![]() In fact, it’s a good idea to watch your footing, since the rocks can be slippery and the waves can surprise you when they shoot up between rock crevices.Ĭontinue past the tide pools all the way up to Black’s Beach for a longer distance, about 5 miles from the south to the north during low tide. As you explore the tide pools on this side, be aware that what looks like pieces of shells scattered among the rocks may actually be covering dozens of sea anemones. Some of the rocks feature large swirl patterns hinting at ancient earthquake activity. If choosing to walk along the beach about 0.5 mile to the north, just past Scripps Pier, there is another set of tide pools in a rocky area with some very interesting rock formations in the Scripps Coastal Reserve area. If the tide is low enough, walk around the corner toward smooth, flat-topped black rock formations that host many small tide pools. Walking about half a mile to the south, you will come to the end of a row of red-roofed buildings. There are tide pools both to the north and to the south of the park on the beach, so choose either direction or start at one end and work your way to the other. High tide will cover the tide pools and cut the hikeable beach route by more than half. The best time to arrive is at or a little before low tide. Bring cash for the parking fee.Keep an eye on the tide schedules, get up early on the weekend, and head down to La Jolla Shores for a relaxing and fascinating hike to the tide pools. This tide pool has quick and easy access, with restrooms in the parking lot. So grab the stroller, pack a lunch, leash up the dog and soak up the sunshine while exploring the creatures this coast reveals. Seaside Beach (the South end of Cardiff State Beach) is a sweet tide pool spot at low tides. Cardiff State BeachĪlthough it's a pay parking lot, it’s just a few steps to this sandy shore that's full of treasures. Head north of the surfing area to find the tide pools, then, stay and watch the surfers and the sunset. The parking lot is a breeze to find, and there are basic beach bathrooms. Your little sea stars can spy cute critters from snails and star fish to barnacles and limpets. You’ll love the fact that this small surf beach is easy to get to and has a laid back vibe. The rocks are slippery, so remember to put the crew in the right shoes to navigate this terrain. The best time to go is during a minus tide. You’ll see hermit crabs and sea anemones, sea urchins and lobsters (if lucky!). To get to the rocks at low tide you’ll need to go down a steep staircase. False Point La JollaĪ quiet little gem in La Jolla to find sea anemones and other little creatures. Free to park, no restrooms, but worth the trip to find loads of hermit crabs, sea anemones and other critters skittering around in the water. Once on the beach, head one block and you’ll find this hidden gem of a tide pool (only viewable at extreme low tides). Park along Pacific Coast Highway (just South of Cannon Rd.) and go down the stairs, located at the last house. Good to Know: The closest bathrooms are at La Jolla Shores Beach parking lot.Įl Paseo Grande St. To access this spot, park near El Paseo Grand St., then start walking north on the beach (just past the pier). If your timing's right and you hit the extreme low tides, you may get a glimpse of sea stars and sea hares ensconced in the rocks. ![]() ![]() Crouch down and be still to see scampering hermit crabs and gently touch a sticky sea anemone. New to tide pooling? This winter, connect with the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute to search for sea life at Dike Rock, or if you can't wait, you can explore on your own. Head down at minus tide to explore! Note: there's a small parking lot that’s free and also street parking. ![]() You’ll spot starfish and hermit crabs, sea hares and cucumbers. Look for the 45 million year-old oyster fossils in the rocks (which is called tabletop by the locals). You’ll need to hike down a long set of stairs to access this beautiful beach––before finding tons of sea critters at low tides. Also, good to know that if low tide occurs near sunset, this is the spot to be to catch a magnificent view! Even more, you’ll see plenty of seals here too. Grab the crew and head down to Shell Beach during the low or minus tides and you're 'shore' to find giant sea anemones and skittering crabs. Good to Know: To reach the tide pools you must travel 1/4 to 1/2 miles down a dirt path with approximately 100 feet of elevation change. Bonus: Sometimes docents are available to answer questions. Located on the windy ocean-side of the point, little adventurers will spot a large and diverse amount of sea critters in this multi-leveled tidal zone area. The Point Loma tide pools at Cabrillo National Monument surround you with breathtaking views. Come for the tide pools, stay for the photo-ops. ![]()
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