Last updated: January 20, 2021
Place
Tidepools
NPS Photo/D. Zeller
Quick Facts
Amenities
7 listed
Beach/Water Access, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Restroom, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead
The rocky intertidal area, also known as the tidepools, is a favorite spot at Cabrillo National Monument. Each year over 350,000 people visit the tidepools, one of the best protected rocky intertidal areas in California. The best time to visit the tidepools is during the fall and winter months, when we get our great low tides during park hours. During spring and summer, the tide is usually covering the tidepools when the park is open. Please read Prepare for Your Visit to the Tidepools and Protecting the Tidepools before your visit so you will be aware of what to expect.
Note that everything in the park is protected. This means you cannot collect rocks or shells, pick flowers, etc. We ask that you leave everything where it is. Please do not pick up any animals as that can hurt the environment they need to survive. We ask that you do not turn over rocks or stack the rocks.
Please plan for appropriate clothing and footwear. Shoes with good gripping soles are best, as rocky areas become slippery with water and algae. Closed toe shoes are recommended. Sandals or flip flops are strongly discouraged due to their inability to provide a good grip on the slippery rocks.
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. Please pick up after your pets.
Note that everything in the park is protected. This means you cannot collect rocks or shells, pick flowers, etc. We ask that you leave everything where it is. Please do not pick up any animals as that can hurt the environment they need to survive. We ask that you do not turn over rocks or stack the rocks.
Please plan for appropriate clothing and footwear. Shoes with good gripping soles are best, as rocky areas become slippery with water and algae. Closed toe shoes are recommended. Sandals or flip flops are strongly discouraged due to their inability to provide a good grip on the slippery rocks.
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. Please pick up after your pets.