Beautiful place to walk along the coast or along on the coastal trail. Peaceful, beautiful place to relax, go for a swim, see the sea lions, pelicans, cormorants, listen to the ocean and see artists setup booths.

An amazing spot to catch a whole number of birds, sea lions, seals, dolphins and if lucky, whales too. There's a nice lawn to have picnics and play around. There's a bunch of people going snorkeling in the coves as well. A must see spot on your visit to San Diego.

A great place to watch seals, sea lions and sunset. Weekends are a bit crowded with tourists. You get to watch the seals pretty close up. There are also stalls selling merchandise and more.

Sat for hours and watched the sea lions. Remember to give them space, as they are wild animals and should stay that way. It was such a wonderful wind down time and entertaining.

Really beautiful area . There’s a lot to do, including riding the bird scooters, walking along the trails, swimming in the water (with the sea lions, beware) the cave store which sometimes has an extremely long line. Parking is tricky and it took us a while to find a spot.

Superb place for a family fun. Kids will enjoy the most. Watch Sea lions and birds. Parking could be tricky one. There is plenty of grass fields for kids to play in addition to the beach. Many people are going too close to the sea lions and disturbing them. It sad to see such acts. Despite many announcements people still get excited and do this to take pictures and videos. We watched sea lions bite a girl. So be careful you might get hurt. Restrooms and showers are there. Nice place to relax.

Very beautiful and the seals&sea lions are sooo adorable!!

La Jolla Cove is an absolutely gorgeous area. The snorkeling is fantastic, can get a bit crowded near the the shore but plenty of room for all once you’re in the water. The views from above the shoreline are absolutely incredible. Great opportunity to get up close with sea lions and seals in their natural habitat. The views are absolutely stunning. If you’re in the area I highly recommend you cost. The city itself is really cool too, small town feel with a bunch of shops and restaurants.

One of the most beautiful beaches in California! It was a nice walk along the beach seeing the different animals. Even saw a bunny. The showers and bathrooms were clean and well kept. Some local vendors to buy your memorabilia. So peaceful. So relaxing. I didn’t want to leave! I’m so grateful for San Diego ❤️

Loving the view of the sea plus the Seals. Beautiful getaway with family since we just pick them up in LAX airport. Wildflowers, beautiful park and more.

La Jolla Cove in California is a breathtaking coastal destination perfect for families. Watch playful seals and sea lions frolic in the clear waters while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of the pristine sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs. It's a free and unforgettable experience that will create cherished memories for all. Don't miss out on this nature-filled wonderland!

Wow! Just Wow!! Next time I will bring my snorkel and swim suit. You can literally swim out with the Sea Lions. However, walking through the cave and watching all the little sea lions play was amazing!! We'll be back 😎

Nice walk by the coast, unfortunately at the time we were here it was cloudy and a bit cold, but we took a walk anyway. We could see the sea lions and seals in the “wild” which was pretty unforgettable experience although the smell was terrible we enjoyed this place with those beautiful animals

Such a lovely 🥰 place to visit! Great sunset ☀️! Awesome to watch the sea lions 🦭 play around! Highly recommend checking out this spot!

I loved coming here when I went to visit. You have those breath taking ocean views. You have seals and sea lions swimming and bathing on the beach. It’s close to La Jolla Village, where you’ll find some shops and restaurants. At the beach, you can relax, tan, and swim. For parking, I recommend coming in the morning and maybe early afternoon. Later than that, then it can be difficult to find parking. We came in the afternoon so we were thankful someone was leaving on the street, it was a nice walk to the cove. It wasn’t very crowded when we went.

Gorgeous views of the sunset. It was really cloudy tonight but still beautiful. Other evenings when there are no clouds, the sunset is amazing. You can see tons of seals and birds roosting in this area also.

The place is nice but the smell is disgusting like in a SeaFarm 🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭

There are too many tourists, but it is worth visiting. This is the gathering place for pelicans, seabirds, sea lions and seals. Observe these lovely animals at close range. I thank nature for giving us these gentle animals. Being with them, I feel It's peaceful and beautiful.

One of the most beautiful places! The wildlife makes it so much better as well, sea lions, seals, pelicans, squirrels, if you are lucky dolphins!

A beautiful park and walkway right along the Pacific Ocean. You can go to a couple coves where you can get up close to Seals and Sea Lions along with their pups! People snorkel in the children’s cove and you can get splashed walking along one of the lower sidewalks. Lots of vendors along the sidewalks. Public restrooms and showers to rinse off outdoors after coming back from the beach.

Absolutely gorgeous spot for views of the ocean. There is always great wildlife including seals and sea lions. Must see during your Southern California trip!

La Jolla Cove is a definite highlight in San Diego. It offers a unique experience with sea lions lounging on the shore, making it a must-visit spot. The beauty of the Pacific Ocean is on full display, creating a memorable and distinctive visit for anyone in the area.

Beautiful scenic beach and park area. Parking might be an issue, especially on the weekends when you can get stuck for 45 mins in the one-way parking maze and still end up paying $8-10 to find a decent parking about 1 km away from the beach area.

Beautiful free scenery, pelicans, and a bunch of seals are clearly visible, clean restrooms and fresh air. The only thing is obviously, parking is limited and hard to find with the number of people here, so we parked a few blocks out and walked. 100% recommend visiting!

La Jolla Cove is a small, beautiful beach with a calm surf that makes it a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. In the summer months, the water is clear and you can see a variety of fish and other marine life. The beach is also home to a number of sea lions and seals, which you can often see sunbathing on the rocks. The beach is surrounded by sandstone cliffs, which provide a dramatic backdrop for photos. There is also a small grassy area where you can relax and enjoy the view. La Jolla Cove is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. However, the beach is still worth a visit if you're looking for a beautiful and relaxing place to spend a day at the beach. Here are some tips for visiting La Jolla Cove: Arrive early to avoid the crowds. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. If you're planning on swimming, snorkeling, or diving, be sure to rent or bring your own gear. There are a number of restaurants and shops located near the beach, so you can easily grab a bite to eat or buy souvenirs. Be aware of the tide schedule. The beach can disappear at high tide, so it's important to plan your visit accordingly.

Beautiful place to come take in the scenery and see some wildlife. Water is absolutely beautiful in the surrounding area is really nice to walk around. Depending on the time of year, it might be a little smelly due to the seabreeze. Wouldn’t let that stop you from coming and checking out this beautiful spot.

Great spot come take pictures with the family or just enjoy the beautiful San Diego ocean. It’s an amazing glimpse of the landscape of San Diego. The view is pristine. Parking can be a bit of a pain but just be wary. Nonetheless it’s worth it

Went during the off-season (February) but it was still a blast (assuming you're there to enjoy the ocean air and the seals). Saw some people swimming, although they kept a wide berth from the seals.

Amazing natural cove where sea lions, seals, birds and people more or less get along. Kudos to La Jolla and California keeping this free and open to all.

Love this spot in La Jolla. Every once in a while the otters/sea lions come to the beach and lay down. The cove is nestled in a spot where you'll see some cool fish when snorkeling. Kids really enjoyed this spot.

So beautiful. The sea life is amazing. Nice to walk around and get some amazing pictures.

My wife told me this is one of the most photographed beaches, and I can understand why! The cove itself is rather small, but lined on both sides by cliffs of rock, and when we were there in the afternoon, the rocks were covered in sea lions and harbor seals! This was such a neat thing to go and experience, I recommend stopping by here to anyone visiting San Diego. There is very limited parking so don't be surprised if you have to walk a little bit to get here!

I'm glad we made it to the beach. It was a gorgeous day. Perfect weather. Ocean was alive and fun. We even found a parking space closest to the beach. We spent a few hours enjoying the sound of the ocean, hearing the birds, seeing the birds sunbathe, watching surfing, watching children playing in the sand and building sand castles. It sure has been a long time probably around 25 years ago since I have been to La Jolla Cove and I had forgotten the view the grand view of the ocean as you are driving down into it. Hopefully, I will not take another 25 years to return to this location. However, there were signs that bathrooms were closed. What the heck. That was a huge inconvenience so make sure you do a pit stop before coming to the beach.

La Jolla Shores is one of the best beaches in San Diego (arguably the best). There is about a mile of sandy beach with good waves for playing or surfing. The southern end is also a good place to snorkel: guitar fish, regular fish, lobsters, crabs, leopard sharks (depending on season), and sting rays. Remember to sting ray shuffle!

Beautiful view of the ocean but for some reason the beach looks dirty. Maybe all the seagulls on the beach, the dried seaweed or the beach sand but something makes it look dirty. Enjoyed the private bathrooms and shower area, very accessible. Parking is good if you get here early.

Stopped here on the way back to the airport after a very brief work trip, just long enough to catch an early March sunset. Parking was free and easy; very chill and pleasant vibe. Highly recommend.

