The Pacific Coast Highway is honestly one of the best places to hunt for tidepools on the West Coast. From the sun-drenched rocks in Southern California to the wild, windswept cliffs up north, it’s got a little bit of everything. After poking around a ton of coastal spots along this legendary road, I can say—timing and location really do make or break your tidepool adventure.
If you’re on the lookout for the best tidepools along the Pacific Coast Highway, check out Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego, Shell Beach in La Jolla, and those rugged, protected rocks near Big Sur. You’ll want to go at low tide or, even better, during those negative tides in the fall and winter. These spots are super easy to get to and are teeming with sea anemones, hermit crabs, sea stars—basically, all the good stuff you hope to see in their own little watery worlds.
From what I’ve seen, the best tide pool beaches have a few things in common: just the right kind of rocks, safe ways to get down to them, and a whole lot of sea critters. So, don’t just show up anywhere—plan ahead. Highway 1 gives you access to some protected stretches of coast where you’ll find everything from easy, kid-friendly pools to tougher spots that’ll reward you if you’re up for a little scramble and discovery.
Best Tidepools Along the Pacific Coast Highway: Complete PCH Tidepool Guide
Best Tidepools Along the Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway really delivers when it comes to tidepooling, from SoCal all the way up to Big Sur. You’ve got rocky outcrops loaded with sea urchins, anemones, starfish, and hermit crabs. Seriously, the best time to go is when the tide’s out—suddenly, all that hidden marine life is just right there along Highway 1’s protected edges.
Little Corona del Mar Tidepools (Newport Beach)
Little Corona del Mar is easily one of the most accessible tidepool spots in Orange County, barely a stroll from the Pacific Coast Highway. I always head south toward that iconic rock arch—it’s hard to miss and kind of magical at sunrise or sunset…