One of our favorite activities to do in SoCal is to explore tide pools. And we have plenty of good suggestions so it’s time for a local trip around to some of the coolest areas to check out tide pools. Grab your kids, pack plenty of snacks and make it a fun adventure.
For this list we added some pretty awesome places for you to have a fun trip, check out some fun little crabs, see urchins, cool rocks and other fun things for you and your little explorers. And you wont have to go far as all of them are easily accessible from Los Angeles.
All of this water adventure plus a little exercise with some outdoor fun at the beach exploring the hidden worlds inside tide pools.
Of course respect the environment and the creatures and be sure to follow all posted signs, warnings and restrictions.
1 – Malibu Tide Pools
Description:
Its probably not a surprise for you that Malibu made it first on our list with some of the most beautiful places to explore tide pools. First we recommend El Matador Beach, a local favorite for good reasons, and check out the gorgeous caves and rock arches. During low tide, this place is filled with tiny pools displaying all sorts of fun and colorful creatures. Your kids will love this one. The fun steep steps down to the beach , adds a short but adventurous hike to the day.
Looking for starfish and sea urchins? Leo Carillo is the place to go in Malibu. If you have little ones who like to play pirate, this is a great and fun place with small coves for your kids to explore and have a blast. Parents can breathe fresh air while taking a break from the city’s hustle and bustle in all the wonderous beauty that is Malibu.
Location: 35000 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Pic Credit: @ellenstonaker
2 – Palos Verdes Tide Pools
Description:
There are several awesome places in the South Bay area to go tide pooling. These gems are tucked away in breathtaking areas so you can explore places on a local trip, and perhaps even get a chance to discover a new area you haven’t visited yet. For PV you wan to also take it to the next level and bring binoculars in case you spot a dolphin or Whales off the coast line.
For tide pools in Rancho Palos Verdes the most popular stop is by Abalone Cove. This magnificent place is an open space featuring views of the pacific, perfect for anyone who enjoys nature. Take the Abalone Cove trail and expect about 20 minutes hike down to the beach. It’s a steep and narrow dirt path so make sure everyone brings the right shoes.
The tide pools here are a great treat with all sorts of sea creatures. Also if you are in luck, while appreciating the vast ocean you may be able to spot a dolphin or a whale.
Be sure to come early if you go on a weekend as the onsite parking lot tends to fill up before afternoon.
Location: 5970 Palos Verdes Drive South Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
PIC Credit: @exploremorenature
3 – Point Dume
Description:
Who doesn’t enjoy visiting the large gorgeous cliff at Point Dume? Well this awesome place has even more to offer to everyone who loves nature. Incredible views and magnificent bluffs and overlooks make this spot one of a kind. But an extra bonus is visitors can also head a bit South of this amazing cliff and find some pretty cool tide pools!
Take the trail down to Dume Cove, you will see the sign for Point Dume Natural Preserve Tidepools. This is a great expedition, involving a good hike and also some stairs. Once you arrive to the pools, enjoy an array of wonderful sea creatures.
The large rock field exposes numerous tide pools filled with variety of sea life that many young visitors will be thrilled to watch. Expect sea anemones, sea stars and more.
Location: Cliffside Dr &, Birdview Ave, Malibu, CA 90265
PIC Credit: @arminfoster
4 – Crystal Cove Newport Beach
Description:
It’s not secret that Orange County is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of the country, so do make sure to visit one of its brightest gems, Crystal Cove in Newport Beach. This breathtaking beach is perfect to take in the splendid panorama and beautiful nature. Of course if your coming from LA the trip here is a bit longer but trust us, its totally worth it!
While you are there also be sure to check out the Historic District, displaying 46 rustic coastal cottages. These cottages were originally built as a seaside colony in the 1930s. The park staff offers interpretative programs year round that includes hikes, geology chats and tide pool walking.
There are four tide pool areas to check out in this phenomenal park. Reef point, Pelican Point, Treasure Cove and Rocky Bright. There is a $15 day use fee to be pay at the entrance of each kiosk except Rocky Bright which you need to pay upon leaving.
You will find a wide variety of exciting creatures with interesting survival adaptations including barnacles, sea stars, snails, sea hares, crabs, sea urchins, sandcastle worm, sea cucumbers, and California two spot octopus. Bring good shoes with grip, light jackets, hat and sunscreen, and be ready to have a great time.
Visit crystalcovestatepark.org for directions to each of these amazing tide pools.
Location: Crystal Cove State Park8471 N. Coast Highway Laguna Beach, California 92651
PIC Credit: @lovinlife40plus
5 – White Point Beach San Pedro
Description:
Last and definitely not least is San Pedro’s White Point Beach. This gem of a beach is located right next to Royal Palms Beach which is also a gorgeous area where a Japanese hot springs resort used to thrived in the 1920s. Its worth spending some times at Royal Palms after tide pooling at White Point Beach. Besides the cool ruins of the now defunct resort you can take your picnic here and enjoy the great views on the outside tables next to crashing waves.
The tide pool area in White Point Beach is quite large, in fact there are three areas to explore, which makes it super fun, tons of mussels and barnacles, also crabs, sea snails, and very small fish. Scuba divers love this spot during high tides.
Access is super easy, there is a parking lot right next to the tide pool area and it cost $6 (sometimes $10 depends on the season) all day, there is a machine down at the bottom of the hill where you can pay on days when the guard shack is closed.
When you are done tide pooling, explore the rest of San Pedro, or grab a shrimp tray at the nearby San Pedro Fish Market.
Location: 1801 W Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90732
PIC Credit: @goodmanscouts
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!