![]() There are several areas along the La Jolla Coast Boulevard shoreline that are abundant with tide pool life. ![]() Wildlife creatures at the tide pools include sea lions, crabs, sea anemones, mussels, barnacles, starfish, and more. Whether you enjoy beachcombing, photography, or tide pooling, the La Jolla limestone cliffs are the best. La Jolla is located on the Northwest side of San Diego and is a beautiful place to enjoy the wonders of the ocean. A general rule of thumb is that the tide pools can be visited approximately two hours before low tide time (when the tide is receding) and two hours after (when the tide is coming back in).” This doesn’t mean that tide pooling during the summer is for naught-you will still be able to explore the wonderful coastline and its creatures-you may just have to adjust your expectations.La Jolla’s rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and tide pools offer plenty of space to see marine wildlife. Unlike the summer months, when low tides occur in the middle of the night, the good low tides-including the outstanding negative low tides-in fall and winter occur during daylight hours. Online: parks.ca.gov What You Need to Know about San Diego Tide Pools Before GoingĪccording to the National Park Service, “Late fall and winter are the optimum times for a visit 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. The rocks are slippery, so remember to put the crew in the right shoes to navigate this terrain.Ī post shared by S and S Ledbetter State BeachĪlthough it’s a pay parking lot, it’s just a few steps to this sandy shore that’s full of treasures. 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. 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.Ī quiet little gem in La Jolla to find sea anemones and other little creatures. 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.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |