Tide pools are loved by adults and kids alike.  The amazing James V. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, home of the biggest area of tide pools I've ever seen,  is just a short two miles away.   There you will find a colorful variety of seaweed, crabs, sponges, anemones, sea stars, mollusks and fish.

There are trails accessible for walking and running.  Stairs lead from the parking lot down to the tidepools.

The Reserve was established in 1969 to protect the hundreds of marine plant and animal species that live here.



Be sure to come during low tide.    Docents patrol the area to answer questions and to make sure the crowds stay a proper distance from the seals as they rest on shore.

You can make reservations for groups and tours of ten or more at 650-363-4021

Hours:  Open at 8am and closes at sunset
Pets: Pets are allowed only on designated trails.  They are NOT allowed on beaches or in the tidepool area.

No fishing.  Do not disturb or remove any plants or animals.


TIDEPOOL ETIQUETTE

*Watch your step and walk carefully around the tidepools.  Avoid stepping on barnacles, anemones, mussels and other tidepool life.

*Do not movve shells, vegetation, rocks or animals.  Marine life living growing on the bottom of the rocks will die when exposed to the sun and air.

*Do not pry sea stars, mussels, limpets or other animals off the rocks.  This makes them vulnerable to predators.

*Do not remove any marine organisms, rocks or wood and take them home

*Stay at least 300 feet from all marine mammals, including the harbor seals that call the Reserve home while birthing and raising their young.

How to get there:

Take a left as you exit Pillar Point RV Park.  Head north about two miles.
Vermont, Virginia or California streets will get you to the reserve.

No big rig parking, no fees for entrance or parking.