Ellen Brown
Scripps Park is a popular waterfront park in the village of La Jolla. According
to AAA it is the most photographed spot in the beautiful city of San Diego.
It is
located right in the heart of La Jolla along the coast. It has large grass
lawns that give unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean. Blue ocean, perfect
sunsets and towering palm trees make a perfect backdrop for public events and
weddings. Summer concerts are held here every Sunday throughout summer.
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| Sunset at La Jolla |
This area is
often featured in local art works, paintings and photography exhibits by local artists.
The park has picnic areas, restroom, outdoor showers and barbecue amenities.
Ellen
Browning Scripps was one of San Diego's most influential patrons and
philanthropists. She is the founder of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography,
The Bishop’s School, the La Jolla Recreational Center, Scripps Memorial
Hospital, the Children’s Pool, and Torrey Pines State Reserve and many other landmark
institutions.
The park has
a variety of tree life from around the world, including several mature Mexican
fan palms, large Monterey pines, Australian tea trees, New Zealand Christmas
trees, and a very large dragon tree from the Canary Islands.
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| Dragon Tree |
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| Dragon tree |
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| Australian tea tree |
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| Dragon tree |
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| Australian tea tree |
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| Australian tea tree |
You can enjoy
a leisurely walk along the scenic coast by following the coastal trail. The
trail wraps itself around the Scripps park. At the north of the Scripps park is
La Jolla Cove. It’s a popular recreational spot and offers some of the best snorkeling
and kayaking opportunities.
If you
stroll to the south from the Scripps park you will arrive at Seal rock and Children’s
Pool Beach and many other less visited beaches at La Jolla. In 1930, Ellen
Browning Scripps sponsored the construction of a wall to create an area where
the children could easily play and enjoy the sea. But, in later years sand washed
in this area and the beach was closed because of unhygienic conditions. At
present, the beach in front of the wall is a favorite location for harbor seals
to lounge in the sun and the wall provides a perfect spot to watch the seals
and sea lions.
It is closed
from December 15 to May 15 during the birthing season of seals to protect the
newly-born seal pups.
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| Children's pool |
One of the
most famous attractions of the La Jolla are the seals and sea lions always
inhabiting the shoreline from sea cave to children’s pool and beyond. You can
see them huddled together on the rocky cliffs.
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| Seals and Sea lions |
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| Puppy |
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| Doing some Yoga |
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| Children watching the seals and sea lions |
You will
experience a typical stink from seal and sea lion poop, but we adjust to the
smell very quickly
It is best
to watch them from a distance and not go very near. The sea lions can become
aggressive if they feel threatened. They are also protected by law and ‘flushing’
a seal or sea lion will cost you a hefty $500 fine.
If you see a
sick or injured seal or sea lion, call the Sea World Mammal Rescue at (800)
541-7325. Likewise, if you see an animal being abused, call the San Diego
Police Department at (619) 531-2000 or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) Enforcement hotline at (800) 853-196.
The natural habitat
of seals and sea lions is threatened by local litigation that sees the seal
odor as hurting nearby commercial interests. Seal Conservancy is an
organization formed in 1999, to preserve and protect the La Jolla harbor seal
rookery for the enjoyment and educational benefit of children, and for the
ecological, scientific, historic, and scenic benefits to all.
The Seal
Conservancy is also working towards educating the public about the La Jolla
Harbor Seal Rookery. Over the past 15 years, they have educated hundreds of
thousands of visitors to Casa Beach about the La Jolla harbor seal rookery,
sharing viewing tips, harbor seal facts, and helping visitors spot the births
that take place every February at Casa Beach.
Many
visitors to Casa Beach come with residents who want to show their guests this
natural attraction in La Jolla.
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| La Jolla Map |
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| Ice Plants |
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| the watch tower |
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| Wild Ice Plants |
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| Lovely Office time |
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| Office time |
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| Wild flowers |
