Things To Do With Kids in La Jolla
The shade cover over JJ the whale was made possible by Friends of La Jolla Shores.
San Diego’s favorite coastal community is the perfect place for a family vacation because we really care about kids.
The popular Open Aire Market that takes place every Sunday was started in 1998 by a parent who thought La Jolla Elementary School should have a better library. Today, Market proceeds fund the library, a librarian, and numerous other programs at the school.
More recently, the bronze sculpture of JJ the Whale on the playground in Kellogg Park at La Jolla Shores Beach was declared off-limits because it was deemed too hot for kids to climb. After much discussion, Friends of La Jolla Shores raised the money to build a shade structure. When it was unveiled this week, the whole community celebrated.
In fact, if I was vacationing with kids in San Diego, I’d make La Jolla Shores my base. At any moment there are a dozen different activities going on, including sand castle building, kayaking, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, boogie boarding, SCUBA diving, swimming, splashing, and strolling – and great life guards make sure everyone gets the space they need to do their thing.
Within a block or two of the beach, are several casual places to eat where sandy families are welcome. The Cheese Shop makes wonderful deli sandwiches, and I also love Caroline’s Seaside Café overlooking the beach and Scripps Pier.
On Avenida de la Playa, there are plenty of places where bikes, kayaks, boogie boards, and surf boards can be rented. Depending on the ages of your kids, you might want to look into signing them up for surf lessons or a kayak tour. Menehune Surf School, Surf Diva, and San Diego Bike and Kayak are all good choices.
A mile from the Shores in the village, the La Jolla Cove is a popular area for snorkeling and watching sea lions. Nearby at the Children’s Pool, a colony of seals has become one of our community’s major attractions.
There’s another excellent playground at the La Jolla Recreation Center between Prospect Street and Draper at Silverado Street. That’s only a few blocks from the Children’s Pool seal colony and the La Jolla Cove.
If you and/or your offspring are in need of some quiet time, head to the Children’s section of the La Jolla Riford Public Library (7555 Draper Avenue, between Silver Street and Pearl Street). Check their website for hours and the schedule of story time and craft events.
If you need more time out of the sun, head up the hill from La Jolla Shores to Birch Aquarium. Kids of all ages enjoy the hands-on exhibits and tanks full of sea life.
If you decide to make La Jolla your San Diego home base, I recommend Sea Breeze Vacation Rentals. They provide pack n’ plays, high chairs, and other items families need, as well as a discount card for local attractions and restaurants. Use Promo Code SB2565 to receive a 10% “La Jolla Travel Information” discount.
I hope you enjoy your time in La Jolla.
Photo credit: ADAMS / HANSEN STOCK PHOTOS
Category: Kid-friendly LJ
About the Author (Author Profile)
I live in La Jolla and I'm a travel writer, so in addition to enjoying my home town's great weather, beautiful surroundings, and range of cultural and recreational options, I also see La Jolla - and the rest of San Diego - as a travel destination. And what I see sometimes drives me batty. People vacation in La Jolla, but don't take advantage of everything our community offers, so I decided to start this blog and provide insider advice for out-of-towners. Hey. I figure if I can write insider tips about exotic destinations on Authentic Luxury Travel, I ought to be able to lead readers off the beaten path that starts just outside my front door. In the process, I'm having fun revisiting my favorite places and discovering some new ones. Travel writers are naturally snoopy, and this blog is my excuse to have a good ol' sticky beak around my home town. I hope you find it helpful. If you are coming to La Jolla or another area of San Diego and would like my help in planning your trip, please read "Need Help Planning Your Trip" and then email me at ehansen298@aol.com. Elizabeth HansenSubscribe
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