We stop here every time we are in San Diego! Sunrise to sunset I love this place! Great area to walk and enjoy the beach. Clean. Always busy. Always wonderful. Watching the surfers an added bonus. Seems to be a popular location.

Such a pretty area and a really nice beach and park. We went on a day of a surfing competition so it was pretty busy. Really nice beach to go check out!

Great beach to visit. There are restrooms, but no sinks, so bring hand sanitizer. Very accessible, no huge staircases or rocks to make your way down to the beach.

Beautiful spot to kayak. Caves nearby to explore on low tide. Lots of friendly helpful surfers. Julian, thanks for helping us launch over the waves!

A must see. You can see this beach from Birch Aquarium and the view is amazing. The surf is great too. Great place to swim!

Beautiful park right on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. It has a great beach with lifeguards in the warmer months, a hike/bike path along the shore and a fishing pier within walking distance. Places to picnic, restrooms and parking are also present. Surfers were catching the waves when we were there. Have fun!

This park is an open grassy space and rather ordinary, with picnic tables scattered about its perimeter. There's one restroom building on the south end of the park and each restroom has its own lockable door. There are fresh water showers there too. The best thing about this park is its proximity to the volleyball courts in the sand and the ocean just beyond. The parking lot south of La Jolla Shores Park is pretty good sized, but expect it to be full in the summer and street parking will be difficult (during the summer). Just south of the park is a large parking lot, and south of that is Kellogg Park (which I like better).

Beautiful and pretty clean makes La Jolla Shores one of the nicer beach areas in SD. There are restrooms on the side of the parking lot. The big grassy area is great for playing, events or picnics.

Always a pleasant experience. Highly recommend, especially right before sunset. ☀️✨🌈😎

This beach is so beautiful one of my absolute favorites. Also love that it is clean and a well cared for beach. Great for a ton of activities, swimming, surfing, and free diving!

Four stars for the beautiful ocean, interesting critters, and people who come here to play. The one star that disappeared is because the toilet here looks like a mummy wrapped in toilet paper.

Beautiful beach, great for pictures, it gets pretty crowded during the weekends of summer but you can walk a little further north and get outbof the main crowd. Well maintained beach.

This is one of finest beaches I have ever been to. First time I visited in 2010 and now in 2023. The sand is little darkish and soft. The beach is clean and no litter. You can walk over the beach all the ways towards the gliders port. The only problem here I found is the easy access to the rest rooms. They don't have sufficient spots for restrooms.

An impossibly stunning memorial to our great veterans! A wonderful gentleman works there, Chris Kramer, and he showed us around, told us so many facts about the memorial and land and really made our day with his wonderful personality & support. The 360 views are also exquisite. It was no cost to visit or park. We went on a Wednesday after lunch and only a few others were there. There are about 20 parking spots near the monument however there is an entire parking lot in a parking pull off area just before the last 100 feet before you get to the summit of the memorial for 50+ more cars. That pull off area before summit is also a vista point to see beautiful views of surrounding scenery. Be sure to visit, you’ll love it!

A great spot to get expansive views of San Diego especially in the night. There's a bunch of spots to sit and view the lights. It can be a bit foggy at times as well due to the elevation. I was lucky to spot some rabbits this time around. Must see spot in San Diego!

07.26.23 Thankful for the opportunity to see this beautiful memorial for our veterans. It's privately owned but it's free to the public. I couldn't tell if there was any order to how the memorial plaques were arranged but one thing that stood out for me was how the family members made their veterans' memories special by adding a little bit of personal information on the plaques.

Just Fantastic!! The memorial has actual photos of the veterans with information about their service. The 360° view is spectacular and refreshing. Ocean and bay views. (There's a lower parking lot and porta potties with sinks. )

Beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean and the San Diego skyline from the top! This is definitely a must do during sunset. Parking at the top is free but limited. It’s a short 3-5 minute walk up to the memorial from the furthest parking lot. Lots of different viewpoints along the way! You get 360 views of the surrounding cities and the mountains in the far distance. It’s even more beautiful at night when the skyline comes to life! Perfect for a late night drive up the mountain and a relaxing car dinner with the best views in the city.

Beautiful place for tourists with a 360 view of San Diego. A place of honor and respect for the veterans. Please be mindful of the value this place has for the heroes of USA, this is a privately owned property. Showing our respect and being grateful is the least visitors can do to thank the owner for allowing public accessibility. Free entry+parking (2 different areas to park). Sunrise to sunset.

This is a beautiful park above La Jolla and PB with 360 degree views of San Diego and the Ocean. The cross is now fenced off and they’ve made it into a Veteran’s Memorial. Parking is hard to find on busy days. Stunning views!

Such a beautiful, remarkable place!! The story behind the cross is amazing and thank you to those who worked so hard to keep it on the mountain! It truly is the most beautiful part of San Diego! My son just recently married there and it was beautiful!! God bless those who serve and those who donate to the memorial. ,❤️

Beautiful mountain top memorial in San Diego! Breath taking view of the city from up here and the vibe is just peaceful. Extremely easy to get to by car from the main highway and it’s worth the 20-30 minutes you’ll spend here. A great dedication to the men and women who served our country.

Love the place, amazing view, a great place to take pictures, sit down in peace, and very great infrastructure. I went up there on my bike, it was a 3 mile trip going up, it was worth the trip. If you’re a cyclist, you might want to start on Soledad Mountain RD near Garnet Ave, and you keep climbing straight until you reach La Jolla Scenic, you follow that road and will take you. Doing that trip wasn’t easy cause it was 6-8% gradient but once I got up there, the view made it all worth it. I highly recommend anyone to go there and watch the view

I visited Mt. Soledad in San Diego just in time for sunset, and the experience was nothing short of magical. The sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors, painting a breathtaking scene that’s definitely worth the climb. Although the spot was bustling with visitors, it never felt overwhelmingly crowded, allowing for a serene moment to appreciate the stunning views. Parking at the very top can be a bit scarce, especially during popular times like sunset, but there are alternative lots available that provide a short, pleasant walk up to the peak. It’s worth noting that it can get quite cooler as the sun dips below the horizon, so I recommend bringing a jacket to stay comfortable while you soak in the panoramic views. Visiting Mt. Soledad is a must for anyone looking to capture the essence of San Diego’s natural beauty from an elevated perspective. The combination of the awe-inspiring sunset and the peaceful ambiance makes for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to add this spot to your list of places to see.

I've been in La Jolla once before and can't believe I missed visiting this location the first time. It was a bit of an effort to navigate the roads and turn in here, but very cool place to visit. The views were amazing and enjoyed reading some of the memorials.

Incredible place to look at La Jolla from above. Not too busy, gorgeous views and plenty of parking. Makes a lovely picnic spot. So many stories and veteran’s pictures decorate the monument, it felt very touching and special! Must go if you’re in the area, easy drive.

Cliff with a great view. Good spot if you like hiking or running up. Perfect sunset spot. The whole city is visible from the top. You also get to know about the history of the place.

As an Iraq war veteran this place brought me great pride and peace. The views of San Diego and the surrounding areas are the best in the area. A must see when the area.

Amazing scenery that shows most of Saint Diego County. Three sixty views. Amazing sunset. Can't access walking unless you are a good hiker and will probably take you an hour from La Jolla Cliffs. Uber is a bit expensive too if you are far away, but you can share the ride with others. Worth visiting when in San Diego for sure.

This is a good place to stop by, great views of the city and ocean. At first my GPS took me to a neighborhood behind the park, so I put in Mount Soledad Presbyterian Church and it took me up to the road I needed to be on, turn left when the road Ts, you will see the sign.

A site to see the memorial of important people who made an impact in what we are enjoying right now which is peace and freedom. It is a journey filled with information on the wall and seeing these people made me google information regarding their history and I was surprised with all the new knowledge I was getting when reading all their contributions. It is a must visit when in San Diego. The scenery of the bay is beautiful and the location is good to take souvenir pictures.

Beautiful monument - open til 10 but no lighting. We went at night thinking this gorgeous monument would be lighted. Disappointing. Did our best with a flashlight- what we could see was amazingly done.

It’s been awhile since I was last here but it looked like they made some minor changes. I’ll upload some pictures so people can compare. The memorial has a great view of San Diego. You can come up and have a picnic. Parking was very easy and it wasn’t crowded. This memorial is very unique, it honors veterans living or deceased, from the past all the way up to the present. Memorial was kept clean and free of garbage.

Beautiful memorial with stunning views along the coast. Features plaques from American Revolution to modern day, and they were installing some more when we were there. There was a volunteer to answer questions but not sure if that’s a regular occurrence or not.

