Visiting Point Loma Tide Pools

The most important thing to know when planning a visit to the Point Loma tide pools is when it is low tide! The only time to completely explore the tide pool areas are from mid-September through mid-April. During the rest of the year, low tide occurs when the park is closed.

The Point Loma Tide Pools are part of Cabrillo National Monument Park, located on the Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego, California. You enter the park approximately 300-400 feet above sea level. The tributary statue, visitor center, lighthouse, exhibits, bookstore and restrooms are all located at the top of the park.

The top of the peninsula also offers a stunning view of the San Diego Bay, city and mountains beyond (weather permitting). There are Ranger guided tours available, as well as, two hiking trails. We originally planned to hike down to the tide pools, but due to the heat and timing of low tide we decided to drive down.

Limited parking is available near the tide pool areas, so if you do not want to walk down the cliff side be sure to arrive 30 minutes or so before low tide. Our visit was mid-week and parking wasn’t an issue. We started exploring on the far side of the picture and walked across the rocks and sand to the second viewing area. Within an hour, water covered this entire area.

It is very slippery in the tide pool area, make sure you are wearing water shoes or hiking sandals with good traction. All of these rocks were completely submerged by the time we left.

Most of the rocks are covered with a variety of plant and animal life, which makes them both slippery and kind of gross to step on.

My husband is much more adept than I am at finding a huge variety of ocean life. He’s always calling me over to see things I’ve walked right past. These tide pools were teeming with life.

We were at the far end of this picture as the tide was coming in. When the waves started hitting my knees I told my husband I wanted to go back. He’s a foot taller than I am, so he doesn’t get nearly as soaked as I do during our tide pool explorations. He walked me back across, stopping with me every time a wave came in, so I wouldn’t lose my balance and go for an unintentional swim. All of the rocks you see are underwater at high tide.

I knew we weren’t leaving before the tide came all the way in, because tide pools are one of my husband’s favorite places to visit. I sat on the sandstone cliffs and enjoyed watching the waves roll in and the rocks being slowly submerged under the ocean water.

Eventually my husband got wet enough, decided he was done, and came to sit with me. By this time I was quite enthralled by these seagulls. I was wondering how much splashing they could take before they would give up and fly away. The male seagull was perfectly content, watching the waves and getting splashed. The female would run up the rock every time the waves came in. Maybe I am easily entertained, but I found the whole situation amusing.

Things to Know When Visiting the Park

1) It is open from 9-5, all cars must leave the park at 5.

2) The cost is currently $20 (2019) per vehicle to enter, check their website for current prices. The fee gives you entrance for one week. There are five free days throughout the year.

3) There is no cell service at the tide pools. If you used a driving service, you will not be able to call for a ride from here. You either need to pre-arrange a pick up time or you will have to hike up to get a signal.

4) The park is “trash free”, meaning 95% of garbage and recycling cans have been removed. You are expected to bring your garbage out of the park when you leave.

5) The tide pool area is only open from mid-September through mid-April. If you visit the tide pools, wear appropriate shoes!

6) There is no shade, bring water and sunscreen.

It is a lovely place to visit. If we happen to return to the area and the weather cooperates, I would definitely take one of the hikes. Also, if you visit during the winter, it is a great spot for whale watching. My final San Diego post will be the best spot for viewing spectacular Californian sunsets. As always, wishing you happy travels and fantastic adventures in this thing called life.

My Favorite Spots From This Trip

Hidden Valley Picnic Area Trail

Hiking the Arch Rock Nature Trail

Japanese Friendship Garden

Sea Lions Galore at La Jolla Cove

(All pictures are available for purchase as Fine Art Prints or Digital Downloads at full resolution through Alamy. If you see something you like, click on the link. If you are unable to find it, use the Contact Me page and I will make sure the image is available.)

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