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Best of La Jolla

Kid-friendly fish spots

You need a restaurant where the kids are welcome and the fish is the main event.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
La Jolla Caves Snorkel & Watersports image 1
La Jolla Caves Snorkel & Watersports image 2
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Water sports equipment rental service

Water sports equipment rental offers top quality gear including wetsuits, drybags, and waterproof phone cases, with sizes for all ages. The atmosphere is chill and family-friendly, supported by knowledgeable guides who highlight local wildlife like sea lions and colorful fish. The experience includes calm, shallow waters and excellent customer care, with extras like snacks, towels, and flexible gear return.

Guides provide child-sized gear and coach kids on wetsuits and breathing. They offer flexible options like resting on rocks or staying in the cove, ensuring kids feel comfortable and safe throughout.

Bright orange Garibaldi fish swim alongside sea lions and stingrays in clear water. The snorkeling trip reveals many kinds of fish, including a small horn shark and two types of starfish.

People are saying

"Alex made our snorkeling tour fun and stress-free, even for beginners."

"The staff is so patient and friendly with kids."

"Alex made sure we felt comfortable and safe while seeing the fish."

Good to know

1

All the gear is in great shape and quality.

2

Parking can be very difficult, so plan ahead.

3

The snorkeling adventure is suitable for all ages.

02
Nautilus Tavern image 1
American restaurant

Small American restaurant with outdoor seating and a friendly, relaxed vibe. Live music and a DJ create a lively atmosphere in the evenings, while multiple TVs show sports. The place is dog friendly and offers free video games for kids.

Free video games keep kids entertained. The menu includes Nacho plate and Chicken fingers that kids enjoy. A Monday promotion lets kids eat free.

Fish tacos come out fantastic with fresh, hot ingredients. The fish sandwich stands out as exceptionally flavorful and large. Fish dishes like fish and chips arrive hot and in generous portions.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and flavorful."

"The kids loved the food, especially the chicken fingers."

"The fish tacos here were fantastic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs every day with half-price appetizers.

2

Trivia night occurs every Thursday with a $5 entry fee.

3

Free parking is available in the garage downstairs.

03
La Jolla Tide Pools image 1

Coastal tide pools reveal clear water and diverse sea life like crabs and fish, creating a family-friendly environment. Gentle waves break on rocks under scenic views with easy access from nearby parking. The atmosphere stays peaceful and relaxing, with people strolling or sitting quietly by the ocean.

Kids enjoy exploring tide pools filled with sea life. The area offers free entertainment and a fun sea life adventure for children.

Tide pools hold numerous crabs and small fish along with octopuses, sea urchins, and mussels. These pools reveal a variety of marine creatures like limpets and anemones at low tide.

People are saying

"It's a great Kid Friendly place to explore tide pools and see marine life."

"The views here are breathtaking, with waves crashing."

"I saw small fish and crabs in the tide pools at low tide."

Good to know

1

Parking near the tide pools is easier on weekdays than weekends.

2

Getting there early helps secure parking spots.

3

There is free street parking available.

04
El Pescador Fish Market image 1

Fish market and restaurant combine with fresh seafood display behind a glass counter. Outdoor patio lined with cacti offers a relaxed coastal vibe and spacious seating options. The atmosphere feels buzzy and inviting, drawing people who appreciate fresh fish and casual dining.

Kids enjoy the fish tacos and the kids catch menu. The salmon kids meal includes rice and beans and is filling enough to finish quickly. Staff notice kids and ensure seating is ready.

Fresh fish arrives daily, making the quality consistently high. Signature items include a fish sandwich and a fish burrito praised for their flavor and freshness.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The fish here is so fresh and delicious."

"The fish tacos here are delicious and a great option for kids."

Good to know

1

El Pescador Fish Market operates on a first come, first serve basis; no reservations accepted.

2

Expect long lines on Saturday afternoons, especially during peak hours.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early to secure a spot.

