“You know how to tell which ones are California sea lions? They’re blonde.”

A tour guide said that to me in the Galapagos Islands years ago (he was kidding), and it still makes me laugh whenever I spot seals.

Following a delicious brunch at nearby restaurant Sugar & Scribe, Emily and I walked over to Point Mencinger / La Jolla Cove to admire the seals that famously lounge upon this shoreline:

Isn’t the California coastline stunning? I’m reminded of that every time I come to the beach here.

Since we’ve come during ‘harbor sea pupping season’ we aren’t allowed on the beach — they get the sand to themselves, while tourists can observe them from a walkway above.

The water is so clear here:

While most of the seals are sunbathing on the beach, a few are playfully swimming in the water:

The way some of them have nestled in the grooves is so sweet:

Harbor seal kisses:

A few parting shots…

Thanks for taking me here, Em!

FYI, there are seals in other coves surrounding this part of La Jolla — specifically, the La Jolla Cove viewpoint is a little further north from here (like a 5 minute walk). But we spent our time at this lookout since it was so pretty here. If you have the time, it’d be pretty to walk up the coast for a longer stretch.