San Diego is one of the best places to go if you love the playful barks of sea lions while enjoying the sunny skies and landscape. Nicknamed America’s finest city, San Diego gives you the opportunity to see these amazing marine mammals in their natural habitats instead of a zoo or an aquarium.
If you are planning a trip to San Diego, exploring the shores is one of the must-try activities to do solo or with family.
In this article, we will share where to see sea lions in San Diego. You will learn about the best spots to get an amazing view and a memorable experience.
Key Takeaways
- La Jolla Cove is the best place to see hundreds of sea lions in San Diego.
- The nearby Children’s Pool (Casa Beach), is the best place to see pups since it is a protected harbor seal nursery.
- For a less crowded and more wild experience, head to the tide pools and cliffs at Point Loma’s Cabrillo National Monument.
- While harbor cruising or kayaking, keep an eye out for sea lions in Mission Bay and on the bait barges in San Diego Bay.
- Always maintain a safe distance of at least 50 feet,and never touch, feed, or disturb the sea lions.
A Little About California Sea Lions
Before we embark on our sea lion-spotting adventure, let us first get to know about these marine mammals a little better. The sea lions you will see in San Diego are California sea lions, and let me tell you, they are quite the characters!
Think of them as noisy and playful creatures of the pinniped world.
You are sure to hear them from the distance before you see them. They are social animals, spending most of their time piled up on rocks in what I like to call a “cuddle puddle,” soaking up the warm California sun.
One thing that often confuses people is the difference between sea lions and seals. Here is a super simple way to tell them apart:
Sea lions have visible ear flaps on the outside of their heads, while seals just have little ear holes. Also, sea lions can “walk” on their front flippers, which gives them a bit more mobility on land. Seals, on the other hand, have to wiggle on their bellies.
Best Places to See Sea Lions in San Diego
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is the one place that is known to be packed with sea lions in San Diego. This stunning cove is made up of cliffs and crystal-clear water, which makes it the absolute best place to see these incredible animals up close.
Why La Jolla Cove is Sea Lion Paradise
So, what makes La Jolla Cove such a hotspot for sea lions? It is a combination of a few things. The rocky shoreline provides the perfect place for them to haul out, rest, and warm up after a swim in the cool Pacific.
The cove is also part of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, which means the waters are protected and home to different species of fish.
Getting There and Finding a Good Spot
La Jolla Cove is located in the heart of the upscale village of La Jolla. Parking can be a bit of a challenge, especially on weekends and during the summer, so I recommend arriving early or being prepared to walk a bit. Once you are there, you will have no trouble finding the sea lions. You just have to follow the sounds of their barking.
Where to See Sea Lions in La Jolla
The best viewing spots are along the seawall that overlooks the cove. You can also carefully make your way down to the small beach area, but remember to keep a respectful distance from the animals.
The Children’s Pool
Just a short walk from La Jolla Cove, you will find the Children’s Pool, also known as Casa Beach. This small, protected beach has become a nursery for harbor seals.
While you will see some sea lions in the area, the Children’s Pool is mostly a seal sanctuary. A seawall protects the beach, creating a calm environment perfect for seal mothers to give birth and nurse their pups.
Beyond the Cove: Other Great Spots for Sea Lion Sightings
While La Jolla Cove is the star of the show, there are several other fantastic places in San Diego where you can see sea lions. These spots often offer a different kind of viewing experience, sometimes with fewer crowds.
Point Loma
For a more rugged and natural sea lion encounter, head to the tide pools at the base of the cliffs in Point Loma. This area is part of the Cabrillo National Monument, so you will be treated to stunning views of the ocean and the city.
The sea lions here are often seen basking on the rocks and swimming in the surf. It feels a little more like you are discovering them in the wild, which is a truly special feeling.
Mission Bay
You might be surprised to learn that you can often spot sea lions in Mission Bay. While the view might not compare to that of La Jolla, you are sure to see them lounging on buoys, docks, and even the occasional boat.
Keep your eyes peeled as you walk, bike, or kayak around the bay, as you never know when one might pop up to say hello.
See Sea Lions from the Water
If you want a different perspective, consider taking a boat tour or a kayak tour. Several companies in San Diego offer guided excursions that focus on marine wildlife, including sea lions.
Kayaking with the Sea Lions
One of the most popular ways to see the sea lions is by kayaking in La Jolla. You can rent a kayak or join a guided tour that will take you through the incredible sea caves and kelp forests. Paddling alongside sea lions and other marine life in their own environment is an experience you do not want to miss.
Harbor Cruises
For a more relaxed experience, a harbor cruise is a great option. Many of these tours will take you past the bait barges in the bay, which are a favorite hangout for large groups of sea lions.
You will get some fantastic photo opportunities and learn a lot about the local marine life from the onboard naturalists.
Being a Responsible Sea Lion Admirer
Seeing these wild animals in their natural habitat is a privilege, and it’s our responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are a few simple rules to follow when you are watching sea lions in San Diego:
Keep Your Distance
This is the most important rule. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends staying at least 50 feet away from sea lions and seals.
Getting too close can be stressful for the animals and can even be dangerous for you.
Never Feed the Animals
Feeding wild animals can make them sick and can also make them dependent on humans for food, which disrupts their natural behaviors.
No Touching or Harassing
It should go without saying, but never touch, chase, or harass the sea lions in any way. Remember, they are wild animals, and their behavior can be unpredictable.
Leave No Trace
Whatever you bring with you to the beach, make sure you take it with you when you leave. Trash can be incredibly harmful to marine life, especially plastic waste.
The Best Time to See Sea Lions in San Diego
The great news is that you can see sea lions in San Diego year-round! However, there are certain times of the year that offer a little something extra.
The pupping season for California sea lions is from May to July. During this time, you might be lucky enough to see some adorable sea lion pups!
Conclusion
San Diego is a perfect getaway destination to explore nature and see California sea lions. You have different options from the shores of La Jolla Cove to the cliffs of Point Loma. So, on your next trip to this sunny Southern California city, be sure to add a visit with our flippered friends to your itinerary.
FAQs
Where is the best place to see sea lions in San Diego?
La Jolla Cove is the best spot to see sea lions in San Diego. Their population is higher here because the area is protected and marine life is preserved. Their barks can be heard from the distance as they lay across the rocks.
La Jolla Cove is also highly recommended by many top travellers like Dive California, Scuber Diver Girls, and San Diego Seal Tours.
What is the best time of day to see the sea lions?
The best time of day to see sea lions is from mid-morning to late afternoon, when they are more active. You will see them basking in the sun on the rocks during these hours.
Is it safe to swim near the sea lions in La Jolla Cove?
While you can swim and snorkel in La Jolla Cove, it is important to remember that you are a guest in their home. Keep a respectful distance and never try to touch or interact with the sea lions.
What’s that smell in La Jolla?
Ah, the infamous La Jolla smell! The odor you’re likely noticing is from the sea lion and seabird droppings on the rocks. While it can be a bit strong at times, most people find that the incredible sight of the sea lions is more than worth it.
Are the sea lions in San Diego all year round?
Yes, you can see California sea lions in San Diego throughout the year. They are permanent residents of the area, so no matter when you visit, you will have a good chance of spotting them.
Can I bring my dog to see the sea lions?
It is generally not recommended to bring your dog to the areas where sea lions congregate. Dogs can be seen as a threat by the sea lions, and it is important to keep both your pet and the wildlife safe. If you do bring your dog to the general vicinity, be sure to keep them on a leash and far away from the sea lions.
Hi, I’m Louis Ojibe, and I grew up around wildlife in Africa. I have always been fascinated by animals and nature across the world.
As a child, my parents used to take me to see wild animals like lions, elephants, gorillas, tortoises, and many others at our local zoo.
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