Point Loma Tide Pools

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106, USA

Address:	1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
Phone:	+1 619-557-5450
Site:	nps.gov
Rating:	4.8
Working:	9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 28

Priscilla Yuen

Make a trip down to the tip of Point Loma to explore the tide pools! Its best to go during low tide so you can see the little sea critters. Check the tide schedule before you go @ tides.mobilegeographics.…. Dont wear flip flops since the rocks can be very slippery. Best to wear sneakers, but they will get wet. I slipped a few times. On that note, probably not great for young children or the elderly if you plan on searching for the secret cave. I didnt get to the cave because it was closed off when I went. Even if you dont go down to the tide pools, the views of the waves and ocean are still gorgeous! $10 per car for entry. We got there around 9:30 on a Friday and had no issue with parking.

Virginia Liao

Check out the low tide times before you go if you want to go when it is low tide. Theyre called tide pools because the pool of water that gets left behind in shallow rocks during low tide times (occurs about twice a day). Theres free parking nearby but can be limited during peak hours. Kids love this place because of the sea animals that surface during low tides. When my bf and I went though, we didnt see much animals and saw at most a tiny crab. You do need to wear good shoes as the rocks get wet and slippery. If the waves are strong, you might feel some splashes of it as it hits the cliff side. The rock formations are a beauty to look at too (rocks admirer here).

Alyssa Pitts

Definitely will be back! The first time we came here we came later in the day not realizing the tide would be high. We visited the lighthouse, walked around and went down by the tide pools which were of course covered by water. We came back a few days later as soon as the park opened because thats when the tides were lowest. We had a blast exploring. There were tons of tiny crabs running around and you could see sea urchins, shells, hermit crabs, and a whole bunch of other stuff.

Leah Moss

AWESOME! Went with my parents and my kids (2 and 4 years old). Wish we had time to walk the trails. The tidal pools were not visible when we went, but we still saw creatures and crabs. Enjoyed just sitting on rocks and watching the surfers. Parking is a little tough. Not enough, but then it regulates the amount of people out on the trails. Cant recommend this lovely spot enough. We will be getting an annual pass and coming again.

Todd Lewis

I highly recommend visiting Cabrillo National Monument and the rest of the park. The road leading down to the tide pools offers wonderful views of the Pacific and there are a number of parking lots at the bottom at the road. I would not suggest trying to walk down from the top (main road) unless you want to get some exercises as it is a long, steep hill to walk back up. Great place to visit with kids or alone.

Jason King

This place is beautiful and breathtaking.. It probably has one of the most beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean in San Diego. There is a fee to get into the tide pool but its definitely worth it.. The great thing about the entrance is fee is that its good for one week.. This is a great place to take the kids but I wouldnt recommend taking babies... The terrain is a bit uneven and not great for strollers..

London Jensen

This was so much fun. We took our golden retriever here and she had a blast! Plus they offer free entry for active military and dependents! I recommend bringing water shoes if you have them, the rocks in the ride pools can be slippery or sharp. Check their website for the tide charts. Make sure your arriving when its low tide.

D. Kano

Beautiful historical landmark. Each year the tides erode the rocks and we lose some land... somewhat terrifying, but you can appreciate the enormity of the forces of nature. Be ware of strong currents and waves. Be safe. You can easily fall and get swept away...

Anders Dybdal Nielsen

Flot naturoplevelse. Husk at tjekke åbningstider og hvornår det er lavvande inden du besøger stedet.

Lovepreet Aujla

The Tide Pools are a blast, you can go down to the water and find all sorts of shells, rocks, and tiny sea critters. Also great for taking photos or watching the sunset if you want to avoid the crowded shores of La Jolla.

Niklaus SD

Gorgeous location. You have to pay a small state park fee but its worth it. Ive seen many different sea anemones, crabs, and other various wildlife. Watch your step though, wear shoes that have great traction.

Sameem Siddiqui

Beautiful place to bring your family. The pools made when the tide is slow makes for a great learning experience for children. Adults can enjoy the view and the ocean. Loads of trails for hiking enthusiasts

Scott Surface

The tide wasnt low enough for me to see the tide pools when I was there, but this is a gorgeous place. The drive is beautiful and the little hike is awesome. Best of San Diego for sure.

timsdd

Its like 3 parks in one! The tide pools (my favorite being a photographer), the lighthouse, and the monument (& overlook of the city). Great place to spend the morning with the family.

Gaurav Jindal

Nice place to be with family.. Its away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.. You can drive all the way down to this place and relax here all the day long. It closes by 4.30 pm

Bipin Duggal

Kids just love this place to see the small fishes..Or crabs in the tide pool.. Very nice place to enjoy the scenic beauty of ocean.. One of the best places to visit in san Diego

Gleimlight Photography

Excellent place to visit. The shoreline is absolutely gorgeous as the waves cascade against the cliffs. Just be careful where you stand! Tide rises very fast here.

Jesus Jimenez

I prefer nature over everything and for me this place is a must in so many ways. Tide pools are full of life and its amazing to see how these ecosystems interact.

Randall Williams

Its so amazing here, even on an overcast day. I love seeing the different rock and sand formations. I highly recommend coming here at visiting the Cabrillo NM.

Andrew odorous

I love this place. If you are here just to sit and contemplate your own existence or get a good hike, you cant beat this place. Come here and see for yourself.

Scott Murphy

One of the best spots in San Diego to explore and take plenty of photos! Best to come in the winter months so you can watch a sunset before the park closes.

Ben Josefson

What you see here depends on the time of day, time of year, and other natural conditions. We didnt see much. Parking is challenging. Cell service was poor.

Gretchen Schneider

So much fun. Make sure you check when low tide is before going. We lucked out and got there about the time you needed to be.

Pamela Moffit

Kids loved this....adults too. Little bit of a walk and some climbing, so be prepared if you have any problems walking.

Avel Manansala

The view was amazing. Must visit place for nature lovers and sun worshipers. Felt like i was in the Summer of 42 movie.

Laura C.

Beautiful rock formations. Nice ocean breeze and great walk to the tides. Loved the view from all angles, incredible.

Maria Montie

Very pretty. But check the tide charts if want to explore at low tide. Still a beautiful place to see.

Bruce Macgregor

Amazing views, awesome rock formations. It will give you a real appreciation for the power of the sea.