Just north of San Diego, in La Jolla Cove and adjoining beaches, harbor seals and California sea lions make their home. Carefully warned by signage and rangers not to approach too close, visitors gather to watch their antics and photograph. I spent a glorious few hours wandering this shore and sharing their space.
These sea creatures are pinnipeds, marine mammals with fin or flipper feet. They look similar but there are a few differences that can identify them. Sea lions have external ear flaps; seals have ear holes. Sea lions have larger flippers. The easiest hint for me was that they are generally found on different spots along this coastline.
At the Cove, sea lions lounged on the rocks and the beach, piled up on each other. Such social animals! Occasional barks and confrontations, but no serious altercations. Many could be seen holding their heads high, soaking in the sun, basking in its rays.
Further down the beach, harbor seals congregate at Children’s Pool. Sometimes solitary creatures, they are found in groups in this area. That beach was closed for several months to respect the animals’ privacy and prevent human intrusion when there are young pups, although I could view them from a distance.
Above the beaches on the bluffs, cormorants nest. Pelicans also join the mix.
Sea caves can also be found, carved by the ocean’s tides.
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Ruth Rosenfeld 
What a life! I guess all those pinnipeds do is swim, eat, sleep and one other thing.😄 Thanks for sharing outstanding photos of these cute, cuddly creatures.
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It does look like a sweet life, doesn’t it? I used to think otters had the most fun, but these sea creatures come in a close second. Thank you for your visit and fun comment!
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This is so on my list of places to see. Thanks for taking me for a visit!
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Definitely worth a visit! I am reminded of a line from a Simon and Garfunkel song: “And the animals will love it if you do.” ☺
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❤️
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Great shots of the sea lions, we only have seals here. Thanks for sharing.
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My pleasure. Your visit and comments are appreciated.
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I know they can be aggressive, but sea lions just look so cuddly. It looks very uncomfortable to be a pelican. I hope I don’t come back as one.
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I agree, sea lions appeal to humans – maybe it’s those cute faces and teddy bear bodies, but pelicans do look a bit creepy.
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So cute! La Jolla is truly a beautiful part of California. Glad you got to explore the sea life here!
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It’s amazing how they congregate on that section of coast. I’m glad I got to see them!
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What a great experience to just stand and watch those creatures on a beautiful stretch of coastline.
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It was a treat to watch them go about their lives. They have chosen a lovely spot to inhabit.
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Oh they are wonderful – I’d love to visit and see them in person one day 🙂
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Perhaps you will! So fun to visit them in their world.
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I could spend all day watching sea lions. They’re so adorable looking, even though they can be aggressive. Your pictures captured their personalities. I don’t think I’ve seen a cormorant (or whatever bird it is)with a blue chin before but maybe I haven’t noticed. Maggie
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I haven’t seen that blue spot before, but I’m not much of a birdwatcher. The sea lions were endlessly entertaining.
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These are such lovely pictures. Sea lions are so cute, curious and playful. It looks like you had fabulous weather for being outdoors and getting a closer glimpse of the wildlife along the coast.
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I did luck out with the weather on this trip. Although it seldom rains in desert country. I did drive through snow at the beginning and end in my home state though!
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Great shots, not just of the seals and sea lions but also those cormorants and the rock formations. I would be very happy taking photos around here. I always smile to see how sea lions sprawl, many on top of each other 🙂
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Thank you, Sarah! It would be interesting to know if they cuddled next to family members or anyone in their general community.
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Indeed! I wouldn’t know but my guess is that anyone will do 😉
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Beautiful close-ups! I love the proximity of the small village of shops and restaurants to the protected sea life below. They somehow go hand-in-hand. International tourists seem drawn to La Jolla in particular, which gives it added cultural flair.
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National tourists too (like me)! Thanks, Dave.
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It’s a real privilege to get so close to all these creatures. And with such a dramatic backdrop to boot. Not sure if Ive ever gotten close to sea lions, but did see a colony of seals in the north of Scotland and it was really magical.
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It is magic to be close to wild creatures and observe their life. I wasn’t as close as this may appear; I do have a decent zoom lens. But it served me well.
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Oh how wonderful. A day like this is my idea of heaven. You got some fabulous shots!
Alison
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They were very photogenic! Thanks, Alison, it was a wonderful day, for sure.
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It’s funny to see how they really like to lay on top of each other 😉.
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It can’t be for warmth since it was a pretty warm day. Maybe just for community and affection.
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Sea lions and seals’ eyes are so gentle, they melt my heart all the time.
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Are there many that frequent your islands?
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I’ve never seen any here in the PH. So whenever I see them abroad I’m happy to just stand there and gape.
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Wow wonderful photos ! Thanks you 😊
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Glad you enjoyed them!
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Yes sure ☺️
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What an amazing experience! Great photos!!
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It was a delight to spend a few hours in their world. Thank you, Anne Marie!
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