My family and I enjoyed the scenery of the Mount Soledad Memorial Park. We were able to see a great view of the city from the memorial park. The memorial park wall has some delightful images of veterans. The veterans are represented well on the memorial wall. I encourage you to visit the memorial park and read the Honor and accolades earned in while in service.

This memorial, perched atop its namesake mountain, serves as a beautiful tribute to our servicemen and women. **Unrivaled Views**: The site offers exceptional panoramic views of the **Pacific Ocean**, downtown San Diego, and the eastern mountains. On a clear day, you'll witness a 360-degree vista that captures the essence of Southern California. **Personal Narratives**: The plaques lining the memorial are deeply personal, sharing stories of sacrifice, courage, and honor. Each narrative represents an individual who served our country, and it's impossible not to feel moved by their dedication. **Hidden Gem in La Jolla**: While many tourists may not be aware of this gem, locals cherish it. The dense vegetation and glimpses of local wildlife—rabbits, foxes, and bobcats—create a natural oasis within the city. **How to Get There**: Follow **Mt. Soledad Road** to reach this elevated spot. The journey is worth it, especially when you stand at the summit and take in the breathtaking scenery. **Recommendations**: - Visit during different times of day—the sunrise and sunset views are particularly magical. - Bring your camera; you'll want to capture this beauty. - Reflect on the sacrifices made by our veterans as you gaze across the landscape. In summary, the **Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial** is a place of reverence, reflection, and awe. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking inspiration, this site delivers on all fronts.

Beautiful memorial and amazing views. Great parking less then 3 min walk to the top. Well maintained with nice grass area to have picnics or relax and plenty of benches. We went on a Saturday evening and although there were a good amount of people there was still parking and no issue finding a bench to sit on and enioy the views.

It was very clean and well-maintained but really there wasn't a ton to see. Several of the displays are just video but there are around 50 different tanks plus there's an area outside that mimics a tide pool with live creatures in it. See my pictures for a good sampling of the available tanks. The giant kelp, the sea horse and the jellyfish tanks were the most impressive. Overall if you're in the area it's a 2 hour stop. Personally would have been happier if they had a stingray or manta ray petting area. Just know there are better aquariums in the area.

Paid $25 for a view of the beach pretty much. Aquarium itself a bit underwhelming for the price point and kinda dirty. Not in the top tier of aquariums imo. Just not very big with a lot of options; some things are under construction. Fun for people watching tho!

Lovely aquarium in the La Jolla/Scripps area. Free and adequate parking lot. Standard admission prices are $30 for adults and $25 for children...AAA and other discounts are available. Lots of marine animals and interesting exhibits, although I think the standard admission prices are a bit much given the limited experiences offered...$20/15-ish may be more appropriate. Took about 1.5 - 2 hours to complete the entire aquarium. Great way to kill a few hours.

Had a lovely time here! Spent about 1.5 hours walking around which was fun but maybe not worth $25. I enjoyed seeing the sea animals and different creatures that live right off of our coast. Also wish you didn’t have to keep your mask in while outside. It was a beautiful day and breathing that fresh ocean air would be good for health especially the area right by the tide pools where you can touch some creatures.

This is a wonderful place to visit and experience the sea life on a lower scale. Perfect for little ones. Price is reasonable. 4 star, for their shark exhibit was a huge disappointment. Penguins made the visit worth it. Good selection of food and drinks can be bought outside the entry gates. We had to buy tickets on line and choose our entry time. Once in you are in, you can stay as long as you like, though you won't need to.

Very cute and interactive area for kids to enjoy. My 20month old loved the aquarium - way better than any zoo- simply because the fish are all there in action.. instead of some little spot who knows where looking like a monkey.. over all love this place. Parking was a bit tight..

Reviewing after my second time here. It's a small aquarium, but there are a lot of exhibits and displays. I recommend going at opening to avoid the larger crowds. I would plan to spend about 2 hours to explore the aquarium. There's daily penguin feeding at 10:00 and then fish feeding and diver interaction in the large tank at 10:30. There's staff all around the aquarium to answer questions. The touching exhibits are always fun. I have a membership, which I think is worth it since I plan to come several more times, especially when I can get first look at special events.

I completely forgot to write a review back in early August when it happened! Kids have been there with several times. Great little aquarium. I was more impressed with the staff. My son gets excited about any kind of animals, and will talk excessively about it with staff. They were super kind to him and engaged a lot with him. My youngest daughter is mischievous and is a cute little girl with Down Syndrome. She loves to run off if you look away from her and actively will try to hide. Terrifying game for a parent. She slipped away while I was there and within a few minutes I realized I was going to have a very difficult time finding her. The staff was AMAZING. I asked for help, so they called over the radio. Within 30 seconds, at least 15 staff members came streaming out of what I assumed was a break room. They had found my daughter within 3-4 minutes! I cannot thank them enough!

We had a short one hour visit to the Birch Aquarium, which was very successful, AND FUN!!! It started for us with getting a great disabled parking spot. If it wasn't for those parking spots, it would be difficult to visit the place. We immediately went out back for the views and the reefs. Although it was an overcast day, it was beautiful. I had fun putting my finger in some creature in the reef. We then inside and saw seahorses and other creatures. We then went outside and saw sharks and penguins. It was lots of fun!!!

Had a great time here. Aquarium is well kept and some great local sea creatures to be seen. We didn’t have kids but there were lots running around having a blast.

This aquarium is smaller than the other ones I've visited. This would be perfect for a day out if you have little ones and do some of the interactive sections. There are a variety of things to see. The outdoor tide pool was awesome. You can touch the different species they have. They have these very large jelly fish called Sea Nettle, which was the first aquarium i saw them at. The views hands down were beautiful of the ocean. There is also an outdoor patio right before you enter the aquarium of food trucks.

This is a fun place to spend time with the family. The aquarium has a wide variety of well maintained exhibits. The tide pools on the outside allow you to interact with local sea creatures. The view from the outside is breath taking as you can see the ocean. You have to reserve your tickets, so be sure to purchase them beforehand.

I have fond memories of this place as a kid. My sister was a docent at the petting tide pool while she was in college. The sea cucumbers are my favorite. They have the jelly tumbler and an awesome seahorse tank. Lots of fun stuff to look at. My kiddo had a great time at this most recent visit and there was something for the whole family (the penguins are California burrito sized). It's small but really gorgeous location.

Neat spot to bring the kiddos and check out aquatic critters. Parking is free, but getting a spot can be a challenge depending on when you arrive. The facility is cozy (relatively smallish) and depending on your pace through the exhibits, the visit can be roughly 1-3 hours. I appreciate that you can set a reservation time for entering the aquarium, which helps prevent overcrowding. There was a good amount of sea life on display from native fish to seahorses, sharks, and penguins. Mini-me particularly enjoyed the hands-on tide pool area. I thought having a Pacific Cleaner Shrimp nibble on my hand was neat. Check online to see other offerings or special events at Birch Aquarium. It’s a nice diversion for the little ones and a good place for any aspiring marine biologists to visit.

A great experience! Went there with a school field trip and the teenage kids loved it and were not bored. Beautiful views outside and lots of areas to interact with like tide pools and photo opt areas. Gift shop was so cute! Even the bathrooms were clean and well stocked. All the staff I talked to throughout the aquarium was very friendly and helpful. The cafe food was so delicious! Would definitely visit this aquarium again.

Birch Aquarium is a fun experience overall. There are a great assortment of marine wildlife here, and all of them look like they are extremely well taken care of in overall gorgeous exhibits and enclosures. The large kelp forest enclosures, the shark feeding tank, and the relatively new little blue penguin exhibit our major highlights. Sidenote, the gift shop is phenomenal and has an amazing variety of great gifts, with most of them being fairly reasonable in price. The employees were all wonderful as well. On that note of price however, I cannot stress enough that the aquarium charge is far too much for what is offered here. Even with the great variety of wildlife here, this aquarium is fairly small and if it weren’t for the discount coupon I had, I would only have been willing to pay about half of what is currently being charged for admission right now. It didn’t help matters either that there were several prominent animals that were currently off display, with no notices as to what their status was or where they had been relocated to; not being able to see the sea turtle was a bummer, to say the least. There is also a reservation system in place, which seems to have mixed results in efficiency. The aquarium is frequently way below capacity and still requires reservations to be placed for several hours later. This could be adjusted to be more effective while still maintaining optimal crowd levels. Overall, this is a fun aquarium with some great exhibit and things to see, and his child friendly as well. However, unless you end up getting some kind of discount or Groupon, the cost is not worth what you get.

