As you may have guessed, we LOVE tidepools. Just cannot get enough. As with all tidepools, always check the tide charts and ensure you go at low tide, preferably a low low tide (in the negatives is best) to have the best chance to explore without worry of waves crashing in.
What are tidepools? Imagine as the ocean retracts, leaving behind the rocky floor with pockets of small “pools” that sea creatures (sea anenomies, sea slugs, hermit crabs, mussels, fish, and so much more) hang out and wait for the ocean to return.
Tucked into a residential neighborhood of La Jolla, there’s a fun spot in Windansea beach that offers a long walkway of exploration when the tide is low.
What to wear: Weather appropriate clothing, but either capri’s, shorts, or pants you can roll up (so they don’t get wet) as well as either water shoes or flip flops. You can wear sneakers for better gripping, but even with the best intentions, be prepared for them to get a little wet. We do not advise going barefoot.
How to get there: The tidepool area is right at the corner of Palomar and Neptune. When you arrive, just park anywhere (parking is not difficult, especially on Palomar) and walk towards the beach. Take the big staircase down and you’ll see it to your left.
Per most tidepools in our area, the first finds are usually sea anenomies which are typically covered in crushed shells for protection, but sometimes you’ll see them uncovered and have flashbacks from Finding Nemo. The are OK to touch, just be sure to touch on the outside versus sticking your finger right in the center. It’s fun to see them coil up.
The colors you’ll see in this area are truly magnificent.
The exposed sea grass is always fun to see.
You also can take in views of the La Jolla coastline.
So many interesting discoveries and sea life, right there alive in their shells! Truly amazing to see. It’s OK to pick them up, just put them back when done admiring. And it’s not too crowded either.
The visibility in this spot wasn’t too great because it was deep, but that is a lobster! We saw a couple of them! And this amazingly colorful sea slug (called a Nudibranch) next to him.
On some visits the kids brought friends and enjoyed the freedom of exploring the ocean floor.
Amazing colorful shell that had a sea creature in it.
It seemed that every shell picked up on this spot had a live sea creature in it! Many times the shells are empty, waiting for a new creature to make it it’s new home.
And if the low tide happens to coincide with sunset, it’s a great way to wrap up another beautiful day in San Diego.
We hope this post inspired you to check out this or other local tidepools. It’s a living museum and truly beautiful to take in. And, it’s FREE!
