There are pools and then there’s the Children’s Pool in La Jolla.

This particular pool has been a historic and somewhat controversial landmark since its construction in the 1930s. It can be found below Casa de Mañana along La Jolla’s picturesque coastline.

The protected beach was originally envisioned as a safe swimming area for children. Over time, it has evolved into a sanctuary for harbor seals, igniting ongoing debates about balancing public access and wildlife conservation.

A VISION REALIZED

Ellen Browning Scripps, the prominent philanthropist in La Jolla, funded the creation of the Children’s Pool to give children a sheltered beach where they could safely enjoy the ocean. Engineer Hiram Newton Savage designed a breakwater to protect the cove from strong currents, transforming the area into a calm swimming space.

Completed in 1931, the Children’s Pool quickly became a beloved community feature. Local newspapers celebrated its thoughtful design and practical benefits, while families flocked to the tranquil waters for swimming lessons, picnics, and recreation.

FROM SWIMMING COVE TO SEAL SANCTUARY

By the 1990s, harbor seals began using the Children’s Pool as a haul-out site, with their population steadily growing. What began as a few seals resting on the beach developed into a thriving colony, changing the area’s primary use.

This shift sparked controversy as conservationists advocated for protecting the seals’ habitat, citing their importance for pupping and resting. Others, including some residents and business owners, argued about restoring the area to its original purpose as a swimming beach for children. Concerns ranged from safety risks posed by the seals to preserving the historical intent of the site.

In 1999, the City of San Diego designated the Children’s Pool as a protected seal haul-out site during pupping season, limiting human access to safeguard the animals. This decision marked a turning point in the ongoing debate.

LEGAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL TENSIONS

The Children’s Pool has been at the center of numerous legal disputes. For example, in 2005, the Surfrider Foundation filed a lawsuit to block plans for a physical barrier intended to separate seals and people, arguing it would harm the natural environment. Proponents of reopening the pool to swimmers maintained that humans and wildlife could coexist with proper management.

These tensions highlight broader questions about how urban public spaces can balance environmental conservation with recreational use.

A UNIQUE PIECE OF LA JOLLA’S HERITAGE

Today, the Children’s Pool attracts visitors from around the world as many come to observe the seals in their natural habitat, while others are drawn by the site’s history and the breathtaking views of La Jolla’s coastline.

Despite ongoing debates, the Children’s Pool remains a symbol of La Jolla’s heritage and its efforts to balance preservation with public access. Whether you visit for the seals or history, this landmark continues to captivate locals and tourists alike.

Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Historical photo from UCSD