La Jolla Tide Pools — Attraction in San Diego

A beautiful place! It was almost pitch black the night we got there, though.

It was evening. We were waiting for the show to start at Comedy Store in La Jolla so we decided to use the time to walk to the beach since it is close. The moment the beach emerged behind the condos it was Tide Pools. At that time we didn’t know that.

What got our attention was a bonfire on the beach around which people sat, drank beer and just had a good time. It looked like a scene straight out of “I know what you did last summer” minus the psycho killer. You just can’t see that stuff in Europe. Mostly because bonfires are usually forbidden on beaches or some other reasons. What do I know.

The fire, streetlights and stars gave just enough light to see that there are some pretty big holes and crevices in rocks that you need to watch out for. One wrong step and you could easily break your foot or leg so make sure that you have some source of light with you if you venture here at night. Flash on your phone will do the trick. Also, it is possible that you will get your feet wet because there are a lot of foot-sized puddles on the rocks and chances are you will step in at least some of them. I’ve learned this the easy way by letting my friend go first.

Anyway, this is a great place to come by yourself and contemplate the meaning of life and other relaxing thoughts or organize big bonfires with friends before you decide to split up and...

La Jolla Tide Pools is a favorite place for many photographers. The landscape is made of rock hard compressed sand. There are many fragmented shelves separated by sea filled fissures. Although there are many tide pools to see here during low tide, these are not swimming pools for kids. You'll want to monitor your children rather closely as there are many drop offs and other challenging terrain. If you hold really still for a while, you'll see the little crabs emerge from their hiding places. You'll also encounter sea anemones, little fish and other interesting sea life. If using a professional camera, be sure to bring your polarizing filter so you can get good photos of things below the surface of the water. Parking is free and is easier if you try to arrive early or on the weekdays.

Dogs: This area has very restrictive rules about dogs. Dogs aren't allowed on the beach or sidewalk next to the beach between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, and it's usually too hot to leave them in the car, so it's probably best not to bring them here. For Dog beach fun, look up "Dog Beach" which is down by...

While these tide pools may not boast the highest level of biological diversity or vibrant colors, they still offer a pleasant opportunity to spend an hour or two immersing yourself in exploration. The overall area is relatively small and can become crowded, but it remains an enjoyable experience. It is advisable to wear sturdy shoes suitable for navigating the terrain.

Finding parking can be challenging as it is limited and primarily available on the street, especially during busy times. However, there are picnic areas within walking distance, providing an opportunity to enjoy a meal amidst the surroundings. While the pools themselves may not be particularly thrilling, what captured my attention was the beach and the fascinating formation of the tide pools. Witnessing the water pathways that have gradually carved through the once-sandy terrain, transforming it into hardened rock formations, is...