A Flip Flop Hike
I decided to check out the tide pools along the beachside cliffs of La Jolla. It’s a scenic and beautiful hike which can be enjoyed year-round, but is best enjoyed at low tide. There are sea caves, and plenty of sea life all along the way. This is a hike where you can wear your favorite flip flops. Mine happen to be these classic reefs, since they are wide, so perfect for walking on sand, thick, and are very cushiony.
Windansea
I began my hike at the Windansea Shack on Bonair Street and continued northward, along the bluffs toward. Marine Street Beach and Wipeout Beach. The starting point of Windansea was made famous by the surfing greats of yesterday, and also because of its perfectly breaking, namesake of a wave.
After jealously watching the surfers catch a couple perfect waves, I continued on northward. This spot is known for its localism in the lineup. Fortunately, not so much for the beach trail.
My destination was the famous Children’s Pool and Seal Rock, and eventually La Jolla Cove.
The La Jolla bluffs are a peaceful place to explore, and perhaps sit for a moment to meditate on matters of importance, amongst the ancient uplifted coral reefs from millenia ago.
Aside from surfing, tide pooling, sunbathing, and hiking, surf fishing is popular here in La Jolla too.
Shorebirds like this Heron were busy prowling about, in search of a meal, doing a bit of surf fishing of their own.
The trail along the beach gives many opportunities to easily access and check out the tide pools.
Some of the beaches here have sand, and others are mostly reef, with waves breaking off shore.
The main draw of this area is the ability to see marine life up close.
I began exploring the various tide pools amongst the ancient exposed reef, noticing this small green crab attempting to camouflage himself.
There were plenty of the usual suspects here that you would expect to find in tide pools, such this grouping of sea anemones.
Reef Breaks
There are some of the most perfectly breaking waves around here, drawing flocks of surfers from far and wide to the area. They come to enjoy surfing reef breaks, known for their predictability factor, versus those that break over sandbars, in a constant state of shift.
There were lots of vibrant green sea grasses swaying, as the undulating tide washed over the shallow reef.
Sandstone Cliffs
The trail along the bluff here is in a constant state of change. The tides, wind, waves, and weather interact with the sandstone cliffs. They continually shape and re-shaping it. The trail you see here one visit, may not still be there the next. Trail today, gone tomorrow.
Occasionally the trail ended abruptly at a dead end of sorts, with my only choice was a scramble, to get wet feet, or backtrack a little.
All in all I would rate this as an advanced beginner hike, except for the occasional short scramble, since the trail is mostly flat all along the way.
Pelicans
I noticed a pair of pelicans basking in the sun as the trail climbed higher upward, above the exposed reefs, and rocky cliffs, continuing along a paved beach path.
Nesting Birds
Continuing along the bluffs, I noticed many migrating birds who live in the coastal zone, like this seagull. He was sitting atop a nest, built a bit too close to the tourists visiting this area.
Visibility
The waters were crystal clear today. I would recommend coming on a day with good visibility too, and calm winds, since there is no telling what you might see swimming around.
Eventually in the distance I spotted a crowd, clustered around a small headland. I guessed I would soon arrive at the Children’s Pool and Seal Rock.
Sea Lions
It was no surprise why a large crowd had gathered here. A a huge colony sea lions resides here around Jenner Street and Coast Blvd, along the beach path.
You are likely to see more than just surfers catching waves here, since sea lions are excellent, agile swimmers.
Sea Lions are also prone to laziness, and love to bask on the rocks, to warm themselves.
La Jolla Cove
I arrived at La Jolla Cove, marked by this plaque describing it’s famous underwater park, just offshore. It is a popular destination for divers, and kayakers. However, there have been shark attacks here, with one fatality. So as a rule of thumb, where there are sea lions, there are sharks, since they are a major food source for them.
A 4 Mile Hike
After arriving at La Jolla Cove, I headed back the way I came. It would end up being a peaceful five mile hike, along the La Jolla bluffs, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
If you enjoy sea life, salt air, and cool ocean breezes, I recommend checking this one out. At just 4 miles, this is a hike just about anyone can enjoy.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2023 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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