Such an interesting place to learn a lot about aquatic life! They have species from deep sea, a variety of corals, and a great way of showing off the animals, jellyfish exhibit was my favorite but there’s so much to see, i hope this aquarium gets bigger in the future. Definitely coming back

we had previously purchased our tickets online which was a good idea because there was a line to buy tickets we noticed when we arrived. we visited on a somewhat sprinkling and rainy day so there wasn't too much action going on in the outside tanks and displays and most people were walking through the displays and exhibits inside. fyi, this aquarium is extremely small but drink worth the visit as you can easily kill an hour or two looking around. we were able to touch and see some small animals when outside but because of the weather they had to pack up shortly after. i enjoyed the shark tank and we were lucky to have made it on time for when they feed them so that was interesting to watch.

As other reviews mentioned, it is small and the sharks tank definitely did not impress but... The price is right and parking is free. They have a few cool tanks - I loved the jellyfish and the pingouins and my kid enjoyed touching the sea cucumber and star fish in the tide pools. It's enough to entertain yourself and a 4 yrs old for an hour or 2 so worth the $25 imo.

A bit smaller than I anticipated, and the weather didn't allow for the tidal ponds to be "open" (pouring rain), but they did bring some of the interactive experiences inside to see. I would recommend going in the afternoon so you'll miss the school field trips. Overall, it was still a great experience!

Such a lovely aquarium that was so much fun for the family to go through. Plus the scenery is beyond gorgeous. We spent a good 3 hours there and saw just about everything. Highly recommend it especially if you have young kiddos.

Great middle-sized aquarium. We bought tickets online before coming here on a Saturday afternoon and they were almost sold out. Check-in was smooth, all the staff were great. It's a wonderful place to learn about the coast, its ecosystem, all the flora & fauna. We saw many of these fish for the first time ever. Don't miss the blue penguins, they are so funny! The ocean view is breathtaking as well.

Smaller aquarium with excellent exhibits. We enjoyed the clear displays and informative signs. Parking lot is free, but it gets crowded. By 1030, there was a line of cars down the hill. Consider this when planning for your ticket times of you purchased in advance.

As visitors, we were very surprised but how inexpensive the tickets to this aquarium are! We were about to buy tickets are the door and get in immediately - also the tickets give you in and our privileges. The first stop was the penguins and we could have spent all day there! The penguin enclosure is outdoor and so beautiful. So definitely come here on a nice day. The kelp forest was a unique enclosure I’ve never seen as well. They have sharks.. but I won’t spoil that. It’s a smaller aquarium with a cool gift shop. Definitely not an all day event but worth checking out!

A great experience for adults and kids. The aquarium is relatively small compared to others. However, it is right sized for shorter attention spans, well maintained/run, close to other sites and attractions in the area, and the ocean and coastline views are unbeatable. Should be on your top 10 list for the area.

We were looking for a fun, affordable activity to do on vacation because it was way too windy for the beach. I found Birch Aquarium online, and we decided to check it out. The location is awesome, up on a hillside with views of the ocean. It was easy to get to, and parking was a breeze. I would suggest getting your tickets online as they say they can sell out sometimes. We arrived around 11, and there were a couple of school groups, but they left at about 12 pm, so it was a lot less busy after that. We ended up having lunch at their outdoor cafe, and I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food. The guacamole and chips were fresh, and the breakfast sandwich was hearty and delicious. The aquarium itself was a lot of fun! We saw the tanks with the Pacific aquatic creatures first, and it takes you on a journey from the North Pacific to the South Pacific. Next was the tide pool exhibit where we could touch some of the aquatic life. With volunteers and staff there to keep an eye on the aquatic life and answer questions and share details, it was a neat experience. We finished with the shark exhibit, which was a bit underwhelming, the seahorses and sea dragons, which were incredible, and the penguins, which were totally adorable and fun to observe. I would recommend this experience as it was educational, fun, and affordable.

A beautiful and fun smaller aquarium! You will need to plan your visit smartly if you want to have a relaxing time. As others have said, parking lot gets difficult as the day goes on. We enjoyed our visit very much!

Very cool and educational place to spend a couple hours. My 13year old son and I had a blast! Great for all ages. It's dark in some areas so watch out for the knee high kids that's dart out from the abyss. They'll trip you lol. Feeding time is exciting to watch. The schedule is very easy to access online. I was impressed

It's a small, but nice aquarium. I actually prefer it to the larger aquariums in the big cities. Around 5 is the best time to go because it's the quietest. It's relaxing to watch the fish and see the penguins without huge crowds.

Birch Aquarium offers a pristine and accessible experience, boasting easy parking and a clean environment. While there's some walking involved to reach the location, the stunning view of San Diego's jewel, La Jolla, makes it worth it. Utilizing my AAA discount was a bonus. The aquarium provides an abundance of educational options and multiple interactive exhibits, with highlights including the captivating seahorse and penguin displays. It's an ideal destination for families with kids aged 5 and older, offering an engaging opportunity to learn about the diverse creatures of the ocean.

This is a small aquarium that can be completed in less than 2 hours. Make sure to see the penguins BEFORE they eat. They go to sleep after meals and are nowhere to be seen. The displays they have are well done and the staff is really nice. Keep your expectations in check. It’s not Sea World.

The glider port at Torrey Pines is an amazing place to experience the beauty of the Southern California coastline. The location offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, and is a popular spot for hang gliding and paragliding enthusiasts. The launch ramp provides a perfect launching spot for those seeking an adrenaline-fueled flight. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience even more enjoyable. They provide all necessary equipment, including gliders and harnesses, and offer instruction for beginners. The glider port also offers tandem flights for those who want to experience the thrill of hang gliding without the commitment of learning how to fly solo. The facilities at the glider port are well-maintained and clean, providing a safe and comfortable environment for visitors. There are also several picnic tables and grills available for those who want to enjoy a picnic or BBQ while taking in the stunning views. Overall the glider port at Torrey Pines is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the excitement of hang gliding or paragliding. The staff, equipment, and breathtaking views make it a truly unforgettable experience.

Did not glide today as there was a 130 lb weight limit due to weak winds (next time we will call first). Extremely affordable gift shop! That was impressive! Friendly, knowledgeable staff. There is food but burgers and dogs. So fun just to watch!

Amazing location with an amazing view. Great food on site. Everyone is so friendly in the area and parking is free. We all know how hard it is to find parking in San Diego. If you want to go to the beach you can hike all the way to the water from the glide port. I just hope you are able to make it back up.

A spectacular sight as we watched them glide down the cliffs. There was plenty of parking space when we arrived close to noon. Next to it is a hike down to Black Beach which can be a challenge to some but it's worth the exercise as we relaxed by the beach.

First of all, people who works here are absolutely amazing ⭐️what an amazing soulful atmosphere! Thank you for such an incredible experience and time with You! Thank you for the memories you gave us and for the wonderful support and care you gave our little one during the flight! There will be a thousand of people flying with you but for us you will be a memory for whole life 🪂

This is one of the top spots I always take people when they visit San Diego! It’s best at sunrise and sunset. There is always plenty of parking, and they have a bar and coffee shop so you can enjoy a drink while you watch hang-gliders fly. There are hiking trails that connect from this gliderport that you can also take from here. Some go down to the beach, and some go to other nearby peaks.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Torrey Pines in San Diego and it was an experience that I will never forget! The views from the top of the cliff were absolutely breathtaking and the trails were well-maintained and easy to navigate. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the park was kept clean and free of litter. I highly recommend this park for anyone looking for a great place to explore and enjoy nature. 4 stars!

The Gliderport never disappoints. One of these days I'll sign up for a tandem flight. However, in the meantime, we visit several times a year and enjoy lunch and the view. The seating and food preparation areas have improved, allowing a leisurely lunch while watching paragliders take flight and land. An outdoor pizza oven was added, but couldn't tell if it was in operation the afternoon we were there. Highly recommend this place for local and out-of-towners. It used to be that you could bring your own sack lunch and sit and it, but they now have signs indicating no outside food may be brought into the seating area. We share a burger and fries. Ordered another plate of fries as they were so good.

Went here for Total Raptor experience, be sure to book ahead of time it's AMAZING and one of the few ways outside of being a registered pilot to enter the field. Be aware of the rules ie don't walk on the grass area--just DON'T! It's for your safety and frankly your terrible cell phone photo ain't worth getting hurt or worse hurting one of the pilots who is trying to avoid hitting you (I saw so SO many people thinking they could sneak out to grab a selfie 🙄) you'll get a stern warning trust me they don't mess around, be aware of the signs/areas, the risks and wear extra sunscreen. There's a small shop that sells sandwiches, refreshments but bathrooms are porta potties in the parking lot. I recommend parking farther away and walking or ubering over as the lot fills quickly on nice days. Such a great venue to enjoy the ocean, the paragliders and the amazing views (and hang with some winged friends for an afternoon!)

This was an amazing experience! This is a must see if you are visiting South California. The gliders lift off and land in an area very near the observation area. In addition, there is an overlook area where the gliders zip past the edge of the cliffs with the ocean in the background. Truly an experience we will cherish.

Great location. Sightseeing. Portable restroom. Parking on dirt. Walking is great and easy here.

I recently visited this beach, and it offers a unique experience for surf enthusiasts. The beach is known for its excellent surfing conditions, making it a popular spot for riders looking to catch some waves. One advantage of this beach is the ample parking available, which is often a rarity at popular coastal destinations. It's a convenience that can make your visit more enjoyable, especially if you're hauling surfboards or beach gear. However, it's important to note that there's a significant drawback to this beach. The walk up and down to the beach can be quite challenging due to steep inclines or rugged terrain. This may pose difficulties for some visitors, particularly those with mobility issues or families with young children. In summary, if you're a dedicated surfer seeking great waves and plenty of parking, this beach could be a fantastic choice. Just be prepared for a bit of a workout when navigating the terrain to get to and from the water.

We did not go up, but it sure was fun to stop and watch all the fun people were having there on the cliffs. It was a beautiful day and there were smiles all around - beautiful scenery. We contemplated but there was somewhere else we had to be. Would love to go back and try.

Great views and was able to see the para gliders here! The walks down the steps lead to apparently a nudist beach. Felt cold up top by the cliffs so bring sweaters!

It's very nice views are overwhelming. I don't like that they have port-a-potties 🤮 the seating are needs revamped metal High chairs are not it. The food vendors seem ok I didn't order anything.Lots of bees so be careful, we visited in October and there was tons around the glideport viewing area. The parking lot was spacious lots of places to park just be careful people don't pay attention when backing up (I prevented an accident. Had to lay on the horn so this guy didn't Backup into this other car). Walking around the grounds 😵 lots of steep & narrow paths and uneven paths. I'd highly recommend wearing some decent tennis shoes. Not flip flops I seen this guy wearing some and I was floored. I personally wouldn't recommend bringing kids to any of the paths its definitely not safe for little ones (or strollers, etc) I did see a dad with his child in a backpack type of thing which was nice but with how narrow the paths are I'd not recommend it.

Fun place to experience the freedom of flying...gliding. Very relaxing. Incredible views of the Southern California coast, especially the cliffs that you won't see other places. Bar service, food, and picnic tables make it a natural place to hang out and enjoy a couple of hours in the sun. Port o potties have ALWAYS BEEN DISCUSTING. Bring your own wipes.

We did this for my wife’s birthday. If you call the phone number at the glider port desk they will let you know if it’s windy enough to fly well and how busy the line is. We were up in the air for about 20 minutes and each had our own pilot but they flew close enough together that we could smile and see each other in the air! My guide was very skillful and went closer to the cliffs while my wife’s stayed high in the sky since she was more nervous. We landed back on the same spot we took off from right by the desk and bathrooms. During the flight there was a photographer that took these awesome photographs.

What a great experience. The 20 mins up in the air is the perfect amount of time and we got two great guides. Didn’t get the photos or videos which was fine because the ones we took on our own were cool.

This was the highlight of my trip to San Diego, and I did it on a whim. I am so glad I did! Christo, my tandem paraglider instructor, made me feel so comfortable! Do it! Do it! If it didn’t cost money, I will do it again!

Went on a Wednesday and there were about 5 paragliding sails taking off and landing. Peaceful activity to watch. Parking was really full though.

Beautifull sunrise spot. Be ready for some stairs and some elevation when climbing back up. Great spot, everyone has been friendly.

Children’s pool is beachfront with waves directly from the sea. Waves are rather strong as spray can easily reach car windshield at carpark! It’s open to both adults and kids alike, but closed off to humans during sea lions pupping season 15 Dec - 15 May yearly. To see: Sea lions especially during pupping season across winter to spring or early summer, pelicans, birds, other wildlife. Find a nice spot to take selfies or photos. Parking: Street parking available, some are free with time box, while others are paid. Might have to walk a little as the roads do get crowded fast.

It was seal season when we were here and they looked so peaceful sunbathing the day away. Great views and if you’re lucky there’ll be families of seals to watch and observe. Very nice facilities as well!

Gorgeous. Saw plenty of seals sunbathing on the rocks and swimming in the cove. Bathrooms and some places to shower off available. Street parking available but might have to walk a little if you're not in one of the closer spots. A few vendors are set up nearby both food and people selling trinkets.

Sunset is just amazing at the beach. Good place to watch seals. The beach is open for swimming. Restroom is also available and it’s clean. Some food stalls are available there. Loved the vibe of the place. Walking upto La Jolla Cave in the evening is really worth it because of seals and sea lions sunbathing on the beach.

Nice beach area for families with small children. Sand, flat rocks, and seaweed carpeted beach offered a healing foot massage from mother nature. Civilized crowded where everyone has fun and respects others’ spaces. We parked by the museum to grab snacks and used the restroom before walking to the beach. The temperature was in the high 70s for a summer afternoon.

We visited the Children's Pool for the first time, and really enjoyed ourselves. We also found a somewhat close disabled parking spot to the Children's Pool. Nevertheless, it could have used with a couple more spots. I stayed up above but my partner went down on the seawall. I was worried about coming down here but it turned out well. As for Gonzalo, he said that it was a really great experience. As an aside, he also said amusingly, "It smelled a little fishy." It was a beautiful cool and overcast morning and there were about thirty seals on the beach. Fortunately, there were no people on the beach, which can often happen. I would have appreciated a little more disability access than the one parking spot in front of the Lifeguard Station.

In the fall or winter months, this is a nice place to relax. Listen to the waves. Watch the seals or the beautiful shoreline. Parking is easier and a nice walkway on the cliffs.

Super beautiful look out spot with many lookout benches, stairs down to the water, and cliffs. This is also a place where seal lions show up, also. There is close 2 hour parking and sometimes vendors by the beach/lifeguard tower area. Highly recommend this view or destination for wedding or special event pictures.

Even with all the people on a Saturday we were able to find street parking with only a short .3 mile walk. Getting there early, better parking closer to the main area of Children's Pool. Parking free, but he mindful of posted signs with specific days and times for parking. Bathroom available. Benches and areas to set and enjoy or beautiful walkway along road. Variety of stairs areas to go down to the water. Sea Lions and seals are adorable and have seen plenty on each of our visits. Close to other beach areas and wildlife views. Not a bad walk to the main shops and other streets. Beautiful area we always find a peaceful and fulfilling time with the waves crashing against rocks.

Pleasant visit overall, but it was overtaken by seals for the week we were there (late Nov). A rope was setup to restrict access to not disturb the seals. For us, we were hoping to play in the sand with our toddler. Still, she enjoyed staring at the lazy seals, but look elsewhere if you’re looking for a sandy beach day (recommend Coronado island beach instead)

A very cool place to visit, if you are in the area!! There was free street parking, but it was a packed place! (in the middle of January) You may have to walk a little bit to get to the water, so just be aware of that. It's a very cool spot to see and it often has seals!! Which is awesome to see and look at.

So cool. Beautiful view and the sea lions were adorable

Beautiful place to walk along the coast or along on the coastal trail. Peaceful, beautiful place to relax, go for a swim, see the sea lions, pelicans, cormorants, listen to the ocean and see artists setup booths.

An amazing spot to catch a whole number of birds, sea lions, seals, dolphins and if lucky, whales too. There's a nice lawn to have picnics and play around. There's a bunch of people going snorkeling in the coves as well. A must see spot on your visit to San Diego.

A great place to watch seals, sea lions and sunset. Weekends are a bit crowded with tourists. You get to watch the seals pretty close up. There are also stalls selling merchandise and more.

Sat for hours and watched the sea lions. Remember to give them space, as they are wild animals and should stay that way. It was such a wonderful wind down time and entertaining.

Really beautiful area . There’s a lot to do, including riding the bird scooters, walking along the trails, swimming in the water (with the sea lions, beware) the cave store which sometimes has an extremely long line. Parking is tricky and it took us a while to find a spot.

Superb place for a family fun. Kids will enjoy the most. Watch Sea lions and birds. Parking could be tricky one. There is plenty of grass fields for kids to play in addition to the beach. Many people are going too close to the sea lions and disturbing them. It sad to see such acts. Despite many announcements people still get excited and do this to take pictures and videos. We watched sea lions bite a girl. So be careful you might get hurt. Restrooms and showers are there. Nice place to relax.

Very beautiful and the seals&sea lions are sooo adorable!!

La Jolla Cove is an absolutely gorgeous area. The snorkeling is fantastic, can get a bit crowded near the the shore but plenty of room for all once you’re in the water. The views from above the shoreline are absolutely incredible. Great opportunity to get up close with sea lions and seals in their natural habitat. The views are absolutely stunning. If you’re in the area I highly recommend you cost. The city itself is really cool too, small town feel with a bunch of shops and restaurants.

