Breezeway Sign at Tidepool Trailer

Entrance to Coastal Trail. Information kiosk is ahead on the left.

NPS Photo/M. O'Barr

Quick Facts

Location:

32°40.104’, 117°14.658’

Amenities

6 listed

Accessible Sites, Parking - Auto, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead, Wheelchair Accessible

This location marks the start of the Coastal Trail Tour. While on this trail, visitors are able to see wonderful views of the Point Loma Kelp Forest and the Rocky Intertidal Zone. The tidepool areas are accessible to the public from 9am-4:30pm during low tide conditions.

The coastal trail is a 1-mile, unpaved hike with mild to moderate difficulty due to short periods of incline and stairs. The hike provides excellent opportunity to view the Chaparral and Coastal Sage Scrub plant communities.

On this trail you’ll find wide, easy paths with an amazing coastal view. The easy paths lead to steep stairs. Keep in mind this trail is constantly impacted by erosion and some of the stairs are uneven and rugged. It is not possible to take strollers etc. on this trail.

This trail provides scenic ocean views, the chance to see whales migrating in the winter months, various marine life, and a look at the native vegetation. Please stay on the trail as we have dangerous cliffs, sensitive vegetation, and the possibility of rattlesnakes off trail. Some of the sensitive vegetation may look dead, especially in the summer, but they are just dormant, waiting for the winter and spring rains.

Pets are allowed on the trail as long as they are on a 6 foot or shorter leash. Please do not go off trail with your pets. They are also not allowed in the tidepools due to the sensitivity of the wildlife there. Please pick up after your pets.

Access
Wheelchair accessible point at the beginning of the trail. The remaining path is unpaved.