La Jolla's Best Hidden Spots: A Local's Guide for Visiting Families
By Daniela Larsen | Sereia Photography | La Jolla, CA
You've already Googled La Jolla Cove. You've seen the seals at Children's Pool. And yes — those are beautiful, and absolutely worth your time. But after years of photographing families all along this coastline, I've collected a few favorites that most visitors never find. These are the spots locals actually go. The ones that make you feel like you livehere, even if just for a weekend.
Whether you're visiting from out of town or a San Diego local looking for something new, here's my honest guide to La Jolla's hidden side — perfect for families with curious kids.
1. Mushroom Beach
Why it's special: This little-known beach earned its name from the unique mushroom-shaped sandstone formations carved right into the cliffside. It's tucked away from the tourist trail and has a completely different texture and energy than the main beaches — more dramatic, more raw.
Great for: Kids who love to explore rocks and tide pools, and honestly, incredible for family photos (the geology is stunning as a backdrop).
Tip: Check tide charts before you go. Low tide reveals the most dramatic formations and the safest footing.
2. The Secret Swings
Why it's special: Hidden along unmarked trails near Birch Aquarium, you'll find handmade wooden swings hanging from tree branches overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Finding them is half the adventure — and swinging above the coastline is the kind of magical moment kids talk about for years.
Great for: All ages. Littles will want to swing forever; teens will want the photos.
Tip: Go early morning to beat the crowd and have the swings to yourselves. The soft morning light is also chef's kiss for golden hour photos.
Note: The exact locations shift over time as locals set up new ones — that's part of the charm. Head toward the Birch Aquarium area and follow the trails.
3. The Troll Bridges on Mount Soledad
Why it's special: Tucked into the hillside greenery of Mount Soledad are two hand-laid stone arch bridges built in the 1920s. Covered in overgrown vines with graceful curved arches, they feel like something out of a storybook. Kids have been calling out for trolls as they walk through them for generations — and yours will too.
Great for: Families with imaginative kids. It's also a beautiful scenic detour if you're already driving up to the Mount Soledad views.
Tip: Look for them near West Muirlands Drive at Nautilus Street.
4. Sunny Jim Sea Cave
Why it's special: This is La Jolla's most legendary hidden gem — a natural sea cave accessible through a hand-dug tunnel from 1902. You enter through a small gift shop on Coast Blvd, descend 145 wooden steps, and emerge inside a living cave where the ocean frames itself like a painting. It was even rumored to have been used for bootlegging during Prohibition, which makes the story even better for kids.
Great for: Adventure-loving families. Kids are absolutely mesmerized.
Admission: Around $7–$10 per person (cash or card, check current pricing at the store).
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes with grip. The steps are steep and can be slippery.
5. The Fay Avenue Bike Path
Why it's special: Before it was a walking trail, this was a railroad line. Now it winds quietly through lush greenery and charming residential neighborhoods, with glimpses of the coastline tucked between the trees. It's peaceful, flat, and completely off the tourist radar.
Great for: Families who want a relaxed walk or a casual bike ride without fighting beach crowds. Stroller-friendly too.
Tip: Start near Fay Avenue and Pearl Street and walk south. It connects through the heart of La Jolla Village.
6. The Gliderport Bluffs
Why it's special: Perched above the Pacific on the UCSD bluffs, the Torrey Pines Gliderport is where paragliders launch into the sky. On a sunny day, you can picnic on the grass and watch them sail overhead — it's genuinely magical and completely free to watch.
Great for: Families who love a wow moment. Kids are endlessly entertained watching the colorful paragliders drift above the water.
Tip: The views here are some of the best in all of San Diego. Come for sunset if you can.
7. Bird Rock Overlook
Why it's special: Nestled in La Jolla's quiet Bird Rock neighborhood, this small coastal overlook is where locals come with their coffee on Sunday mornings. Watch the surfers work the break below, or head down the stairs to walk along the rocks at the water's edge. It has the feeling of finding something that belongs to you.
Great for: A slower, quieter moment in between the more active stops. Great for toddlers who just want to watch the waves.
Tip: Check the tides before heading down to the rocks. Located near Sea Ridge Drive and Linda Way.
A Note on Tides
La Jolla's coastal magic is very tide-dependent. Before any beach or cave adventure, check tideschart.com or the NOAA tides app. Low tide = more beach, more rocks, more life in the tide pools. High tide = better wave drama, but less access.
Capture It All
If exploring La Jolla with your family makes you fall a little bit in love with this place — trust me, it happens to everyone — we'd love to document it for you. Sereia Photography specializes in natural, relaxed family and beach portraits right here in La Jolla. No stiff poses, just your real people in one of the most beautiful places on the California coast.
→ Book a session with Sereia Photography
Daniela Larsen is a La Jolla-based photographer and founder of Sereia Photography, where she captures families, kids, and coastal moments along the San Diego coastline.