One of the most beautiful beaches in California! It was a nice walk along the beach seeing the different animals. Even saw a bunny. The showers and bathrooms were clean and well kept. Some local vendors to buy your memorabilia. So peaceful. So relaxing. I didn’t want to leave! I’m so grateful for San Diego ❤️

Loving the view of the sea plus the Seals. Beautiful getaway with family since we just pick them up in LAX airport. Wildflowers, beautiful park and more.

La Jolla Cove in California is a breathtaking coastal destination perfect for families. Watch playful seals and sea lions frolic in the clear waters while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of the pristine sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs. It's a free and unforgettable experience that will create cherished memories for all. Don't miss out on this nature-filled wonderland!

Wow! Just Wow!! Next time I will bring my snorkel and swim suit. You can literally swim out with the Sea Lions. However, walking through the cave and watching all the little sea lions play was amazing!! We'll be back 😎

Nice walk by the coast, unfortunately at the time we were here it was cloudy and a bit cold, but we took a walk anyway. We could see the sea lions and seals in the “wild” which was pretty unforgettable experience although the smell was terrible we enjoyed this place with those beautiful animals

Such a lovely 🥰 place to visit! Great sunset ☀️! Awesome to watch the sea lions 🦭 play around! Highly recommend checking out this spot!

I loved coming here when I went to visit. You have those breath taking ocean views. You have seals and sea lions swimming and bathing on the beach. It’s close to La Jolla Village, where you’ll find some shops and restaurants. At the beach, you can relax, tan, and swim. For parking, I recommend coming in the morning and maybe early afternoon. Later than that, then it can be difficult to find parking. We came in the afternoon so we were thankful someone was leaving on the street, it was a nice walk to the cove. It wasn’t very crowded when we went.

Gorgeous views of the sunset. It was really cloudy tonight but still beautiful. Other evenings when there are no clouds, the sunset is amazing. You can see tons of seals and birds roosting in this area also.

The place is nice but the smell is disgusting like in a SeaFarm 🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭

There are too many tourists, but it is worth visiting. This is the gathering place for pelicans, seabirds, sea lions and seals. Observe these lovely animals at close range. I thank nature for giving us these gentle animals. Being with them, I feel It's peaceful and beautiful.

One of the most beautiful places! The wildlife makes it so much better as well, sea lions, seals, pelicans, squirrels, if you are lucky dolphins!

A beautiful park and walkway right along the Pacific Ocean. You can go to a couple coves where you can get up close to Seals and Sea Lions along with their pups! People snorkel in the children’s cove and you can get splashed walking along one of the lower sidewalks. Lots of vendors along the sidewalks. Public restrooms and showers to rinse off outdoors after coming back from the beach.

Absolutely gorgeous spot for views of the ocean. There is always great wildlife including seals and sea lions. Must see during your Southern California trip!

La Jolla Cove is a definite highlight in San Diego. It offers a unique experience with sea lions lounging on the shore, making it a must-visit spot. The beauty of the Pacific Ocean is on full display, creating a memorable and distinctive visit for anyone in the area.

Beautiful scenic beach and park area. Parking might be an issue, especially on the weekends when you can get stuck for 45 mins in the one-way parking maze and still end up paying $8-10 to find a decent parking about 1 km away from the beach area.

Beautiful free scenery, pelicans, and a bunch of seals are clearly visible, clean restrooms and fresh air. The only thing is obviously, parking is limited and hard to find with the number of people here, so we parked a few blocks out and walked. 100% recommend visiting!

La Jolla Cove is a small, beautiful beach with a calm surf that makes it a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. In the summer months, the water is clear and you can see a variety of fish and other marine life. The beach is also home to a number of sea lions and seals, which you can often see sunbathing on the rocks. The beach is surrounded by sandstone cliffs, which provide a dramatic backdrop for photos. There is also a small grassy area where you can relax and enjoy the view. La Jolla Cove is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. However, the beach is still worth a visit if you're looking for a beautiful and relaxing place to spend a day at the beach. Here are some tips for visiting La Jolla Cove: Arrive early to avoid the crowds. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. If you're planning on swimming, snorkeling, or diving, be sure to rent or bring your own gear. There are a number of restaurants and shops located near the beach, so you can easily grab a bite to eat or buy souvenirs. Be aware of the tide schedule. The beach can disappear at high tide, so it's important to plan your visit accordingly.

Beautiful place to come take in the scenery and see some wildlife. Water is absolutely beautiful in the surrounding area is really nice to walk around. Depending on the time of year, it might be a little smelly due to the seabreeze. Wouldn’t let that stop you from coming and checking out this beautiful spot.

Great spot come take pictures with the family or just enjoy the beautiful San Diego ocean. It’s an amazing glimpse of the landscape of San Diego. The view is pristine. Parking can be a bit of a pain but just be wary. Nonetheless it’s worth it

Went during the off-season (February) but it was still a blast (assuming you're there to enjoy the ocean air and the seals). Saw some people swimming, although they kept a wide berth from the seals.

Amazing natural cove where sea lions, seals, birds and people more or less get along. Kudos to La Jolla and California keeping this free and open to all.

Love this spot in La Jolla. Every once in a while the otters/sea lions come to the beach and lay down. The cove is nestled in a spot where you'll see some cool fish when snorkeling. Kids really enjoyed this spot.

So beautiful. The sea life is amazing. Nice to walk around and get some amazing pictures.

My wife told me this is one of the most photographed beaches, and I can understand why! The cove itself is rather small, but lined on both sides by cliffs of rock, and when we were there in the afternoon, the rocks were covered in sea lions and harbor seals! This was such a neat thing to go and experience, I recommend stopping by here to anyone visiting San Diego. There is very limited parking so don't be surprised if you have to walk a little bit to get here!

Lovely weather and area to explore, highly recommend slip proof shoes when walking on the rocks. Be mindful of the homes along the beach. Great for surfing and watching surfers doing their thing, taking photos, playing volleyball, or soaking in some sun and a good book. My new favorite spot.

This is such a beautiful San Diego beach! One of my favorite things about this location is it has both sandy shore and some cliffs. It's perfect for a mix of beautiful landscape and makes for a stunning sunset spot. Parking is easy to find on the neighborhood streets. It's a large enough beach that even when it's crowded it doesn't feel packed. Such an amazing beach for photos or to just relax ☀️

This beach is amazing you can stay on the sand or on the rocks . Is not super busy and is wild . The view is fantastic is not the typical California beach is much more better . This place is awesome. You can not miss it !!

The best beach in San Diego is here! There is so much to see and explore at this hidden beach. If you're a photographer and love SD sunsets I would visit in the late fall and winter months for low tide shots and amazing sunsets! My only complain is that the beach can get very touristy and busy on the weekends and summer months and traffic leaving here is crazy busy. Still as a San Diego local, it's still very magical and sunsets leave you in awe!

One of the few places that mesmerized me from the get-go. Beautiful rock formations, crazy strong waves, surfers, and stunning sunsets.

My favorite beach in San Diego. Much less crowded and touristy than others. It's a gem.

Not at all crowded, beautiful for pictures, great waves for the surfers.

Nice beach with rock formations, good for surfing. The sunset is very beautiful.

Gorgeous beach next to the La Jolla Cove

Beautiful coastline with huge rock formations to explore. Cool spot to just hang with a cup of coffee and watch surfers. The neighborhoods around here are also gorgeous.

Always a beautiful location to photograph. Gladly saw other people cleaning up trash that wasn't even theirs! Maternity, family, couples photography sessions are perfect here or just regular portraits. Photographers can take over though... sorry ahead of time!

Beautiful so cal beach to go watch the sunset, picnic or play and hang all day! A bit different scenery with its amazing rocks and tide pool areas. Great spot for fantastic photos. Iconic palapa for the surfers and life guards. Definitely will be back with the kids, they will love doing parkour on the rocks!

Its really not a beach but a nice place to sit and relax. There are no lifeguards here so swim at your own risk, but the view is amazing. Wind and sea beach offers an amazing amount of tidepools to explore from small tiny crabs to lobsters. There are also mussels al over the beach and you can enjoy hours of fun with your children. Its also a nice place to take pictures because it is usually calm and not very crouded.

Ranked 53rd worldwide and 19th in USA ( QS Ranking 2023) with 41,000 students and 3800 faculty head count, and 34% admission Acceptance rate, UCSD is a research university in San Diego with modern Campus/ Buildings. The library is beautiful with innovative sitting. The tuition fee is high for out of California/ international students. Felt dissatisfaction among students for not finding value for the high fees they pay.

Modern architecture and interesting landscape. As a designer, UCSD is one of best place to visit in south Cali.

Attended a CASP Ceremony with our daughter who is transferring to UCSD. She is thrilled to the point no words can express.

