Chase NorCal swells, hone your surf skills, and go tide pooling all in one day at this top San Francisco Bay Area beach. ![]() Head to the southernmost part of the beach to encounter isolated rock pools home to different kinds of crabs and sea anemones.īesides awesome tide pooling, Pacifica State Beach is also a favorite destination among surfers, especially those who are just starting out. Pacifica Tide PoolsĪlso known as Linda Mar State Beach, this beautiful coastal destination is a top kid-friendly California tide pooling spot with a rich habitat. And if you think this beautiful beach looks familiar but can’t put your finger on it, you might recognize it from the opening scene of Memoirs of a Geisha- several scenes were filmed at the bluffs, directly overlooking the beautiful reserve. Look for sea urchins, anemones, hermit crabs, and numerous other sea critters at this coveted Northern California tide pool hot spot. The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve consists of a three-mile stretch of beach, tide pool habitat, marsh, erosive bluffs, clifftop trails, as well as cypress and eucalyptus forests. Approximately 20 miles south of San Francisco, this reserve protects and preserves the complex yet fragile community of sea animals along the Moss Beach coast and beyond. Keep in mind there is a $10.50 (cash only) fee into the gates of Pebble Beach.The best area to find tide pools in Moss Beach is at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve located just north of Pillar Point Harbor and Mavericks. ![]() The shallow and rocky shores are full of creatures waiting to be discovered. ![]() The jagged rocks near Lovers Point's shoreline create an ideal spot for small crabs, mussels and lots of kelp! 17-Mile DriveĪmong the various golf courses and celebrity mansions along 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach lay some of the finest tide pools the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary has to offer. This popular Pacific Grove beach is literally crawling with slimy and creepy critters. The well-protected beach is also a great place for sea glass scavenging. Plus, your chances are excellent for sighting an otter or two! McAbee BeachĪfter scoping out the sea otters, sharks and jellies at the Monterey Bay Aquarium head over to McAbee Beach below Steinbeck Plaza on Cannery Row for a more immersive encounter. Weston Beach, west and a bit south of Point Lobos' main entrance, is exceptionally good for the protected pools. Not only is Point Lobos State Reserve one of the greatest meetings of land and sea, it's also a spectacular place for tide pools. Point Pinos in Pacific Grove, also known as the Great Tide Pool, is one of the most populated tide pool habitats in the world and are even visible during high tides. Point Pinosĭon't let the beautiful views of the Pacific Grove Golf Links and Point Pinos Lighthouse distract you from the gems just beneath the ocean's surface. The area along Sunset Drive is a particularly thriving area. The rocky beaches of Asilomar State Beach offer the perfect habitat for the ocean's smaller creatures including sea anemones, sand dollars and sea urchins. Pacific Grove is a hot spot when it comes to tide pooling. Keep your eyes open for an array of mollusks, fish and crustaceans, and best of all it is free! Asilomar State Beach Here is our list for some of the best places for tide pooling. ![]() Most importantly, it is vital to protect the environment and remember there is an "absolute no-take" policy on all Monterey County tide pools. Some of the rocks can be slippery if still wet so wear sturdy shoes that can grip onto the rocky shores and always keep your eye out for approaching waves. It is important to enjoy the wildlife while not disturbing their natural surroundings and remember to use caution while tide pooling. Tide pooling is best done when the tides are low but you can almost always find something fascinating year-round. The easy access invites kids and adults alike to closely explore the local wildlife including crabs, abalone, mussels, sea anemones, starfish and if you are fortunate enough you might even spot an elusive octopus. Experience some of nature's little wonders and sea life critters in one of the many tide pools along Monterey County's shoreline.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |