One of San Diego’s most magical natural shows is about to begin. From November 2026 through March 2027, the winter low tides return to Cabrillo National Monument, opening a hidden world of tide pools along the monument’s rocky western shore — and for many families, it is the best free nature adventure of the season.
When the Pacific pulls back on the season’s lowest afternoon tides, the pools reveal a living mosaic: bright orange Garibaldi, California’s state fish, dart between rocks; green anemones wave their tentacles; sea stars cling to the stone; and careful observers may spot hermit crabs, nudibranchs and even a shy two-spot octopus. Park rangers and volunteers are often on hand during the best low tides to help visitors identify creatures and tread gently.
The tide pool area sits below the monument’s famous statue of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo and the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, so a single visit easily combines ocean discovery with sweeping views of San Diego Bay, the Coronado Islands and migrating gray whales offshore. The park asks visitors to look with their eyes only — every shell and stone is protected — and to check the tide chart before coming, since the pools are only exposed for a few hours around each low tide.
Arrive early, wear shoes with good grip for wet rock, and let the kids lead the exploring. Few places teach the wonders of the Pacific quite like Cabrillo’s pools at low tide.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
