Ahh, summertime. Our days are full of pools and popsicles, backyard barbecues and family vacations. Our skin is tanned, our toes are sandy, and we live without a care in the world.
Cue: record scratch.
Ok, there are still many, many cares left to live with, especially when school is out and the days are long. I think we can all agree that the best summer activities require very little planning and prep on our part, which is why tide pool exploration is a winner in my book.
Toes dipped in cool ocean water, heads bent down searching, happy squeals upon spotting a tiny creature slithering across a rock. Tide pooling is such a rich sensory experience full of wonder, delight, and learning opportunities. When I think of the joy and magic of childhood, this is it right here.
Understanding the Tides
To understand what a tide pool is, you will first want to understand the tides. A high tide is when the waves are pulled up onto the beach – think of those times you set up your chairs in a seemingly dry spot, only to find your bags and belongings soaked an hour later. You can thank the tide for that! A low tide, on the other hand, is when the waves are pulled back down toward the ocean, revealing rocks and shells that were once hidden by water. The timing of the tides will be different every day, as the tides are affected by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon. A tide pool occurs during low tide, when little ponds of water get trapped between exposed rocks, giving you a clear and close-up view into marine life.
Tide Pooling Tips
Before you go tide pooling, be sure to take a look at a tide forecast like this one so you know when the water will be lowest. Most experts suggest timing your visit within 1 hour before or after low tide.
You will want to make sure that kids are able to walk comfortably over and around a variety of rocks and be sure to keep an eye on anyone who might need extra help. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and shoes that have traction and can get wet. Wear shorts or pants that you can easily roll up, especially if you want to make your way to the sea caves.
The guard will tell you not to touch or remove any plants, animals, or shells from the tide pool habitats, and you should listen! Not only is it disruptive and possibly harmful to the ecosystems of the tide pools, you never know what may be dangerous to touch.
Nearby Tide pools
While Leo Carillo is the closest for a large tide pool area, below you will find a variety of tide pools all within driving distance.
Ventura County:
Hobson Beach (by the campground), Ventura Harbor Beach (opposite Mother’s Beach), Rincon Point (on border of Santa Barbara County)
LA County
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park, Point Fermin White Point, Leo Carrillo State Park, Point Dume
Orange County:
Rockpile, Fisherman’s Cove, Crescent Bay, Little Corona Del Mar Beach,Treasure Cove, Dana Point Headlands
San Diego:
Cabrillo National Monument, Sunset Cliffs , Hospital Point , La Jolla Caves Beach (La Jolla Tide Pools), Tide Beach Park, Seaside Beach, Swami’s, Terramar Beach
Sources: https://livingplanetaquarium.org/wp-content/uploads/Tide-Pools.pdf, https://www.californiabeaches.com/map/best-tide-pools-in-southern-california/#google_vignette