Very good university, great campus, but a little boring. Yet it’s now integrated into San Diego by a new light rail system, very cool. Immediate access to beach and costal trails. Having studied at a semester university as well, the quarter system at UCSD is way better, taking 4 (instead of 5) classes at once yet getting 12 (instead of only 10) classes per year is a big plus. Also, excellent sports facilities.

What a great place to get top notch education, in my opinion. I am not an alumni or a current student. Just visiting. They keep on building and renovating existing buildings. The design and Innovation building looks brand new and very comfortable. There is vending machine for PCR test, popular food places in the food courts, very unique library building. There is too much to mention. But I can't comment much about the professors or the classes since I am not a student. I sat in one of their outdoor tent class. The teacher was teaching Fourier transform. she was enthusiastic and seemed to had fun teaching.

As a student of this school I would say that they are not accommodating of students and the area. First, the location is good and bad as it is in a nice location but what comes with that is insanely outrageous rent prices for student trying to live near campus. Secondly, there is almost no on campus living and as a commuter school it has unreasonable parking standards as there are no spots on campus near the center of campus so you must park 15-20 minutes away from campus and walk. You will still be paying 100+ for parking a month plus the extra time needed to walk. The other option would be to come to campus at 7am when nothing is open and wait until your class whenever that may be. Lastly, they are building more classrooms despite the housing and parking crisis as a “not for profit” school they are more ruthless and cutthroat than any private school and it teaches their students to be the same way. They claim to teach their students to be diverse and inclusive but the environment only builds selfishness. The professors and content of learning is great but it would work better as an online school as there is no need to go to campus.

Loved the amazing campus with all its awesome building, memorials, etc. This university has many amazing experiences such as going to the famous Gisele library or going to the price center where you could buy all your favorite foods, drinks, and accessories.

Proud to get my MS and BS in CS here. Food on campus is terrible. Prices are too high. Rents are high. Parking is awful. But I love the faculty and peers. Neither best nor worst memories in life. Moving on.

UCSD is a really beautiful campus set on the hills in La Jolla, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I’m serious, it’s amazing !The professors really do care about reaching each student and giving them the knowledge needed to be successful but the real feather in the UCSD cap is the RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES EVEN FOR FRESHMAN STUDENTS ! Great school, dedicated profs, Gorgeous campus, amazing diverse restaurants on campus, smart hardworking students and fabulous research opportunities. What more can you ask from a university ?? This place is Awesome.

It is no doubt to give five stars to UC San Diego. Big space, well infrastructure, and new construction going to host students on campus. Highly professional teachers and administrative staffs are the keys to the choice of matter.

A wonderful environment to spend a day, even if you are not a student at UCSD. There is incredible architecture all around (hop on a campus tour if one is leaving soon). There are plenty of places to lounge around - indoor or outdoor. Make sure you visit Geisel library, great building and you want a pic with Dr. Seuss. Relive your youth here. :)

We came to visit. Ali, she was our tour guide. Fantastic, she gave us a good tour and answered all our questions. I am sure she is a success and will have great future. University is amazing 7.5 times bigger than Disney land and library has 5 billion, plus books. We loved it. Came back for parents day. Informative.

Went on a full campus tour with a group of high schoolers. This campus is huge and requires lots of walking from point A to B. I was a little concerned about all of the ritual/pagan symbols in every aspect of life on this campus and many of the students said it felt like a prison.

In May 2021, I had the profound opportunity to visit the San Diego Temple, and it was an experience I will cherish forever. The moment I laid eyes on the striking architecture, I was mesmerized. The temple's exterior, with its cascading water features and beautiful gardens, creates a serene and sacred atmosphere that invites reflection and peace. The interior of the temple is just as impressive, with exquisite details in every room that elevate the spirit and remind visitors of the divine. The staff and members were incredibly welcoming, adding to the warmth and spiritual ambiance of the place. Visiting the San Diego Temple was a deeply spiritual journey for me. It stands as a testament to the beauty of faith and the joy of the gospel. I left feeling uplifted, with a renewed commitment to my beliefs and a heart full of gratitude for the blessings of the temple. I highly recommend a visit to this heavenly place to anyone seeking peace, inspiration, or a closer connection to God.

Life after death? Why am I here? Where will I go after? The answers to these questions are free and will be validated by the author of it all. If you ask with a sincere heart with real intent. You're looking at one of His houses where we work together to bless our families. What's inside? Pure joy, peace and reverence. If you're curious, talk to some missionaries to get started.

best place ever! such friendly visitor staff and all over great place to be and take a quick picture with family. also photographed some beautiful weddings here! recommend always

Beautiful temple! Super easy to get to from the highway and we’ll worth the 15-20 minutes you’ll spend here for pictures! Not much else to see as it’s closed but definitely stop by for pictures! Extremely well kept beautiful grounds.

A great place to feel the spirit of God all the time. Only members of the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints are allowed inside, but to other people there is a booth that has people that can explain more about the temple and its significance.

Beautiful, and a great place to take photos, but they won’t let you in unless you are a member of their religion with approval from their clergy.

While in San Diego, we took the opportunity to visit the San Diego California Temple. It was a sunny day, and we found the temple grounds to be serene and calming. We were happy they had a distribution center where some church related items could be bought, making our visit more convenient and enjoyable. Our time at the temple was a meaningful addition to our trip to the area.

I Love dis Temple. She's so Beautiful! Inside and out! Everyone their was helpful and friendly. They had a cafeteria but was shut down since the covid pandemic, I know. But it was Beautiful. I heard she stay closing for renovation though

This is the most beautiful Mormon church I have ever seen, and the believers are very polite. I met an elder believer who kindly invited us to visit the church. Thank you very much for this elder!

Spectacular church to visit. Just magnificent. The towers literally towered over anything around it. Just spectacular view from any corner of the property. Since I’m not a church member, I wasn’t allowed to go inside the church during the wedding ceremony. But then also due to COVID, only a limited number of people even among the church members were allowed I was told. When I got there, I saw not only newlyweds that just came out, but also people who were waiting for their bride to come out, as well as tourists visiting and busy taking pictures of the church. The folks at the front desk were quite cordial and give directions as to where to go and wait for the newlyweds to come out and also let visitors use the restroom which was was extremely clean. Well, every corner of the church, inside (only the front desk area though) or out, was super clean and the gardening was simply immaculate and impressive.

When my best friend and I visited the San Diego California Temple from NC a few months ago, upon entering, we were met by a very tall male and a female greeter. The woman was warm and welcoming so we were comfortable as we smiled and spoke with her while admiring the beautiful temple. Assuming we were there for a tour, the man, visually annoyed, interrupted saying tours are not allowed. He continued to interrupt and dominate the conversation when asked about a family history center before directing us out of the building to an unoccupied visitor's booth. I pray that when the temple reopens, other visitors are not treated in the same dismissive manner.

Received my Temple Ordinances here. The interiors are stunningly beautiful with a most High Reverence Atmosphere. This is truly God's House. Amen.

Would be awesome if they opened up just a small portion of the plaza to see this world famous building like in the image they taunt you with on the sign. Obviously not a Covid risk spread out outside.

Such a beautiful place! Did the self - guided tour, which admittedly isn't much of a tour, but does grant you entrance to the courtyard. Worth the admission fee, just to contribute to the preservation of this beautiful place.

I wasn't able to tour the facility due to COVID-19 restrictions but will return when things have opened back up. The buildings have a unique contemporary design that is visually pleasing.

I’d recommend calling or emailing the website before arriving, I just wanted to admire the architectural beauty of this place. However, I’m immediately stopped by security, but the premises is closed due to Covid related issues.

Very interesting place If you are into biological history and research

The Salk Institute is an amazing example of Modernist architecture and it's wonderful that they allow anyone to visit and take a tour of the facility for a small fee, either as a self-guided tour or with a docent. I'm glad I was able to take advantage on a trip up to Oceanside for a cycling event. Unfortunately their website now states that as of 2024 they'll be discontinuing self-guided tours and only docent-led tours will be available. Although Brutalism isn't an architectural style that's everyone's cup of tea, I think most people will find Salk's particular form of execution appealing. While it has the hard edges and unembellished materials of typical modernist structures, some softness and elegance is added by the interposed teak panels on the concrete facades, the striking water feature in the middle of the courtyard, and of course, the magnificent view of the ocean framed by the two main laboratory buildings. The architecture is particularly impressive considering how functional it is despite the striking looks. According to the Salk website and architectural articles the labs are open-plan for flexibility while the study towers facing the courtyard provide private offices for researchers that are separate but still easily accessible from the labs. It's a testimony to the brilliant design that the building has remained a premiere research facility for 60 years already. While you can't enter the lab areas themselves for obvious reasons of course since this is an active research institution, and there are roaming guards to keep an eye on things, security during my visit never felt obtrusive and I was able to mosey about freely within the areas described in the self-guided tour brochure. Staff were helpful the couple of times I asked to make sure I was going in the right directions. Trying to find free street parking was a bit of a chore on the Friday afternoon I arrived but a little patience did net me a spot just beside the Institute on Torrey Pines Scenic Drive. There is pay parking across that street if you want to save some time hunting. In summary, the Salk Institute is well worth a visit for any fan of architecture in general but especially modern architecture in particular. As icing on the cake for modernist fans, the Geisel Library, another brutalist masterpiece, is a short distance away and an easy add-on to your visit.

great building, except for it was not open to public visit during the holiday. We could only see part of it from the seashore side.

