Discover the Best San Diego Tide Pools – Great Low Tides this Fall and Winter so Come and Explore

Visiting a tidepool is a thrilling experience. Each time you can see something different. Kids love them – a free nature hunt to explore the sand, rocks, water and interesting marine life. There are some great times to visit San Diego tide pools starting in October and through the winter, usually during full and new moons, when the minus tides occur.

What are tide pools? Tidepools, or tidal pools, are small collections of sea water in depressions usually found near the low-tide line. They can hold many species of limpets, mussels, crabs, sea slugs, sea urchins, starfish, anemones are more. These tidepools are usually found on rocky shores that are covered and uncovered by the ocean tides.

Tides are the alternating rise and fall of the sea level, due to the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. Many factors influence the tides, but the very low tides in San Diego during daylight hours occur during the fall and winter. These tides can be predicted, so we know that the following days should be the best days to visit the San Diego tide pools this year:

October 16 – 20

November 1 – 5

November 14 – 19

November 30 – Dec 4

December 13 – 19

December 29 – 31

There is only a 2-4 hour time window each day that is the best time to explore the tide pools in San Diego.

The most famous tide pools in San Diego are in Point Loma at the Cabrillo National Monument. They are worth paying the $5 entrance fee to drive into the park. Usually a ranger or volunteer will be present to help you identify what you see. Other good tidepools can be found in La Jolla, Ocean Beach, Swami´s, Tide Beach in Solana Beach, and San Onofre.

You will want to arrive early on weekends or holidays, as the tide pools will be crowded in popular spots like the Cabrillo National Monument.

For more information on San Diego tide pools, including the best times to visit in 2009, go to

San Diego Tide Pools