the seals, sea lions, tide pools, shopping, and restaurants. The coastline here is dramatic, with rocky coves and cliffside paths rather than wide sandy beaches. This is where you’ll go for seal viewing, dining out, shopping, and scenic walks with the stroller.
La Jolla Shores has the wide, flat, sandy beach that most families are looking for. It’s also where you’ll find the Kellogg Park playground, water sports rentals, and Birch Aquarium nearby. This is the best area for beach days with kids of any age, learning to surf, kayaking, and snorkeling with leopard sharks in summer.
The Torrey Pines and UC San Diego area is where you’ll find Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for hiking, the Gliderport for watching paragliders, and the Dan McKinney Family YMCA. This end of La Jolla is better for active families with older kids.
If you haven’t booked your hotel yet, my guide to the best La Jolla hotels explains which properties are in each area and which are best for families.
Stroller and Accessibility Notes
The Village sidewalks and the paved coastal path between La Jolla Cove and Children’s Pool are stroller-friendly and scenic. La Jolla Shores Beach has a paved boardwalk and an accessible parking lot that makes it easy to roll a stroller or wagon right to the sand.
Torrey Pines hiking trails do not allow strollers.
In The Village, if you’re up on Prospect Street where the shops are, it’s downhill to The Cove. This means you’ll need to push back uphill if you’re parked up here, which is common during busy periods.
How Much Time to Budget
A half day is enough to see the seals and enjoy a beach. A full day lets you add Birch Aquarium or a kayak tour. If you’re staying in La Jolla, you can comfortably fill two to three days with family activities and still have time for afternoons at the pool.
When to Visit With Kids
La Jolla’s weather is mild year-round, so there isn’t a bad time to visit with kids. That said, different seasons offer different experiences:
Winter and spring (December through May) are best for seal pupping season at Children’s Pool and tide pooling at low tide. The beaches are quieter, and you’ll have an easier time with parking outside of holidays.
Summer (June through September) brings the warmest water, the best conditions for La Jolla Shores Beach, and the famous leopard shark season when these harmless sharks swim in the shallow water along the shore near The Marine Room restaurant.
For more seasonal planning, see my best time to visit San Diego guide.
Parking Tips for Families
The La Jolla Shores parking lot is large but fills early on summer mornings. Aim to arrive before 10 a.m. on weekends and summer days, or park on surrounding residential streets, which can be difficult. We actually Uber down to the Shores in the summer because of parking.
In the Village, you’ll find metered street parking that can be tight on weekends. There are a few paid lots as well. On peak days, it’s worth considering a rideshare to avoid circling with kids in the car. We use the SpotHero app to identify which paid lots have parking available. You can reserve and pay in advance through the app.
Best La Jolla Beaches for Families
La Jolla’s beaches look gorgeous in photos, but they’re not all family-friendly. Here are the ones that work best, organized by what kind of beach day you’re looking for.
La Jolla Shores Beach (Best for All Ages)
Ages: All ages, including babies and toddlers
This is the beach I send every visiting family to first, and the one we go to most as locals. It has a long stretch of flat sand, a dedicated swimming area with lifeguards, bathrooms, and outdoor showers near the parking lot, and gentle waves most of the year. The adjacent Kellogg Park has a playground steps from the sand, which is a lifesaver when kids need a break from the water but aren’t ready to leave.
The shops and restaurants on Avenida de la Playa are a short walk from the beach if you forgot sunscreen, need snacks, or want to grab sandwiches from The Cheese Shop for a beach picnic.
Parent tip: Arrive before 10 a.m. in summer for parking. The beach is divided into swimming and surfing areas, so you don’t have to worry about surfers in the section where your kids are playing.
For more details, see my La Jolla Shores Beach guide. I also include La Jolla Shores on my list of the best beaches in San Diego for families.
La Jolla Cove (Best for Viewing Sea Lions)
Ages: All ages from the sidewalk and boardwalk.
La Jolla Cove is a small beach tucked between sandstone cliffs, and it’s one of the most photographed spots in San Diego. You don’t need to go down to the sand to enjoy it. Walking the paved coastal path with kids in a stroller works well, and the sea lions are visible and very audible from wherever you are.
If you do go down to the beach, waves typically break gently here (though winter swells can change that). The water is part of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, so the snorkeling is excellent for older kids and adults. For everything else there is to do at the Cove, see my La Jolla Cove guide.
