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Fun Things to Do
Free (as of time of my research)
 Cabrillo National Monument TidepoolsCheck out when low tides are to plan your trip. Best time is in the winter when the lowest tides occur during the daytime. |  Hubbs Marine Fish HatcheryIn October of 1995, the Leon Raymond Hubbard, Jr., Marine Fish Hatchery was dedicated as one of southern California’s premier aquaculture facilities. |  San Elijo Lagoon Ecological ReserveWhether you are a runner, hiker, birder, photographer or painter, San Elijo Lagoon provides natural solace and recreation. One of San Diego’s largest wetlands, this 979-acre reserve is primarily a shallow-water estuary, formed where the Escondido and La Orilla Creeks meet the Pacific Ocean. |
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 Carlsbad AquafarmCarlsbad Aquafarm is Southern California’s only shellfish farm growing Pacific oysters and Mediterranean mussels and since 1990. We are committed to pursuing a balance between producing seafood of unsurpassed quality and conserving our ocean’s resources. |  Winter TidepoolingNovember through March is the optimal time for tide pooling in San Diego when the tide is low during daylight hours. |  Children’s Pool Seals & Sea LionsChildren's Pool in La Jolla was originally an area in San Diego designated for children to swim. In 1932, a seawall was built to protect the shore from oncoming waves, making it the ideal spot for children to paddle without danger. While the Children's Pool in La Jolla provides a swimming spot suitable for children, the conditions also prove to be idyllic for harbor seals and sea lions. |
 Ocean Discovery InstituteOcean Discovery Institute uses ocean science to empower young people from underserved urban communities to transform their lives, their community, and our world as science and conservation leaders. |  Snorkel with Leopard SharksThe La Jolla leopard sharks are beautiful – and harmless – and snorkeling alongside them makes for an incredible afternoon out with the family. These little guys are hard to miss, and are distinctively marked with dark brown spots on a silvery, gray background that resemble a leopard print. |  Grunion RunsSo you want to go on a grunion run. There are a few things you must know before you go. First, do you know what grunion are? |
 Scuba Diving with SquidScuba Diving into a Squid Orgy off La Jolla Shores |  firewormsI don’t often get emails with the subject “glowing fireworms.” Even “fireworms” would have been strange enough to catch my attention, but the suggestion that these worms were not only fiery but glowing prompted me to open the email immediately. |
Admission
 Catalina IslandUse Catalina Express ferry out of Dana Point, don’t miss snorkeling in Lover’s Cove or Casino Point, or taking an underwater submarine tour |  Sea WorldEnjoy a one-of-a-kind family experience at SeaWorld® San Diego, with awe-inspiring animal encounters, thrilling rides, and amazing shows. Ideally located on nearly 200 acres in Mission Bay, SeaWorld San Diego is an ocean adventure unlike any other. |  Birch AquariumExperience the ocean world and learn what it takes to explore and understand the planet. |
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 Living Coast Discovery CenterFrom the deeper waters of the bay to the salt water marsh and the drier upland habitats, San Diego has amazing wildlife! Explore more than 20 exhibits and come nose to nose with local marine life, reptiles and other native creatures. |  Ocean InstituteThe Ocean Institute is nationally known for its award winning, hands-on marine science, environmental education and maritime history programs. |  Legoland Sea LifeBe sure to catch one of their fun educational talks and demonstrations. |
 Kayak Tour of La Jolla Sea CavesExplore La Jolla’s 7 Sea Caves by kayak and see why San Diegans and tourists rave about our tours! |  Whale WatchingMigration Period: Mid-December - April. Each year, more than 20,000 gray whales make a 10,000 mile round-trip journey from Alaska to the lagoons of Baja California, where the females give birth to their calves. |  High Tides Dinners at the Marine RooGather and enjoy a fine dining experience next to the waves. From fresh, local seafood and regional classics to innovative creations, The Marine Room offers up new foods and flavors for every palate. The globally-inspired menu is seasonal, yet timeless in its approach, showcasing the coastal flavors of San Diego and La Jolla. Relax in the bar and lounge, serving up creative small plates, specialty drinks and spectacular high-tide views. |
Cool Things to Look For ( but need to be in right place at right time!)
 Red Tides - Glowing BeachesRed tides are unpredictable, but if you are lucky enough to catch one they can be spectacular. Some red tide organisms can be toxic, so do not go near or enter water unless you are sure it is safe |  WaterspoutsLook for these during or after a storm, most likely in winter. They are weak funnels that pull up water; usually not dangerous but can be and cause serious damage. |  Green FlashYes, these are real! Green Flashes can be a lot more subtle than people think. Most times they are seen as a transient glow at the point where the sun has just slipped out of view. Look for them at sunset on a clear day. In my experience, they seem more pronounced when seen from a higher level than the beach. WARNING! Although the power of the sun is less at sunset, as it is getting refracted from the maximum amount of atmosphere it is passing through, you still need to be cautious. |
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