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Cabrillo Tide Pools

Name: Cabrillo Tide Pools
Address: California
Rating: 4.5

342 Reviews

#37 of 390 things to do in San Diego

Nature & Parks, Outdoor Activities, More

Closed Now: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

San Diego, CA

Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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Traveler Overview

4.5 342 reviews

Excellent64%
Very good27%
Average6%
Poor2%
Terrible1%

Travelers talk about

“sea life”(29 reviews)

“water shoes”(8 reviews)

“hermit crabs”(6 reviews)

About

A short, one mile hike that offers one the opportunity to observe sea life along the shore.

Closed Now

Hours Today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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Contact

San Diego, CA

Website

+1 619-557-5450

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Ways to Experience Cabrillo Tide Pools

San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour

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1 - 10 of 318 reviews

Vacationloverct

Quaker Hill CT

5421

Reviewed yesterday

Must see!

Really great place to see tidepools and hike around the area there. Beautiful views and part of Cabrillo Park!

Date of experience: October 2018

Thank Vacationloverct

Jill M

Belleville, Canada

582

Reviewed 1 week ago

Stunning

Such beautiful natural landscape although the tides were high and there were no pools to see during our stay. The park in general was well worth the visit

Date of experience: October 2018

Thank Jill M

RudySzymon

Chicago, Illinois

317111

Reviewed 4 weeks ago

Pools full of life

Full of Anemones, little fish and all other living organisms, next to long green surf-grass and sea stars all within the reach.

Date of experience: December 2018

Thank RudySzymon

bevans130

Bellmawr, New Jersey

Reviewed November 19, 2018

What a cool place

Take the ride down to see the Tide Pools you will not regret it. My kids and I spent a couple of hours enjoying the area.

Date of experience: November 2018

Thank bevans130

Fearless42616340901

Reviewed November 14, 2018

Tides

We enjoyed watching the waves break as they came in along the tide pools. It was a nice break to hike and explore the area along the ocean as low tide approached.

Date of experience: November 2018

Thank Fearless42616340901

SanDiegoGuy1

San Diego, California

331164

Reviewed November 3, 2018

GREAT PLACE TO TAKE KIDS AFTER A WINTER HIGH TIDE!

They will see so much sea life in the tidal pools! Take photos to discuss what they are seeing to discuss later at home and make it into a hands-on learning experience about our sea life and environment!

Date of experience: January 2018

Thank SanDiegoGuy1

Patrick K

San Diego, California

329

Reviewed November 1, 2018

Tide Pools Cabrillo National Park

Great place to go with kids and explore the tide pool life. Enter just before you enter the Cabrillo National Monument/Lighthouse. The Lighthouse is also fun to go see, but it cost you $5.00 unless you have one of those "Senior" pass - which you...More

Date of experience: May 2018

Thank Patrick K

Joel B

San Diego, California

23135

Reviewed October 31, 2018

Good for a one-time visit, maybe two...

Low tide (IMHO) is the best time to visit because you can see more. Be careful of the slippery rocks. Try to visit during the week, not on the weekends. Until about 6 years ago, it was free, but the State of CA decided that...More

Date of experience: June 2018

Thank Joel B

945sandyf

174

Reviewed October 5, 2018

What the Ca Coast must of been like!

Hike the area and you will feel at peace , If you love the outdoors you must go here , this is one of San Diego hidden gems , Most people by past this as they head for the lighthouse,but don’t Nothing but beautiful mostly...More

Date of experience: September 2018

1 Thank 945sandyf

237kathyo

Biloxi, Mississippi

284

Reviewed September 18, 2018

Great for kids and adults!

I used to take my kids to these tide pools when I lived in San Diego. They, and I, love them! Lots of 'fun' critters to look at and touch (gently). Very educational for young children and lots of fun!

Date of experience: September 2018

Thank 237kathyo

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Questions & Answers

Ask a question

angelacY7825YA

When is the best time of year to have lowest tides for the Cabrillo tide pools prime viewing?

November 25, 2017|

AnswerShow all 2 answers

The tides do not change seasonally. Look online for the tide schedule in San Diego for the day you want to go and choose one of the two times a day that low tide occurs.