Give Our Seals and Sea Lions Space
Children’s Pool (Best for Seal Viewing, Not Swimming)
Ages: All ages for viewing from the sidewalk; the seawall walk is not appropriate for toddlers or small children
Children’s Pool is the best place to see La Jolla’s harbor seals, especially during pupping season (December 15 through May 15), when newborn pups rest on the sand with their mothers. A rope barrier keeps visitors at a safe distance, and you can watch from the sidewalk above or walk out on the sea wall for a closer view.
Outside of this timeframe, the beach is open to the public. I don’t love it for swimming because the seals still hang out here, and the water tests high for bacteria.
Safety note for parents: The seawall is narrow, the surface can be slippery, and the fence slats are spaced wide enough that small children could slip through. I don’t recommend the seawall walk with toddlers or young kids you’d need to carry. Watching from the overlook above is just as good and much safer with little ones.
For more on visiting, see my La Jolla seals guide and Children’s Pool guide.
Beaches to Skip With Kids
WindanSea Beach appears on many La Jolla lists, and local kids do go there. But the shorebreak currents are strong, and it’s not safe for most visiting families. Unless your kids are very experienced ocean swimmers who know how to read conditions, skip swimming here. I highly recommend it for sunsets.
Marine Street Beach also has strong currents. Be cautious here.
Black’s Beach has a steep trail down to it and is not appropriate for young children. It’s also clothing-optional in sections.
Outdoor Activities and Adventures
La Jolla’s coastline is where most of the family fun happens. Here are the activities worth considering, along with the age ranges I recommend.
Tandem Kayak Tours (Ages 5+)
Kayaking the La Jolla sea caves is one of the most popular family activities in San Diego. You and your child paddle a tandem kayak from La Jolla Shores out along the cliffs, passing sea lions, pelicans, and the seven sea caves that are only visible from the water. Some tours enter Clam’s Cave, if conditions permit, where the sea lion barks echo off the walls.
I recommend Everyday California for guided tours. Kids as young as five can go in a tandem kayak with a parent. If your kids are too young to paddle but you’re spending the day at La Jolla Shores, they’ll enjoy watching the colorful kayaks launch from the beach.
What to know: You will get wet and need sun protection. Wear clothes that dry quickly. Having decent upper-body strength helps, but the tours are manageable for most people.
Exclusive Everyday California Discount
Use code LJMOM20 for a 20% discount on kayak and snorkeling tours, lessons, and rentals.
Learning to Surf (Ages 5+)
La Jolla Shores is one of the best places in San Diego to learn to surf because the waves are gentle and the bottom is sandy. Surf Diva is the original surf school in La Jolla Shores, with group lessons, private lessons, weekend clinics, and multi-day surf camps for kids during school breaks and summer. Everyday California offers lessons as well.
Ages: Most surf schools take kids starting at five or six. Tweens and teens especially love this. I recommend surf lessons to visiting families all the time as a quintessential Southern California experience. Drop the kids into a half-day surf camp.
Snorkeling and Leopard Sharks (Ages 6+)
From late June through early fall, hundreds of harmless leopard sharks swim in the shallow, warm water at La Jolla Shores. You can see them from shore as the waves break, but snorkeling among them is an unforgettable experience for kids who are comfortable in the water. The sharks are typically in waist-deep, sometimes knee-deep water, so you don’t need to be a strong swimmer.
You can bring your own snorkel gear or rent it from shops along Avenida de la Playa. For the full rundown, see my La Jolla leopard sharks guide.
Ages: I’d say six and up for snorkeling, though younger kids enjoy watching from the shore.
Tide Pooling (All Ages)
The tide pools along the La Jolla coast are part of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, which means they’re protected and full of sea life. You’ll spot sea anemones, hermit crabs, sea stars, and small fish. The best time for tide pooling is at low tide in winter and spring. Look for negative tides on a tide calendar.
The most accessible tide pools for families are near the south end of La Jolla Shores Beach and along the rocky coastline between the Cove and Children’s Pool. Check tide charts before you go. Wear shoes with good grip (not flip-flops), and remind kids to look but not touch or remove anything.
However, if you can park near Caroline’s Seaside Restaurant or can walk down La Jolla Shores Beach to Scripps Pier, the Dike Rock tide pools north of the pier are outstanding and a favorite of naturalists.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps (All Ages)
Birch Aquarium is perched on the hillside above La Jolla Shores with ocean views from its outdoor terrace, and it’s one of the best family attractions in San Diego. It’s run by Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, so there’s actual science behind the exhibits, but everything is set up for kids to touch and explore.
The Tide Pool Plaza lets kids touch sea stars and sea urchins. The Seadragons exhibit is my favorite, along with the Little Blue Penguins. Plan about 90 minutes to two hours for a visit.
Parent tip: The aquarium opens at 9 a.m. and is less crowded on weekday mornings. It pairs perfectly with a La Jolla Shores beach afternoon. I like to arrive early to ensure I can park in the lot.
For ticket info and tips, see my full Birch Aquarium guide.
Ellen Browning Scripps Park (All Ages)
This grassy oceanfront park sits on the bluffs above La Jolla Cove, and it’s where kids can run, roll, and blow off steam after a meal or between activities. There’s nothing structured here. Bring a blanket, pick up food from a nearby restaurant, and let your kids enjoy the view while they play.
The park is also one of the best spots in La Jolla for watching the sunset, and the sea lion barks from the Cove below add to the atmosphere.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (Ages 5+)
The hiking trails at Torrey Pines are short enough for families (most are under two miles) and the ocean views are incredible. The Guy Fleming Trail is the easiest for kids, with wildflowers in spring and whale-watching opportunities in winter.
Important: Strollers are not allowed on the trails. No food or drinks (other than water) are permitted on the trails either. There are restrooms at the visitor center.
Ages: I’d say five and up, depending on your child. The trails aren’t difficult, but they’re narrow in places with cliff edges, so this isn’t ideal for kids who don’t stay close on the trail.
La Jolla Gliderport (All Ages to Watch)
The Torrey Pines Gliderport is where paragliders and hang gliders launch from the cliffs above Black’s Beach, and watching them soar is free entertainment that fascinates kids. There’s no railing or fence at the cliff edge, so keep a firm hand on small children.
Tandem paragliding is available for anyone over about 80 pounds, making this an unforgettable experience for teens (and parents).
Sunny Jim Sea Cave (Older Kids, Steady Walkers)
The only La Jolla sea cave you can enter by land. You walk down a narrow stairway inside The Cave Store on Coast Blvd. and emerge inside the cave with ocean water lapping at the rocks below. There’s a small admission fee. The whole experience takes just a few minutes, but kids love it. It’s an easy add-on during a seal viewing or Cove visit.
Museums Worth Visiting
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) on Prospect Street is a newly expanded contemporary art museum that’s more family-friendly than you’d expect. Check the schedule for Family Play Days that include hands-on projects. It’s directly across from the La Jolla Recreation Center.
Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial is not a museum, but if your family has military history, the plaques and panoramic view from the top of Mount Soledad are worth the short drive. Docents are often on-site to point out notable memorials.
Indoor and Rainy-Day Activities
La Jolla doesn’t get much rain, but when the marine layer lingers or your kids need a break from the sun, these are good backup plans.
The LOT La Jolla (Ages Vary by Film)
The LOT is a luxury cinema on Fay Avenue with reserved seating, a restaurant, and a full bar for parents. It’s way nicer than a regular movie theater. Families can grab lunch and catch a matinee without the usual chaos. Check their schedule for family-friendly screenings.
The Cat Lounge Rescue and Adoption Center (School-Age and Up)
This nonprofit cat rescue on Torrey Pines Road lets visitors hang out with adoptable cats in a cozy lounge setting. It’s $20 for adults and $10 for kids, with an optional Kitten Nursery add-on for $10 more. Walk-ins are welcome Thursday through Sunday, 12 to 6 p.m. (closed Mondays and Wednesdays).
Ages: While the Cat Lounge doesn’t publish a strict age minimum, it’s best suited to school-age kids and older who can be gentle and calm around the cats. Call ahead at (858) 886-7083 if you have questions about bringing younger children.
La Jolla Riford Library (All Ages)
The La Jolla branch of the San Diego Public Library hosts free storytime sessions, craft programs, and seasonal events for kids. It’s a quiet, air-conditioned space in the heart of the Village, and it’s free. Check the library’s calendar for current programs.
Warwick’s Bookstore (All Ages)
Warwick’s is the oldest continuously family-owned bookstore in the United States, and it has an excellent children’s section. It’s the kind of place where you can let your kids browse for 30 minutes while you catch your breath. They also host book signings and events throughout the year.
Classes and Camps (For Longer Stays and Local Families)
If you’re staying in La Jolla for more than a few days, or if you’re a local family looking for structured activities, here’s some of what’s available. A few of them (like Gyminny Kids open gym and Surf Diva’s single-day clinics) also work well for short visits.
