Family Friendly Activities To Do Over Ski Week 2023 (La Jolla)
Ski Week typically occurs after President’s Day and is a week-long winter break given to many students. This extra time off allows students and their families to enjoy peak ski season. In fact, several festivals occur around the world during this time off. However, if you are looking for activities off the slopes, La Jolla, CA has you covered.
Visit Beautiful Beaches
Looking for a great snorkeling spot, check out La Jolla Cove Beach. You will also see sea lions stretched out on the sand and rocks at La Jolla Cove, part of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve. You can even see interesting creatures in the tide pools that form at low tide.
Are you and your family experienced surfers or boogie boarders? Then, check out the powerful waves and small crowds at Boomer Beach. Also, if you want wide white sand and great surfing and are an experienced swimmer, consider a visit to Marine Street Beach.
If you want a day in the sun while your family participates in a multitude of water sports, consider La Jolla Shores Beach. This beach is great for small children. You can kayak, surf or just play in the water. Grab a burrito at the Taco Stand and enjoy a fantastic day on the beach.
Best Spot for Sea Lions & Pacific Harbor Seals
Kids and adults alike are mesmerized by the puppies of the sea. Get your video ready to capture giggles of joy while watching these cute animals snuggle, flop, bark, growl, and grunt. Be sure to respect their space as both sea lions and harbor seals have sharp teeth. As long as you give them plenty of space, they are so much fun to watch. This is a super fun free activity that appeals to the whole family.
The best location in La Jolla to watch sea lions is La Jolla Cove. There are sidewalks with railings where you can safely watch these sea lions. Sea lions are notoriously loud and social. They all have big personalities, so it is a lot of fun to watch them interact with one another. Flowers are also just starting to bloom along the bluffs, so it’s a beautiful time to visit.
Pacific harbor seals are usually very introverted compared to sea lions, so it’s really exciting to see them during pupping season. These animals give birth and nurse their pups from mid-December through mid-May, so Ski Week is a fantastic time to see these animals. Their favorite place to do so is a protected spot called Children’s Pool in La Jolla. It’s just a quick walk along the boardwalk from La Jolla Cove. Originally built for children, this protected beach has become a favorite spot for the Pacific harbor seal. You can safely watch these animals from the sidewalks as well.
Participate in Water Activities
La Jolla has an incredible amount of water activities. First, you are super close to whale- and dolphin-watching cruises. Ski week is one of the best times to see southbound gray whales. Grab a picnic and jump aboard the Yacht America for an experience of a lifetime. Just 20 minutes from La Jolla, there is plenty of free parking. You’ll get to see naval ships, submarines, the Cabrillo National Monument, and of course countless gray whales during your trip. Remember to bring layers because it can get cold while sailing on the ocean. There are 26,000 gray whales migrating from December- March, so it’s a great time to go see them.
If you want to get a little exercise, rent a kayak or join a kayak tour of the sea caves, marine life and surrounding waters. Don’t forget to strap on a snorkel or some scuba gear to see these incredible species in their natural habitats. Check out the bright orange fish called Garibaldi. If you hit two rocks together, these fish will surround you! They are super cute.
Surfing, paddle boarding, hydro bikes and bodyboarding are always popular water activities. La Jolla Shores is the best surf spot for new surfers because of the nice sandy beaches and calm small waves.
Visit Museums & Theme Parks
La Jolla is home to several museums, where you can entertain and educate your family. Consider the Map and Atlas Museum of La Jolla, Scripps Memorial Hospital Sculpture Parks and the La Jolla Historical Society. Don’t forget the Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
You can also visit many of the available art museums and galleries, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Colosseum Fine Arts, RC Gorman Navajo Gallery and the La Jolla Art Association Gallery.
If you are looking for a faster pace, consider the many theme parks in the area. Visit Sesame Street at the Sesame Street Bay of Play. Belmont Park and SeaWorld also offer numerous rides and lots of entertainment. You can also take a day trip to Disneyland.
Enjoy Delicious Food & Shopping
La Jolla has some of the best shopping in the San Diego area. You have a plethora of boutiques and malls to choose from. Find high-end brands or unique souvenirs in the La Jolla Shores, Girard Avenue, Prospect Street, Ivanhoe Avenue, Westfield UTC and Herschel Street areas. Although most any type of shopping can be accomplished on Prospect Street, don’t forget the other areas where you will find unique shops.
La Jolla is also full of wonderful restaurants with a wide variety of cuisines. For example, visit the Burger Lounge for traditional American food. The Marine Room offers award-winning, seasonal cuisine in an elegant setting. For great fish tacos and a relaxing atmosphere, visit the Ocean Terrace rooftop. These are just a few of the many restaurants you may want to try.
You don’t have to spend your entire week freezing on the slopes. Check out the treasures La Jolla has to offer as well.