Things to Do at Tide Beach
Best Sand in Solana Beach
Of the five beachfront areas of Solana Beach, Tide Beach has the best sand. This makes it popular with sunbathers as well as families looking to spend the day.
Other Activities
Other popular activities at Tide Beach include fishing, swimming, snorkeling, and surfing, especially where the waves break out by Seaside Reef in Cardiff, also known as the Tabletops.
Amazing Tide Pools
However, the activity that Tide Beach Park is best known for is tide pooling. Tide pools form along the reef in the intertidal area, that is, the area that is underwater at high tide but exposed to the air at low tide. When the tide goes out, seawater is left behind among the craggy areas of the reef.
These tide pools are typically teeming with life, and tide pooling allows you to get a close-up view of creatures who live there. Many people like to bring illustrated field guides to help them identify the marine life they find in tide pools. Species commonly found include the following:
- Anemones
- Mussels
- Crabs
- Sea urchins
- Starfish
Tide pooling is fascinating for people of all ages because it provides a peek into a world that is often hidden from view beneath the ocean. It is especially good for families because it provides hands-on learning experiences for kids.
Looking for a Less Crowded Beach?
Tide Beach Park is one of San Diego's hidden beaches with less people than most beaches. Surf at high tide or come at low tide to see the amazing tide pools.
Tide Pooling Etiquette
It is important to observe proper tide pooling etiquette.
1. Do not wade into the tide pools
You may disturb or damage the creatures that live there. Instead, remain along the edges of the tide pools.
2. Do not dislodge creatures that are attached to the rocks
Show respect for your fellow living creatures. If you try to pull them off the rocks to which they have attached themselves, you may inadvertently injure them.
3. Put things back where you found them
You can gently pick up sea creatures that are not attached and turn over rocks to see what is underneath. However, once you have taken a look, return everything to its original position.
4. Do not take sea creatures home
These are wild animals that are specifically adapted to their habitat. They could die if you remove them. If you want souvenirs, take pictures instead.
5. Never leave trash
This is an obvious one but worth mentioning. Never ever leave trash and if you see trash help out our tide pool creatures and pick it up.
Explore More & Stay Nearby
On Highway 101 there is a Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Del Mar/Solana Beach, this seemingly average hotel is anything but average. For one is it located in the quaint town of Solana Beach and it is about ½ of a mile from Fletcher Cove. Check out this anything but ordinary hotel.