
PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO. Whatever incredible tidal terrain you choose to explore, the San Diego tide pools will leave you and your family with the most magic marine memories.THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. These delicate ecosystems provide endless opportunities to learn about the ocean community and all who call it home. In addition, beware of the prickly urchins and soft as silk anemones. Gently handle sea stars, watch as hermit crabs retreat into their hard shells. Meanwhile, enjoy the moments as you traipse through rocky terrain, turn over stones, and ogle at the magnificent creatures below. Kids and adults of all ages will create unforgettable memories. When the west coast enters into the cooler months and temperatures take a dive, tidepool season is upon us. While water sports like swimming, snorkeling, and surfing may garner boatloads of attention, there is plenty of amusement, excitement, and education to be found in the city’s tidal pools. Related Post: 11 Popular Hiking Trails in San Diego


This board illustrates and outlines the diverse variety of tidal pool life found here.īountiful beaches, miles of surf-worthy waves, and marine life galore make San Diego a truly crave-worthy coastal oasis. Meanwhile, older kiddos should be sure to study the Beach’s information board. Little ones will have a blast frolicking on the flat rocks at low tide. Other interesting wildlife to look out for include starfish, sea cucumbers, hermit crabs, limpets, chiton, and other mollusks. These fascinating crustaceans are a unique sight not witnessed at any other San Diego tidal pool. During your visit, sneak a smidgen closer to the sedimentary rocks for a peek at the embedded clam fossils. These ancient stones are not the only draw here.
TIDAL POOLS LA JOLLA SAN DIEGO HOW TO
Related Post: A Weekend in San Diego: How to Plan the Perfect Trip In addition, it offers up a bevy of tidal pools constituted by 45 million-year-old sedimentary rocks. This beach is nestled just 30 minutes North of La Jolla, in charming Cardiff-by-the Sea. Photo credit: San Elijo & Cardiff State Beach via Facebook Cardiff State BeachĬurious seaside surveyors should plan ahead, as Cardiff State Beach contains a can’t miss Cardiff tide pool. Middle Intertidal Zone - situated between the High and Low zones, can be visible at various tides and is home to anemones, keyhole limpets, Black tegula snails, Kellet’s whelks, and Sandcastle worms, as well as various types of algae and kelps.Low Intertidal Zone - only visible during the lowest tides, exciting organisms spotted here can include octopus, sea stars, nudibranchs, sea hares, spiny lobsters, urchins, and various types of fish.High Intertidal Zone - the highest part of the tide pool, animals found here include barnacles, limpets, chitons, crabs, and mussels.These staggeringly beautiful blue orbs can be categorized into three distinct tidal sections:
TIDAL POOLS LA JOLLA SAN DIEGO FULL
Related Post: Ultimate Guide to the San Diego Zoo: Coupons, Discounts, and DealsĪn ideal locale for a full day of tide pool hopping, hiking, and more. The Cabrillo Tide Pools, also known as the ‘Rocky Intertidal Zone,’ is one of the best tide pools in San Diego.īoasting well over 300,000 visitors each year, these watery abysses are a welcome addition to any Cabrillo National Monument stop. Photo credit: Alaine Ibarreche via Facebook Cabrillo Tide Pools

Slather on that sunscreen! You can still get burned even in winter, and SPF is essential.Ideally, dress in clothes you don't mind getting wet or dirty.

This means close-toed shoes with a good grip for scrambling around slippery rocks and sand. The first step to planning an epic tide pool San Diego visit is to prepare yourself: Related Post: San Diego on a Budget: How to Save BIG With a Go City Pass It is up to us to protect these fragile communities and treat them with care. In addition to providing a home to a wide variety of different plants they also house marine animals. San Diego tide pools are an integral part of the Southern California beach ecosystem. Read on to discover everything you need to know about the very best tide pools in San Diego! San Diego Tide Pools What to Know Before You Go
