Discover the best things to do in La Jolla with kids in 2026, including family trip itineraries, family-friendly beaches, restaurants and parking tips.
Planning a family trip to a luxury coastal town can feel intimidating, but fear not: La Jolla, known for fine dining and high-end boutiques, is also a giant, interactive outdoor classroom with plenty of things to do with kids.
From toddlers to teenagers, all kids will find La Jolla enchanting, with wild sea lions lounging on the sand, tide pools full of bright creatures and expansive parks perfectly suited for burning off energy. Whether you’re picnicking at The Cove or ducking into a museum on a foggy morning, there are things to do in La Jolla with kids for every age and interest.
The trick to a flawless family trip is knowing exactly where to go and what to avoid; pushing a stroller up a steep, cliffside trail or attempting a formal sit-down dinner with a cranky toddler would dampen the day.
Consider this your pragmatic, parent-approved field manual for visiting La Jolla with kids in 2026. We’ve curated the best family-friendly beaches, interactive activities and restaurants that cater to both young palates and parent preferences.
The junior explorer itinerary: A perfect family day
If you only have one day in La Jolla, follow this step-by-step route to minimize driving, maximize outdoor time and keep everyone fed.
Morning: Wildlife wandering
Start your day early in The Village of La Jolla before the crowds arrive. Grab coffee and pastries at a local cafe and walk down to Ellen Browning Scripps Park.
- The activity: Walk the paved path along the water to view the California sea lions on the rocks at Point La Jolla and La Jolla Cove.
- More pinnipeds: Continue south to The Children’s Pool. Despite the name, this beach is often taken over by harbor seals (and closed to the public Dec 15 to May 15). You can walk out onto the seawall for a spectacular view of the seal pups in late winter/early spring.
- Teach your kids the difference before you arrive with our seal vs sea lion spotter’s guide.
Midday: Science on the hill
Drive out of The Village and up to Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
- Why it works: Birch is a great escape from the midday sun. Kids love the touch pools and the Little Blue Penguins exhibit.
- Lunch: Eat nearby at Destiny Coast, which offers sweeping ocean views and spy on paragliders.
Afternoon: Sandy toes at The Shores
Drive down the hill to La Jolla Shores Beach, the ultimate family beach in San Diego.
- The setup: Park in the large lot and set up a blanket on the flat, wide sand.
- The play: The gentle waves here are perfect for wading and boogie boarding.
- The park: If the kids get tired of the sand, walk directly over to Kellogg Park, which features a massive grassy area and a playground right on the beach.
Beyond the one-day itinerary, there are even more things to do in La Jolla with kids up and down the coastline, from the La Jolla Children’s Pool to hidden tide pools and grassy parks.
Beaches, parks and tide pools in La Jolla
The Children’s Pool
The Children’s Pool is a historic part of the La Jolla coastline, created in 1931 by La Jolla benefactor Ellen Browning Scripps for the express purpose of providing a safe haven in La Jolla for kids.
Walk to the end of the seawall to get a closer look at local wildlife or pick a spot on the beach to play with the kids. This beach nook is also home to hundreds of seals and is a sanctuary for them to safely give birth to their pups. The area is also closed during their pupping season from Dec 15 to May 15, so they can have plenty of space to feel safe and unbothered.
Tide pool exploration at La Jolla Shores
One of the popular things to do with kids in La Jolla is visiting the tide pools at low tide, the small pools and pockets of water in the rocks ripe for exploring.
The tide pools themselves are home to a rich ecosystem of marine life, hiding within the safety of the rocks while protecting themselves from the waves.
La Jolla’s tide pools are found throughout the various beaches; you’ll find several just below Cuvier Park, at Shell Beach, The Cove and La Jolla Shores.
Wander throughout the tide pool area during low tide (beware of slippery spots!) to observe anemones, crabs, snails, slugs and other beautiful La Jolla wildlife.
Though it’s tempting, leave the shells, pebbles and animals there: much of La Jolla is a marine reserve, and there are law-protected spots throughout. Above all, remember you are a visitor in the animals’ home, a place in desperate need of conservation and respect.
Family-friendly beaches in La Jolla
Not all La Jolla beaches are safe for young swimmers. Choosing the right spot is crucial for a relaxed afternoon.
La Jolla Shores (for all)
As mentioned in the itinerary, The Shores is the gold standard for families. The water is shallow for a long distance, San Diego lifeguards are stationed here year-round and you have direct access to public restrooms and showers.
