California King Tides are naturally occurring and predictable events are when the highest and lowest tides hit our shores and create an even more dramatic coastline. At high tide, the powerful waves often crash against seawalls and extend beyond their usual natural borders. The extreme low tides expose tide pools rarely seen and allow miles of beach walking and extended exploration.
San Diego King Tides most often occur in December of each year during a full moon or new moon. Consult a tide chart where you are able to see the exact times of the highest and lowest tides. At least an hour before and after the listed low and high tides will yield extreme tides worthy of exploration!
California King Tides is the perfect time to plan a winter getaway in San Diego County! Book your stay and don’t miss this extraordinary time of year on the coast!
PRO TIP: The days before and days after the official King Tides dates often still present extreme tides.
Where to Go
For those of you staying with Stubbs, you’re in luck! At the north end of Solana Beach at the border of Cardiff-by-the-Sea is South Cardiff State Beach, known locally as “Seaside.” Park here and head south to easily explore the tidepools. The rocks here are 45 million years old and contain clam fossils.
Another local spot is Swami’s in Encinitas. Made famous for it’s surf break, Swamis has abundant sea life to explore. This area is a Marine Protected Area.
San Diego’s most popular low tide spot is at Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma. The southern end of Cabrillo has many rock depressions that create tide pools filled with sea creatures. For more info on Point Loma and Cabrillo, check out our blog DAY TRIP: Point Loma
Tips for Tidepooling
Check the tides! Negative low tides are ideal. Tides in San Diego, CA
– Bring sturdy footwear as the rocks can be slippery from water and algae.
– Wear sunscreen and a hat.
– No animals, shells or rocks can be removed from the tide-pool area.
– Rocks should not be moved, no organism attached to a surface should be removed by force.
The tide pools are home to hundreds of sea creatures, please be a considerate visitor and don’t pick them up, don’t move their furniture (in the form of rocks and shells), don’t transport them to a bucket or another location because it can kill them. The local tide pools have thousands of visitors each year and you need to be protective of these gentle creatures.
If you’d like a more “hands on” experience, head to Birch Aquarium in La Jolla to visit their Tide Pool Plaza.