Music Classes: Nightingale Music School (Ages 6 Months to 5 Years)
Nightingale Music School offers early childhood music classes for babies and toddlers at their La Jolla location on La Jolla Boulevard. Sessions run in multi-week blocks throughout the year. They also offer half-day music camps during school breaks, which are popular with visiting families. Their second location is in La Mesa.
Art Classes: Athenaeum Music & Arts Library (Ages 7+)
The Athenaeum on Wall Street in the Village is one of La Jolla’s cultural gems. Their School of the Arts runs kids’ art camps in summer (week-long, half-day sessions for ages 7 to 13), plus a free teen art program (PEEC) during the school year for ages 13 to 18. The summer camps cover painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, and more in the Athenaeum’s La Jolla studio.
Cooking Classes: Eatsies (Ages 10+)
Chef Teri of Eatsies offers custom, hands-on cooking classes for kids ages 10 and up from her La Jolla kitchen. She also does cooking parties and can bring the class to your vacation rental. Smaller group sizes and a personalized approach make this a good option for a rainy day or a birthday celebration. Because classes are private and custom-scheduled, this one can work for visitors too.
Gymnastics and Open Play: Gyminny Kids at UTC (Ages 9 Months+)
Gyminny Kids opened at Westfield UTC in November 2025, replacing the former G3 Kids space. Their 5,500-square-foot facility offers structured classes, open gym sessions, camps, and birthday parties for ages 9 months through adult. Open gym is $25 per hour with no reservation needed, which makes this one easy for visiting families too. A solid option for toddlers and preschoolers who need to burn energy on a cool or foggy day.
Surf Camps (Ages 5+)
Surf Diva at La Jolla Shores runs multi-day surf camps during summer and school breaks. These are structured programs (not just one-off lessons) where kids build skills over several days, make friends, and gain confidence in the water. Weekend clinics are also available.
Swimming, Gymnastics, and Sports: Dan McKinney Family YMCA
The Dan McKinney Family YMCA (formerly the La Jolla YMCA) on Cliffridge Avenue has been serving La Jolla families since 1964. Programs include swim lessons, a gymnastics center, a pool, day camps, and after-school programs. They also have a splash pad for younger kids. The Y offers day passes if you’re visiting and want to use the facilities for a single day.
Tennis: La Jolla Tennis Club (Ages 6+)
The La Jolla Tennis Club is a public facility in the Village offering youth clinics, private lessons, and ball machine rental. The Michael Bucher Tennis Academy runs year-round classes for ages 6 to 18. This is a great option for athletic families who want a morning lesson before heading to the beach.
Parks and Playgrounds
When your kids need to run around, throw a ball, or hit a playground, these are your best bets.
Kellogg Park Playground (La Jolla Shores)
Adjacent to La Jolla Shores Beach, this playground is the one you’ll use most if you’re spending time at the beach. It’s right on the grass, with the ocean visible beyond the palm trees. There’s shade from the trees, and the sand from the beach is steps away.
La Jolla Recreation Center (The Village)
The La Jolla Rec Center has not one but three playgrounds, plus tennis courts, pickleball, basketball courts, wall ball courts, and a large grassy field. You can borrow balls to play with using your driver’s license. It’s the neighborhood’s main gathering spot for local families, and visiting kids are welcome.
Ellen Browning Scripps Park
Mentioned above in the outdoor activities section, but worth repeating here: this is the best open green space in the Village for kids to run and play, with ocean views as your backdrop.
Where to Eat in La Jolla With Kids
You can take kids to any restaurant in La Jolla. This isn’t a neighborhood where you need to worry about whether your family is welcome. That said, some spots are where families naturally gravitate because the food is good, the vibe is relaxed, and the logistics just work.
