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.

My wife and I love visiting this beach when we come to San Diego, plenty of parking, soft sand amazing waves for family fun and be sure to wear sun screen. We didn't have any and got a little burnt.

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).

Super nice, safe and full of fun…!!! While there a huge group of Pelicans landed on water hunting for fishes!!!

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!

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.

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.

Great beach park with plenty of space even on a Friday afternoon to spread out, grab a table, and cook up on the charcoal grills. Heading here with the leashed up pups and some friends is steadily becoming a Friday ritual.

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.

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.

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