Best Outdoor Activities in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

"Built in the 1930s, La Jolla’s Children’s Pool was created as a family beach space, but since then it's been descended on by herds of seals and sea lions. Despite the pinnipeds' particularly pungent odor, tourists come in droves to see them larking around, swimming, fighting and mating. Visitors can get extremely close via a concrete platform surrounding the cove, and the seals don't seem to mind – but there's strictly no touching, feeding or selfies to be taken with the seals."

"Location: Harbor Island (across the Street from the San Diego Airport)Water slide: NoAdults only pool: No. This pool is on the list for people who need a San Diego airport hotel but would like a pool, too. Guests may watch yachts meander through the harbor and enjoy water views from the pool at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina."

"This hike will take you through unique rock structures, and at the end, you can enjoy the sunset from the beach (a sometimes nude one). Don’t forget to check out the Mushroom House too while you’re there. More: Photo Guide to Hiking the Ho Chi Minh Trail"

"With just shy of 100 seats, the New Village Arts Theater is one of Carlsbad’s most intimate musical and theatrical live performance venues. Located on State Street in the downtown area, it is staffed by local actors, stagehands, and musicians, who produce some annual performances that tend to get rave reviews. In addition to performances, the theater’s staff offer several community outreach programs and activities to foster creativity and expression in local children."

"While the peaceful, residential neighborhood of South Park has several gift shops worthy of a browse (Grafitti Beach Boutique and Make Good among them), Brake & Rumble is the only spot where you might actually find something you want to buy for yourself, for both men and women. Expect boots, jewelry, cool T-shirts, and more. Note: The shop is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays."

"Located in Heritage County Park, this historic Victorian Tea House is a great Instagram spot and a delicious place to have afternoon tea. The tea here is not just an average to-go cup of tea. It is a full experience, complete with tea sandwiches, scones, petite desserts, and salads."

"After over three decades, they seem to be getting tastier by the day. The ice cream itself is lush, packed full of flavour and creamier than anything you will ever taste. Three (or more!) scoops?"

"The Wells Fargo Museum, located inside the Colorado House, features one of the company’s original 1867 Concord stagecoaches. The recreated and historically-furnished former hotel also houses actual historic telegraph machines and a variety of other memorabilia related to the banking and transportation company. Photo Courtesy of Historic Old Town Community Foundation"

"The Seeley Stable Museum is a reproduction of the Yuma to San Diego stage stop. It displays a wide collection of 19th-century transportation vehicles and equipment as well as other rare artifacts."