Sit-Down Family Restaurants
George’s Ocean Terrace is where we take friends who are visiting La Jolla for lunch. The open-air rooftop terrace overlooks La Jolla Cove, and the lively buzz makes it so a squeal here and there isn’t a big deal. Request a table near the Cove side for sea lion views (these are first-come, first-served). There is a kids’ menu. (Location: Village of La Jolla)
Duke’s La Jolla on Prospect Street has the view, the aloha vibe, and a menu that works for families. The famous Hula Pie alone is worth the stop. Kids get a Keiki menu with coloring and bingo to keep them busy. It does get busy, so consider an early dinner or lunch. (Location: Village of La Jolla)
The Cottage is a very popular La Jolla breakfast spot. You might have a bit of a wait on weekends, but they put out coffee for you. The scones are delicious, as are the hearty Benedicts and cinnamon swirl French toast. (Location: Village of La Jolla)
Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza does exactly what the name promises and does it well. Thin-crust pizzas, pastas, and salads in a casual setting with an enormous menu. (Location: Village of La Jolla)
Barbarella has woodfired pizza and mostly Italian options. Your kids will go bananas during the Halloween and Christmas seasons when the over-the-top decor covers the entire restaurant, even the roof. They even have a menu for dogs. (Location: La Jolla Shores)
Beaumont’s is a local’s restaurant with a good happy hour, a covered patio, and an easy atmosphere. I like the Taste of Bird Rock salad with grilled lettuce and duck tacos. Kids tend to go for the Oodles of Noodles. (Location: Bird Rock)
The Taco Stand on Pearl Street is fast, casual, and serves some of the best tacos in San Diego. The line moves quickly. Kids love the churros, paletas, and corn on the cob. No reservations needed. (Location: Village of La Jolla)
Caroline’s Seaside Cafe at Scripps Park is right on the ocean with a casual outdoor setting. Simple menu, incredible location. Perfect for lunch between beach and seal viewing. (Location: La Jolla Shores)
Quick Bites Near the Beaches
The Cheese Shop on Avenida de la Playa (La Jolla Shores) makes excellent sandwiches for a beach picnic. Order ahead if you can.
Jeff’s Burgers (La Jolla Shores) is straightforward, fast, and right near the beach.
If you’re in the Village, the walkable stretch along Prospect and Girard has grab-and-go options like Better Buzz for avocado toast.
Dessert and Treats
Bobboi Natural Gelato on Coast Boulevard makes some of the best gelato in San Diego. The flavors rotate, and the quality is noticeable. Easy stop after visiting La Jolla Cove. (Location: Village of La Jolla)
Sugar and Scribe has outstanding cakes, pastries, cookies, and petit fours by Chef Maeve, a Food Network champion. It’s also a popular breakfast and lunch restaurant. (Location: Village of La Jolla)
Froglander’s has been a local favorite for decades. Frozen yogurt, crepes, and shakes. I’ve been going here since college. (Location: Village of La Jolla)
Scoops La Jolla on Avenida de la Playa serves Van Leeuwen ice cream, which makes it a popular post-beach stop. (Location: La Jolla Shores)
Shopping in La Jolla With Kids
La Jolla’s shopping is concentrated along Girard Avenue and Prospect Street in the Village. While much of it is geared toward adults, there are a few stops that kids enjoy.
Geppetto’s on Girard Avenue is a fantastic family-owned toy store where you can find games, educational activities, birthday gifts, and small rewards for long days of sightseeing. This has been a neighborhood staple for years. (Location: Village of La Jolla)
Balboa Candy on Girard specializes in saltwater taffy, but you’ll also find vintage greats like Bazooka bubble gum. I personally like the fudge. (Location: Village of La Jolla)
Warwick’s (mentioned above) is the nation’s oldest continuously family-owned bookstore. Send the kids straight to the back to the children’s section, where they can sit on the rug and browse. They also have a great gift and stationery section. (Location: Village of La Jolla)
Aviator Nation is where teens with a budget go for retro California cool sweats and hoodies. (Location: Village of La Jolla)
La Jolla Open Aire Market runs every Sunday at La Jolla Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There’s a play structure on the school grounds and a big grassy field. La Jolla kids like choosing snacks, desserts, and takeaway meals from the vendors. It’s also one of the largest farmers markets in San Diego. (Location: Village of La Jolla)
Westfield UTC (about a 10-minute drive from the Village) has a large ice skating rink, a movie theater, and all the major retail stores if you need a shopping break from the beach scene. (Location: UTC area)
For more, see my La Jolla shopping guide.
Nearby Attractions Worth the Drive
If you have extra days beyond La Jolla, San Diego has no shortage of family attractions within easy driving distance. Rather than list them all here, I’ll point you to my 50 best things to do in San Diego with kids guide, which covers the Zoo, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, Balboa Park museums, and more with age recommendations, ticket discounts, and planning tips.
A couple of options closer to La Jolla that work well on non-beach days:
Gyminny Kids at Westfield UTC (10 minutes from the Village) opened in late 2025 and offers open gym for toddlers through school-age kids. No reservation needed, $25/hour. The mall also has an ice skating rink and movie theater.
Rockin’ Jump at 8190 Miralani Drive (about 15 minutes) is a trampoline park that’s great for school-age kids and tweens who need to burn energy.