Tremendous campus. Incredible research history. World class setting.

Would give zero stars if possible. Stunning place and beautiful architecture and views; however, it is guarded by fascist security ala the pixies from Fairly Odd Parents. Be warned, even going for a stroll and taking pictures in the easily accessible and un-gated areas is not allowed. You will be hounded by security even in the parking lot by the weeds. Absolute trash experience, the place reeks of elitist gatekeeping.

Incredibile and a timeless creation of maestro Architect Louis I Kahn!

Great spot to visit and it's easy to secure your free spot online in advance. Parking can be a bit of a challenge as there's no reserved visitor parking despite signage. Someone will come by and tell you where you can try to find parking. We parked across the street in a paid lot so not the end of the world. Your tour reservation is good for any time during the day. They have a cafe and coffee stand on site as well. It's a quick but beautiful visit if you just walk through the guided tour brochure. I think we stayed maybe 30 minutes max.

I cannot bring any words to express the Salk Institute. The best architectural landmark in the Southern California. Can breathe in and out at the courtyard. Strongly recommended to feel harmony with nature and human.

A beautiful establishment designed by Louis Kahn. These photos were taken a year ago and at that time it wasn’t open for public and I’m not sure how is it today.

You can ony get in the building with pre registered tour. Tripod is not allowed. If you are an architecture photographer, don't bother.

Rating this only as a visitor to "self guided tour"..... Cool place, cool history. $7 to walk around the main outdoor area is kinda of pricey. Seems it used to be free according to others? Your not allowed to see the end of the fountain, which is sad. Some douche probably ruined it for others. Neat but at $7..... I dunno. I guess there's a full guided tour or something but we missed it. Oh well.

Right against the stunning scenery of La Jolla, it's not only a hub for top-notch research but also an architectural masterpiece.

Salk is such a beautiful place to visit! The views are astonishing! The facility is located right near a cliff where they do paragliding and it is truly amazing to see! Sam is also where Jonas Salk invented the polo vaccine and many other scientific discoveries and innovations took place here so truly a cool place to visit and learn about!

This is a gem of a theatre. Not too big, not too small. Plenty of legroom and not a bad seat in the house. Just saw Bhangin It on Saturday and thoroughly enjoyed it. Really fun and great for the whole family.

Love this venue! We just saw The Outsiders here and it was a phenomenal performance... absolutely wonderful and not a bad seat in the house! We were in the middle back row and we didn't miss anything. I would recommend getting there a few minutes early, since at the moment, you have to park a short walk away. The shuttles are quick and constant however it does add a little extra time.

A nice venue. Pros: really nice area outside with a pop-up bar. Clean. Friendly staff. Cons: Needs more bathrooms. They let patrons in after the show started. Parking was a little challenging because of the construction.

Clean and intimate theatre. Small setting but one gets a close up view of the show. Took one star off for parking. A bit of a walk which doesn't bother me but maybe a challenge for people with disabilities.

First time to the La Jolla Playhouse. I really like this small and intimate theater. It provides a good view of the stage for everyone. The theater is really easy to find. Currently there is construction going on nearby so one has to park in farther garage and take a shuttle. We saw a musical named “BHANGIN’ IT: A BANGIN’ NEW MUSICAL” with upbeat music and was treated to a vibrant bhangra dance at the end. It has a plot that many teenagers can identify with.

This is a great little theatre, the acoustics are fantastic and the seats are comfortable with ample leg room. The shows are very good. I love getting to see a show that is there with plans to get that show to Broadway!

Nice, cozy venue. All the seats are good, we were almost to the back on the side and still an excellent view. It was raining when we went and the lobby is not big enough for a full house, it's meant to spill outside, I think, so that was a bit rough, but I imagine it's great when people can mingle outside, take a snack outside, etc. If you'll need the restroom at intermission, go straight there. The line is too long :( Parking is easy and there is a very obvious shuttle if you don't want to walk.

Went for Hunter Thompson. I really enjoyed it although I generally have a hard time with musicals!

I love this place! I treated myself to season tickets this time & have enjoyed 2/3 plays SO much — like NYC quality for way better prices. They strive to do quality and socially cutting edge pieces- at least this season. I have been very happily surprised. I also got to do one Talkback Tuesday where I saw the show (Is it thursday yet?, which was my favorite so far), and talk with the dancer & creators of it! So nourishing for the soul, artistic, creative part of myself!

The incredible productions, beautiful theatres, and gorgeous location of the La Jolla Playhouse is perfection. Pro tip, get a warm chocolate chip cookie at intermission, you won't be disappointed! Honestly though besides the yummy treats, and world premier shows, what takes this place to the next level is the care and consideration of its staff. Dominique Kaestner and team do an incredible job making you feel appreciated for your contribution back to the arts community, and how much your support truly matters. I feel like a star going to the theatre, and I will forever advocate that the La Jolla Playhouse is the heart of theatre in California.

Beautiful new play house. I saw “Redwood “ and I am absolutely blown away how amazing piece of art it was.

Fantastic theater! Watched Babbit here and what a wonderful show! Can’t wait to go back

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! wowWowWOW! - Somehow I'd forgotten the immense value that storytelling before a live audience offers. It was wonderful to be whisked away to a different place & time to imagine the experiences of others, to consider the reality of the less obvious aspects of the social dynamics that influenced the choices and lives of well-known people. Fantastic all around - kudos to the entirety of the cast & crew, production team, the playwrite and other creators as well as the venue itself (including easy breezy parking just down the hill, complete with shuttle service!)

The new play Redwood was performed at the Potiker Theatre. A small theatre good for previews. The theatre offers a snack bar and beer and wine. It sits adjacent to a restaurant if you wanted to dine before or after the play.

I very much enjoy this venue. Not a bad seat, great acoustics, and super friendly staff. I also very much appreciated the shuttle and free parking.

Beautiful stage lighting Awesome intimate theater ,almost every seat is a winner for viewing. ***Parking is a bit further away so wear comfortable shoes for a little walk.

What a great venue! Seating is very comfortable and spacious. The staff was kind and accommodating. The campus was clean and beautiful. Parking is tricky with the construction happening, but staff was very patient and helped us find our way. (Google hasn't gotten the memo about the closed roads due to construction.)

Loved this place. Great place to see seals and sea lions. Breathtaking views of ocean, cliffs, and nature. The day we were there was cloudy but still enjoyed a beautiful day ❤️

The parking Gods were kind as I scored a spot near Bobboi Gelato which was also phenomenal and reasonably priced. I was greeted by a woman selling seashells by the seashore. The live sea lion action entertained us greatly making this visit complete. The park ranger seemed bored.

This park is an exceptional place to relax and watch the whales, orca, dolphins, pelicans, seal, and sea lions. There is plenty of green space and vendors. This is a pet friendly park. Also, right up the hill, there are plenty of shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Beware of the parking. Make sure you are only parking in authorized parking spaces.

It’s been more than two years since before COVID-19!!! Amazing exhibition fair, lovely and clean place, amazing views right next to the beach of Lajolla.. Amazing place for families and occasions!! Just celebrated a birthday for lovely neighbors!!

Cobalt blue water, except during June gloom. Birds flying around everywhere. Nice open space for numerous activities. If the surf is big, you can hear the waves plunge the surface and slam against the rocks. This park is the cornerstone of La Jolla Cove and is very touristy. Due to the large presence of sea lions, it can smell rather unpleasant. The views are breathtaking.

It is a very nice park but be wary of the crowds. This is a huge tourist attraction, especially when the seals come out for pupping season.

It’s very pretty and the weathers perfect, kids and dogs can play there despite there aren’t any playgrounds in the area. You can see seals there too which is worth the visit.

Great place to see the seal and sea lion. Well preserved by city authority of San Diego. Beach open all time. Safe to get in to the water.

At the edge of the park is this amazing view. Great place to bring your dog and hang out there’s vendors selling clothes, jewelry, food, etc. Tons of restaurants nearby we had Thai food and walked to see this beautiful sunset with the family had a great time.

This is a beautiful park and perfect location! Great spot for children, plenty of space to run around and have a fun day. The park is a perfect spot for pictures, the trees are and the irregular roots and branches make a perfect location for pictures, specially if you also want to get some pictures at the beach.