San Diego family guide
Things to Do in La Jolla with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
La Jolla on the map
📍 Where La Jolla is
La Jolla sits in San Diego, Southern California. Nearest major airport: San Diego Intl (~8 mi / 13 km). It's roughly 101 mi (163 km) from Downtown LA and 10 mi (17 km) from San Diego — SoCal traffic can make a drive take far longer than the distance suggests, so plan around it.
Visiting? See SoCal at a glance, getting around and which airport.
Things to do in La Jolla
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
The public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, perched on the La Jolla cliffs with ocean views. Its two-story, 70,000-gallon kelp forest tank anchors the aquarium, alongside one of the world's largest seadragon habitats and a Tide-Pool Plaza where kids can touch starfish, hermit crabs, and sea cucumbers.
~$25 adult / ~$20 childLa Jolla Cove & Children's Pool
Sea lions haul out on the rocks at La Jolla Cove, while harbor seals gather about half a mile away at Children's Pool — a breakwater originally built to create a calm swimming spot for kids that a colony of seals unexpectedly claimed as a nursery in the 1990s. Keep a respectful distance; both species can bite if they feel crowded.
FreeLa Jolla Shores Beach
Wide, gentle-surf beach ideal for young swimmers, sandcastles, kayaking, and beginner surfing. The sandy bottom and mellow, rolling waves have made it a beginner surf spot since the 1920s and 30s, when it became one of San Diego's first surfing hubs. Kayak tours here also paddle out to sea caves carved into the sandstone cliffs toward La Jolla Cove.
FreeFarmers markets in La Jolla
La Jolla Open Aire Market
A breezy schoolyard market benefiting the local elementary, with produce, crafts, and easy parking near the village.
Festivals & annual events in La Jolla
What La Jolla is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Halloween Aglow at Birch Aquarium
An after-hours costume night at the aquarium with trick-or-treat stations, a slime-science Boo & Goo Lab, live music and scuba divers carving pumpkins underwater. Tip: tickets went on sale Sept 23 and the event is expected to sell out, so buy ahead. Ocean-themed costumes get bonus recognition.
$49.95 child, $59.95 adult (under 2 free)
La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
The 70th annual parade starts at Kline & Girard, followed by a free festival at the La Jolla Rec Center with games, crafts, Santa visits and a new Christmas Market. Tip: La Jolla village parking is very tight, so park farther out or use a rideshare and walk in.
Free
Local restaurants in La Jolla
Froglander's Frozen Yogurt
La Jolla institution of 25+ years serving dense frozen yogurt with classic toppings.
Harry's Coffee Shop
La Jolla landmark diner since 1960 serving generations of families hearty breakfasts and classic comfort fare.
The Taco Stand
Bustling Tijuana-style taqueria with adobada and fish tacos that draws lines of locals.
Caroline's Seaside Cafe
Hearty breakfasts and healthy lunches with ocean views near Scripps Pier, budget-friendly and great for family mornings.
Cody's La Jolla
Casual American breakfast spot with fast service and outdoor seating that suits families with kids.
The Kitchen at MCASD
Indoor-outdoor patio with ocean views at the museum, serving fresh Mediterranean fare casual enough for families.
Blue Whale Cafe
Buzzy newer brunch spot with a cottage vibe, known for dishes like gluten-free horchata waffles with crispy chicken.
Local shops in La Jolla
Warwick's
One of the country's oldest family-owned bookshops, in La Jolla since 1939, with frequent author events.
Hi Sweetheart
Charming Ivanhoe Ave gift boutique with kitchenware, jewelry, stationery, books, candles, and baby gifts.
La Jolla Outpost
Locally owned coastal general store of California-lifestyle apparel, gifts, and seaside essentials.
Geppetto's
A nostalgic, old-fashioned toy shop stocking everything from science kits to wacky fun, locally owned by the Miller family for 40+ years.
Ark Antiques
A one-of-a-kind La Jolla antiques shop.
Adelaide's
A longtime local shop for flowers and home goods.
Seasonal & outdoors near La Jolla
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from La Jolla.
More San Diego family guides
La Jolla family FAQ
What are the best things to do in La Jolla with kids?
Family favorites in and around La Jolla include Birch Aquarium at Scripps, La Jolla Cove & Children's Pool and La Jolla Shores Beach. Our guide lists 3 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in La Jolla?
Yes — free family spots near La Jolla include La Jolla Cove & Children's Pool and La Jolla Shores Beach. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in La Jolla?
Local, family-friendly spots in La Jolla include Froglander's Frozen Yogurt, Scoops La Jolla, Harry's Coffee Shop and The Taco Stand, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal La Jolla guide cover?
Our La Jolla family guide includes 3 things to do, 8 local eats, 6 local shops and 1 farmers market — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Book La Jolla tours & tickets
Bookable via Viator · we may earn a commission (no extra cost to you)Bookable experiences, skip-the-line tickets, and tours in La Jolla — reserved through Viator.
Free cancellationLa Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour For Two (Tandem Kayak)
Free cancellationLa Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour (Single Kayak)
Free cancellation2.5-Hour Small-Group Catamaran Sail with Drinks
Free cancellationOriginal La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two
Free cancellationKayak Rental for Two People in La Jolla
Free cancellationBehind-the-Scenes at Petco Park Tour
More experiences via GetYourGuide · we may earn a commission (no extra cost to you)
Where to stay in La Jolla
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near La Jolla on one map — then book on your favorite site.