Sample Family Itineraries
These are based on how I see families on vacation structure their La Jolla days.
Half Day in La Jolla (3 to 4 Hours)
Morning at La Jolla Shores Beach. Arrive early for parking. Let kids play on the sand and at the Kellogg Park playground. Walk to The Cheese Shop on Avenida de la Playa for sandwiches. Head back to the hotel by early afternoon.
Full Day With Younger Kids (Under 6)
Start at La Jolla Cove in the morning to see the sea lions and walk down to the Children’s pool to see the seals. You’ll pass the grassy Ellen Browning Scripps Park and Shell Beach where you can look for shells (full disclosure: sometimes there aren’t any). Lunch at Duke’s or Sammy’s. Back to the hotel for a nap. Afternoon at La Jolla Shores Beach or the Kellogg Park playground. Dinner at Barbarella or Piatti and ice cream a few doors down at Scoops.
Full Day With School-Age Kids (6 to 12)
Morning at Birch Aquarium (opens at 9 a.m.). Drive or take a rideshare to La Jolla Shores for lunch at The Cheese Shop, then spend the afternoon at the beach. Or swap the afternoon beach for a kayak tour of the sea caves. End the day watching sea lions at La Jolla Cove, then dessert at Bobboi or Froglander’s. This works for the under 6 set also.
Full Day With Tweens and Teens
Surf lesson at La Jolla Shores in the morning (book through Surf Diva) or a kayak tour to the sea caves. Lunch at Jeff’s Burgers or Cheese Shop. Afternoon in The Village: seals and sea lions plus Sunny Jim sea cave. In winter or spring add a tide pool walk. Finish with shopping on Girard Avenue (Warwick’s, the galleries). Movie at The LOT or dinner at Puesto or Sushi Nekkosan.
Where to Stay in La Jolla With Kids
The best options for families depend on what kind of trip you’re planning.
For beach families: La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club and La Jolla Shores Hotel are both right on the sand at La Jolla Shores. The Beach & Tennis Club has kids’ swim lessons, a summer kids’ club, tennis programs, and a playground. It’s the most family-oriented property in La Jolla.
For a luxury stay: The Lodge at Torrey Pines offers a refined experience with a pool, access to Torrey Pines Golf Course, and a more resort-like feel. It’s great for families with older kids and parents who golf. Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is the most resort-like property that we have, with beautiful grounds, a full-service spa, multiple dining outlets, and a great pool.
For a Village stay: These are mostly boutique hotels, but I would go with Pantai Inn for a kitchen, La Valencia (Tower rooms only) for luxury with a nice pool deck, and Grand Colonial for good value.
For the full breakdown with room-by-room recommendations, see my La Jolla hotels guide and my best kid-friendly hotels in San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the bathrooms near La Jolla beaches?
La Jolla Shores Beach has restrooms and outdoor showers near the parking lot. In the Village, public restrooms are available at Scripps Park near La Jolla Cove. If you’re with a toddler, having a mental map of bathrooms makes the day much smoother.
Are there free things to do in La Jolla with kids?
Plenty. The beaches, seal and sea lion viewing, tide pooling, Scripps Park, the playgrounds, Shell Beach, the La Jolla murals, the farmers market (browsing), and the library events are all free. Parking at La Jolla Shores is free too, though the lot fills early in summer.
Do we need a car in La Jolla?
If you’re staying in the Village, you can walk to the seals, restaurants, shopping, and La Jolla Cove without a car. But La Jolla Shores Beach, Birch Aquarium, and Torrey Pines all require driving or a rideshare. The latter also avoids parking costs and trying to find a spot.
Is La Jolla safe for families?
Very. The beaches with lifeguards (La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove) are well-monitored, the neighborhoods are walkable and clean, and you’ll see families everywhere. The main safety considerations are ocean-related: stick to the beaches I recommend above and keep an eye on conditions. And of course using the same sensibilities and precautions you’d use in any city.
Can we do La Jolla as a day trip from another part of San Diego?
Absolutely. Many families I work with are based in the Hotel del Coronado area or Mission Bay and drive to La Jolla for a half or full day. The drive is 15 to 30 minutes depending on where you’re coming from and traffic. A half day is enough for seal viewing, a beach, and lunch. A full day lets you add Birch Aquarium or a kayak tour.
This guide is updated regularly to reflect business openings, closures, and pricing changes but please check with the attraction or restaurant before you go. Have a question about visiting La Jolla with your family? Leave a comment below and I’ll help.
Katie Dillon
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