05
Eddie V's Prime Seafood image 1
Seafood restaurant

Panoramic ocean views define the setting, especially from the outdoor patio with heated lamps and a fire pit for warmth. The atmosphere stays elegant and quiet, welcoming guests with attentive service and thoughtful touches like table decorations and complimentary champagne. The place draws those seeking a refined dining experience paired with stunning scenery.

Children receive special coloring books and crayons to stay busy before dinner. Staff offer attentive, friendly service and celebrate milestones like birthdays and achievements with personal touches and free desserts.

Fish arrives fresh and cooked to perfection, with dishes like Parmesan crusted sole served in a light lemon cream sauce that feels fresh and not greasy.

People are saying

"The ocean view here is spectacular and to die for."

"The fish here is so fresh and cooked to perfection."

"It's so Kid Friendly, they even gave my son a special birthday dessert."

Good to know

1

Reservations are essential as the restaurant is often fully booked.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm daily with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Valet parking is recommended due to limited street parking availability.

06
Public House La Jolla image 1
American restaurant

Cozy converted building with indoor and outdoor seating including a heated shaded patio creates a homey vibe. Numerous sports screens and live music add casual energy. The atmosphere feels low-energy and relaxed, attracting those who enjoy a quiet spot for drinks and games.

Accommodates large groups with kids easily, even on busy days. Offers a kids menu with several good options that kids enjoy.

Fish tacos come with lemon pepper aioli and chipotle aioli that add bold flavors. Fish and chips taste delicious and pair well with these sauces.

People are saying

"I loved their amazing craft beer selection."

"The kids' meals were a hit, even if service was a bit disorganized."

"I found the fish and chips to be very good."

Good to know

1

Half-off burgers are available on Tuesdays.

2

Happy hour offers daily specials, including half-price sliders.

3

Parking is plentiful near the restaurant.

07
Beeside Balcony La Jolla image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Open-air Mediterranean restaurant offers breathtaking ocean views and an elevated patio that reduces street noise. Live music sets a classy beach town vibe with a vibrant atmosphere that feels both lively and welcoming.

Service and food show friendliness to kids and pets. Children's pasta with meatball exists but lacks flavor.

Fresh fish shines in the whole grilled branzino and rock fish tacos. Fish dishes come with unique touches like slate plates for fish and chips.

People are saying

"The food at these dinner spots was spectacular and did not disappoint."

"It's a really kid-friendly place; my one-year-old loved it."

"The whole branzino fish is perfectly cooked and a must-try."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great prices on drinks and appetizers.

2

The happy hour menu is available upon request from the staff.

3

Parking is generally easy, but can be difficult during peak hours.

08
The Spot La Jolla image 1

Bar and grill with ocean views and an indoor-outdoor second story creates a lively, cozy atmosphere. Outdoor seating is dog friendly and popular, while multiple sports TVs show several games simultaneously. The place fills up and gets loud, especially later in the evening.

Kids enjoy fresh chicken strips and a hotdog praised as the best they've had. A well-behaved golden retriever adds to the friendly atmosphere, and vegetarian options satisfy different tastes.

Fried fish tacos stand out with a blackened, flavorful taste. The fish and chips feature a crispy, delicious batter, and the Mahi Mahi tacos offer a satisfying fried option.

People are saying

"The bar food here is some of the best I've ever had."

"I enjoyed the fish and chips; they were delicious."

"The food here is so Kid Friendly, even picky eaters loved it."

Good to know

1

Parking at The Spot can be challenging.

2

They have Trivia Night on Tuesdays.

3

Happy Hour gives $3 off appetizers.

09
Verdes El Ranchero image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a cozy bar and relaxed, friendly atmosphere plays classic rock music, creating a Southern California vibe. The space is dark and loud, attracting a lively crowd. Pets are welcome, adding to the casual, inviting feel.

Kids enjoy the queso here. The spot works well for families, though the slow service can be tricky with little ones.

Fish dishes feature a beer battered fish taco served on a homemade flour tortilla and a fish torta known for its bold flavors.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

"You have to try the beer battered fish taco."

"The queso is so good, kids loved it!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Reservations are not required, but the restaurant gets busy quickly.

3

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating available.

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La Jolla, San Diego

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