Low tide reveals an entire world of intertidal-zone life, sea stars, undulating anemones and tiny, colorful nudibranchs living in the rocky pools near shore. So check the tide charts, grab shoes that can get wet or grubby and head for one of the Bay Area’s stellar tide pool spots.
Just remember that tide pool terrain is notoriously slippery. Watch your footing and never turn your back on the waves.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel
This spectacular stretch of coastline has been dubbed the crown jewel of the State Park system — and it’s credited with inspiring Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island.” Long John Silver was probably more concerned with piratical pursuits than tide pools, but you’ll be smitten by the sights at Weston Beach, where hermit crabs, limpets, black turban snails and colorful seaweed live in the intertidal zones.
Prefer to visit virtually or get a peek ahead of time? Or dive — remotely — beneath the waves? Find links for the park’s new smartphone apps, visitor info and the Point Lobos Foundation’s tide pool guide at www.parks.ca.gov.
Details: The reserve, which is off Highway 1 just south of Carmel, is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; day use is $10 per car.
James V. Fitzgerald Marine Preserve, Moss Beach
Sea stars, anemones, limpets and sea urchins thrive in the rocky tide pools of this incredible marine preserve. This Moss Beach destination reopened to visitors last month, with volunteer naturalists on hand and downloadable guides available from the Friends of Fitzgerald Reserve website to help you identify the wonders you’re seeing.
Details: Open daily at 8 a.m. at 200 Nevada Ave. in Moss Beach; http://fitzgeraldreserve.org. Check out the virtual tour at http://fitzgeraldreserve.org/video.
Point Pinos, Pacific Grove
This rugged stretch of coastline from Asilomar State Beach to Point Pinos offers tiny beaches, rocky reefs and tide pools brimming with sea stars, anemones, hermit crabs and more. Some of the most spectacular sights are on the west side of Point Pinos in an area aptly dubbed the Great Tide Pool.
Details: Asilomar State Beach runs along Sunset Drive to Point Pinos in Pacific Grove; www.parks.ca.gov.
Crab Cove, Alameda
Alameda’s Crown Memorial State Beach has reopened its Crab Cove Visitor Center and Aquarium on weekends. Check out the exhibits, aquariums and touch pool, then head outside to the Crab Cove Marine Protected Area, where low tide reveals crabs and other colorful sea creatures in their natural habitats.
Details: Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach is open daily for walk-in visitors (the McKay Parking Lot has been closed during the pandemic). The Crab Cove Visitor Center and Aquarium at 1252 McKay Ave. is open on weekends with free admission; ebparks.org.
Clarification: A photograph in this story has been replaced because an earlier photograph showed a child standing in a tide pool, while another held a sand pail and shovel nearby. Standing in a tide pool or interfering in any way with marine life is forbidden at state marine preserves and should be avoided at any beach. Please look -- don't touch.
