Children's Pool152

The Children's Pool, located about one mile south of the La Jolla Cove, was donated to the city of La Jolla by Ellen Browning Scripps in 1923 expressly for the purpose of providing children with a calm, safe place to swim. Alas, her plans were thwarted by a band of harbor seals who have taken over the beach during the past decade, offering a spectacle for children to enjoy, but leaving the water in the immediate area a health hazard for humans. The beach is closed to swimming, but playing in the sand and ogling at the seals from the breakwater are allowed. It's worth the trip just to get this close to animals in the wild, and docents are on hand to answer any questions. Another gorgeous and only slightly less sheltered beach lies on the opposite side of the breakwater. It's open for swimming and an excellent place to explore tidepools during lowtide. Lifeguards are available, and there are restroom and shower facilities.