The beautiful San Diego coast is home to harbor seals and playful California sea lions. The most iconic spot to see the famous San Diego sea lions is just north of San Diego, at La Jolla cove. You’ll find hundreds of California sea lions lounging on the rocks, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and even chasing fish alongside kayakers.

La Jolla, San Diego’s ‘Jewel by the Sea,’ allures families with kayaking through hidden coves, exploring tide pools teeming with life, and snorkeling along the shore, all beyond its sun-drenched beaches.

Here’s 10 tips on where to see the sea lions at La Jolla, what to expect, and more ways to see them up close like kayaking or snorkeling tours.

Note that this travel guide to visiting the sea lions at La Jolla contains affiliate links, where I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Getting There

La Jolla Seals Cove is just a 20 minute drive north from San Diego and Mission Beach.

La Jolla Cove Address: 1100 Coast Blvd., La Jolla, CA 92037

Parking at La Jolla Cove can be a little tricky(especially on the weekends), but free street parking is available. Look for designated street parking spots with meters. Paid parking lots and garages also available nearby.

We opt for stress-free parking – if you’re staying nearby, choose a ride-share like Uber or Lyft.

1. Best Time to See the Sea Lions

Sea lions call La Jolla home year-round! Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and potentially fewer crowds.

Mid-January to mid-March: This is prime season for spotting sea lions as it coincides with their pupping season. 

Daytime: Sea lions are most active during the day, particularly late morning and early afternoon when they sun themselves on the rocks.

2. La Jolla Cove is Free

Yes, La Jolla Cove itself is completely free to visit! You can stroll along the scenic cliffs, soak up the sun on the beach, and observe the adorable sea lions basking on the rocks – all without spending a dime.

3. Watch Your Step

The rocks around the cove can be slippery, especially when wet. Wear proper shoes to keep it safe. Additionally, if venturing down to the beach be mindful of the tide as it comes in it can make for a wet exit getting back to the stairs.

4. Can you touch the sea lions at La Jolla?

Don’t touch or get too close. Sea lions are wild animals and can be unpredictable. We saw first hand a large male charging people who were getting too close to sea lion pups.  They may bite, scratch, or knock you over, especially if they feel threatened or annoyed.

If visiting with kids, make sure you educate them before you arrive.

5. Take a Snorkeling Tour for a Closer Look

If you’re wondering, can you swim with sea lions La Jolla Cove? Yes, well kind of. Guided snorkeling tours are offered outside the cove and allow you to observe the sea lions in their underwater environment as well as the very biodiverse La Jolla waters.

6. Lookout For Babies

Every summer, sea lions come ashore in Southern California to give birth, nurse and breed. During our October trip, we spotted precious pups nursing – a truly heartwarming sight!

7. Rent a Kayak & Tour La Jolla Sea Cave

Get up close to the sea lions while kayaking the majestic La Jolla Caves. During this laid-back guided experience look out for harbor seals, dolphins, sea turtles, zebra sharks, fish, and maybe whales. Book a La Jolla Kayak Tour.

8. Sensitive Noses Beware

The beach area and the cave can sometimes have a bit of a smell due to the sea lions and birds. These animals naturally leave behind waste, which can create an unpleasant odor, especially when the wind blows in the wrong direction.

9. Expect to See More Animals Than Sea Lions

La Jolla Cove was ranked No. 1 for the most species spotted per 10 acres with their data showing 143.7 animal species sighted. This was the densest variety of animal life at any U.S. beach, according to this study. The best way to see them is by taking a snorkeling or kayak tour.

10. Visit Sunny Jims Sea Cave

After visiting the sea lions at the La Jolla cove, head up Coast Blvd. to find The Cave Store. A gift shop that also houses a La Jolla hidden gem. Sunny Jims Sea Cave is the only cave in La Jolla you can access without traveling over water.

A 144-step man-made tunnel created in 1903, leads down to a large sea cave within the sandstone cliffs of La Jolla Cove. Rumor has it during prohibition the tunnel was used to sneak alcohol in.

What’s the difference between a sea lion and seal?

• Sea Lions have stronger flippers than Harbor Seals. It allows them to climb up on rocks. Seals prefer flat sandy beaches or low rocks.
• Seals are quiet and rarely make noise. Seal Lions bark often.
• Sea Lions have small ear flaps, Seals have ear holes.

5 Places to See San Diego Seals & Sea Lions

La Jolla cove is #1 and the most iconic place to see San Diego sea lions, but these playful mammals can be found all over the coast. Here’s 5 more places:

1. Children’s Pool La Jolla: sandy cove home to many adult harbor seals & their pups, open for swimming in summer. (834 Coast S Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037)
2. San Diego Bay: Shelter Island or Cabrillo National Monument are common areas to spot them.
3. Boomers Point
4. Shell Beach: unique tide pools teeming with marine life, and you can see both sea lions and harbor seals here.
5. The 7 Seas Caves

If you’re kids love animals, check out the time we took our kids swimming with the famous swimming pigs of The Bahamas.