A Southern California
Tide Pool

Without The Crowds And With Plenty Of Sea Life…

It’s quite small, actually.

However, it probably has more sea life than all other tide pools in the Southern California area, combined.

First off, it’s not the easiest place to get to. No matter where you park, you are in for a bit of a hike.

Second, the tide has to be extremely low (at least -0.9) for the rock pools to be exposed and even lower to see the good stuff.

And third, not many people know about it.

These factors have helped the animal and plant life here to re-populate and even flourish.

And it is worth it! On any given day we have seen and even touched star fish, sea anemone, sea slugs, crab, and even octopus!

The most sea life is in the cracks of the rocks furthest out to sea, so the lower the tide, the more plentiful tide pool exposed.

Most of the time these rocks are completely submerged so PLEASE be careful when wading out in the ocean to reach the furthest out rocks – just wait for low tide -0.9 or lower!

A -0.9 tide means that the tide is .9 feet lower than the median tide. Consult the tide chart on our surf report for the 7 day forecast.

PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE ANY ANIMALS, ROCKS, SHELLS, OR PLANT LIFE!!!!!

The San Clemente Tide Pools are a delicate ecosystem and needs to be respected.

Do not take starfish off the rocks; touch them on their backs gently with one finger.

Do not take shells home as they may become a new home to a hermit crab.

Be careful where you step as most of the rocks are covered by a living breathing organism called sea anemone.

Causing any imbalance to this ecosystem is not only irresponsible but ILLEAGAL!!!

Directions: San Clemente’s Southern California Tide Pool is located at World Famous Surfing Beach 204’s a half mile north of the San Clemente Pier.

Your best bet is to park in the public pay parking lot at the San Clemente Pier and walk the half mile down the beach.

You can also park on Escalones and walk down the Mariposa Beach Access, but as of December 2005 it is closed for construction of the San Clemente Beach Trail and access is limited, if not impossible.
Rent The Vacation Condo Overlooking This Southern California Tide Pool