Hitting the beach in the summer is a given, but winter? Why not, since it offers low tides and fewer crowds, which make a perfect combination for tide pooling.
While you might balk at diving in frigid Pacific waters right now, it is a great time to explore the incredible ecosystem at the water’s edge. With miles of coast line a small road trip away, pack up and get ready for some fun in the pool — tide pool, that is. Check out nooks and crannies found in coral and rock formations and be prepared to get a little glimpse of some wildlife under the sea. Look, but do your best not to touch.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro and the Point Fermin tide pools are a great place to start. Not only is the view gorgeous, but guests can take advantage of the knowledgeable aquarium personnel.
“Now is a good time of the year. Low tides, when tide pooling is the best, are at reasonable hours,” said Larry Fukuhara, aquarium program director.
Stop by the facility first for a brief presentation about the wonders you might see while getting some snapshots of the animals who call the local waters home. “We are interested in explaining and sharing the biology of what you will see. We also let you know what you should be aware of,” he said.
For example, it may look like a rock but it’s probably barnacles, living organisms. Avoid walking on them. If you see something and want to further investigate it, do so but leave the animal where it is. You don’t want to disturb the habitat. Tide pools and the marine animals that live there are federally protected.
“Be aware of waves and just how slippery the rocks can get. Wear the appropriate shoes and layer your clothes. The sun may be out but it can still be pretty cool. And bring sunscreen. Always bring sunscreen,” he said.
Most of all, though, come ready for adventure. Tide pooling is different than a typical trip to the beach.
“It’s about seeing the environment. You’d be surprised just how many from Los Angeles have never seen a hermit crab,’’ Fukuhara said with a chuckle. There’s also the ocean environment, the salty air, the seaweed and algae. It’s a whole sensory thing.”
Here are a few places to check out:
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium: The facility offers tide pool walks for the next couple of months (today, Feb. 25-26; March 11-12, 25-26), with a couple of them conducted in Spanish. Times vary. The fun begins in the aquarium auditorium slide show. 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro; 310-548-7562. Free.
Royal Palms State Beach: Sea anemones are popular and look for Brown pelicans overhead. There is a picnic area, promenade, children’s playground and bathrooms. 1799 Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro. 310-305-9503; www.sanpedro.com Free but metered parking.
Crystal Cove State Park: This place is a dazzling gem on its own, but it also offers visitors a chance to see what Southern California used to look like. Volunteers lead tide pool walks. Food and bathrooms available. 8471 Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. 949-494-3539; www.crystalcovestatepark.org; $12 park day use, hourly parking Monday-Thursday through March 31.
Little Corona Beach: Wedged in an upscale residential neighborhood that provides everyone with fantastic ocean views, this place offers excellent tide pools. 3100 Ocean Blvd., Newport Beach; www.visitnewportbeach.com
Leo Carillo State Park: It’s Malibu and all that conjures up, but it also offers tide pools filled with marine life. Its visitor center has interpretive displays about tide pools. 35000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu; //www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=616 Parking is $3 for 1 hour or $12, all day.
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