La Jolla Cove Beach (for strong swimmers)
The actual beach at The Cove is very small but the water is incredibly clear, making this the best spot for snorkeling.
- The catch: The water drops off quickly into the deep La Jolla Underwater Park, so The Cove is best suited for older children and confident swimmers.
When the sand and surf need a break, La Jolla’s parks give kids room to run.
Ellen Browning Scripps Park
For picnics and outdoor play, Ellen Browning Scripps Park is a must for La Jolla kids activities.
With nearly four acres of lush green grass and scattered Monterey Cypress trees, the park provides ample space for bubbles, Frisbee play and more, along with the grass for a picnic with a view.
Scripps Park is also a terrific starting point for a stroll above La Jolla Cove and watching the sea lions.
Kellogg Park
Any trip to La Jolla with kids must include a stop to Kellogg Park, a large, grassy park adjacent to La Jolla Shores Beach with ample space for kids to run and play. Have a picnic on the grass or chase the kids around the playground equipment. Kellogg Park has plenty of bathrooms, showers to rinse off sandy feet and a large parking lot.
La Jolla Recreation Center
The La Jolla Recreation Center is a historic gem, offering a diverse range of activities and amenities for visitors of all ages, making it a terrific place to visit with kids in La Jolla.
Built in 1915 and designed by renowned architect Irving Gill, this facility has been a cornerstone of La Jolla community life for over a century.
The Rec Center has a variety of outdoor recreational options including basketball courts and three playground areas that cater to children of various age groups. The center’s strategic location, just a short walk from The Cove and The Children’s Pool, makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the area’s natural beauty and attractions.
The center also offers a wide array of classes and activities from gymnastics to yoga and movie nights in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Educational and interactive experiences
From hands-on science to free family activities in La Jolla, these stops keep curious minds busy rain or shine.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Image courtesy of Birch Aquarium
Birch Aquarium at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography offers those in La Jolla with kids a captivating journey into the ocean’s depths.
Enjoy interactive exhibits for close encounters with a fascinating array of creatures. Established in 1905, Birch Aquarium has a rich history of bringing the ocean’s wonders to the public, through exploration of tide pools and unique exhibits like the seahorse displays, along with family programming.
Families visiting Birch Aquarium with toddlers will appreciate the outdoor touch pools sized for small hands.
La Jolla/Riford Library
The youth section of the La Jolla/Riford public library is jammed not only with books but also with plenty of things to do in La Jolla with kids, from free storytimes in multiple languages, craft days and guest speakers and entertainment events guaranteed to capture any kid’s attention.
The library also has cozy, quiet spaces if your La Jolla visit needs some quiet, indoor time.
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Image via mcasd.org
The renowned Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego has an array of activities in La Jolla for kids. The institution hosts Play Days the second Sunday of the month, when museum admission is free and family-friendly activities like storytimes, crafts and more are offered from 11 am to 2 pm.
Sunny Jim’s sea cave
Visiting Sunny Jim’s, the only one of La Jolla’s sea caves accessible by foot, is a quirky, fast activity located right in The Village. You enter through The Cave Store and walk down 145 wooden steps inside a hand-dug tunnel.
- The vibe: The historic descent and cave feel like a pirate adventure.
- Warning: The steps are steep and often wet. It is not stroller accessible, and you must carry infants.
The rainy day backup
When the marine layer is thick, head to a luxury cinema. The Lot features oversized leather recliners and a full menu delivered directly to your seat, turning a standard movie afternoon into a premium experience for the whole family.
Active adventures: Kayaking, surfing and hiking
No list of things to do in La Jolla with kids is complete without a little adventure on the water or the trail.
Kayaking, surfing and snorkeling adventures
If water-based things to do with kids in La Jolla is on the list, you’re in the right place. La Jolla has a wealth of highly-rated companies that offer everything from equipment rentals to group tours and individual lessons.
To stay above water, try kayaking with a company like La Jolla Bike and Kayak Tours, which offers kayaking equipment tours for all ages. You’ll paddle above the La Jolla Underwater Park and have a terrific time doing it!
Local outfitters like Everyday California also run guided double-kayak tours across the ecological reserve, where you’ll spot Garibaldi fish, harmless leopard sharks and pelicans. Compare the best outfitters in our La Jolla marine life tour guide.
To fully submerge yourself in the fun, the same outfitters also offer snorkeling tours to get wet and learn more about the wonders underwater.
And if the kids want to try surfing in La Jolla, Surf Diva and similar companies exist with camps for all ages and private lessons.
Hiking with kids in La Jolla
There are so many hiking trails in La Jolla, and many of them offer stunning views and kid-friendly distances. Try Coast Walk Trail, a short out-and-back jaunt along the La Jolla bluffs steeped in over 9,000 years of heritage. Start by The Cave Store and traverse over Goldfish Point, peering over to the ocean while watching the black cormorant birds nesting on the bluffs and playful sea lions below.
For families with older children, the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is the perfect way to experience the natural beauty of La Jolla with kids. You’ll find several well-marked trails within the reserve and so much wildlife as you explore the cliffs.
Parent-approved family dining
Dining with kids in La Jolla requires speed, loud acoustics to mask chatter and a menu that satisfies everyone. Here are the top spots that balance great food with a relaxed atmosphere.
Family-friendly restaurants in La Jolla
- The Taco Stand: Expect a line out the door, but it moves quickly. Grab some authentic carne asada tacos and churros, then walk down to the La Jolla Recreation Center and eat on the grass.
- Puesto: A large, vibrant restaurant in The Village serving incredible craft margaritas for the parents and high-quality quesadillas for the kids.
- Shorehouse Kitchen: Located near the beach, this is the ultimate breakfast spot before a day on the sand. Shorehouse even has a dedicated “dog menu” if you brought the family pet.
- The Cottage: A Village institution for breakfast and lunch, with a casual atmosphere that welcomes kids at every table.
- Barbarella: Over in The Shores, this friendly neighborhood spot is another easy, kid-approved choice.
Sit-down dinners with a view
Image courtesy of The Lodge at Torrey Pines
- Duke’s La Jolla: A Hawaiian-inspired restaurant that’s loud, spacious and extremely welcoming to families. Ask for a table on the patio and order the Hula Pie for dessert.
- The Grill at Torrey Pines: Located at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, this outdoor patio overlooks the golf course. Kids can watch the golfers while parents enjoy local craft beer and wood-fired dishes.
- Find more scenic options in our list of best La Jolla restaurants with an ocean view.
Sweet treats and gelato
You cannot visit La Jolla without getting dessert at Bobboi Natural Gelato on Girard Avenue. The line often wraps around the building, but their locally sourced, authentic Italian gelato is a required daily stop.
After a day of exploring, treat the kids, and yourselves, to a sweet treat from one of several places in La Jolla ready to serve. Try either location of Scoops La Jolla or Killer Whale for ice cream, hit Girard Gourmet for cookies and more or Parisien Gourmandises for something French.
Logistics: parking, stroller access and best times to visit
The best things to do in La Jolla with kids are even better with a plan for parking, strollers and crowds.
Stroller navigation
The Village is highly walkable, but the streets leading down to the ocean are incredibly steep. Coast Boulevard features paved, flat sidewalks perfect for strollers. The Coast Walk Trail is relatively flat dirt, making it manageable for heavy-duty jogging strollers, but standard umbrella strollers will struggle.
The parking playbook
Do not waste time circling The Village looking for free street parking.
- The strategy: Utilize the paid public garages on Fay Avenue or Prospect Street. The convenience of parking near the restaurants and walking to the beach is worth the daily fee.
- Memorize the best parking zones with our La Jolla parking playbook.
Best times to visit La Jolla with kids
Note that summer and school holidays are busier in La Jolla naturally, as are weekends, so bring your patience!
La Jolla family FAQ
Got more questions about family-friendly activities in La Jolla? Here’s what parents ask most.
1. Is Birch Aquarium good for toddlers?
Yes! Birch is the perfect size for young children. They can easily walk the entire facility in two hours without getting exhausted. The outdoor touch pools are specifically designed for small hands.
2. Are there public restrooms at the beaches?
Yes. Both La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove have public restroom and shower facilities located directly on the beach or in the adjacent parks.
3. Where should a family stay in La Jolla?
If you want a traditional beach vacation, book a room at the La Jolla Shores Hotel, steps from the sand and a playground. If you want a resort experience with a massive pool, look at Estancia La Jolla.
La Jolla is entirely built for outdoor exploration. By focusing on the spacious beaches, the interactive marine life and the casual dining patios, you can execute a family trip that feels like a true vacation for the adults and an adventure for the kids. Pack the sunscreen and get ready to explore. Things to do with kids in La Jolla are plenty, so no matter which stops make the final cut, the family is in for a memorable day.
