Where are the best tide pools near Avila Beach?

Along the rocks between Avila Beach and Pirate's Cove, at Shell Beach just south of Pirate's Cove, and on the south side of the Cal Poly Pier.

When is the best time to see tide pools?

At low tide. The lower the tide, the more of the rocks are exposed. Check the tide table before you go.

Can you take shells or animals from the tide pools?

No. Disturbing tide pool life is illegal. Look, take photos and leave everything in place.

Can you visit the tide pools by the lighthouse?

The cove by Point San Luis Lighthouse can only be reached by kayak. Hiking the Pecho Coast Trail on your own isn't allowed.

Avila Beach Tide Pools: Where, When & How to Visit

What to expect

The rocky edges of San Luis Bay hold tide pools full of anemones, crabs, hermit crabs, sea stars, urchins and mussels. They're easiest to see when a low tide pulls the water back off the rocks. Out in the bay you may also spot sea otters, sea lions and seabirds, so bring binoculars if you have them.

Where to go

Between Avila Beach and Pirate's Cove

The rocks running from the south end of Avila Beach toward Pirate's Cove have anemones, crabs and sea stars. You can reach Pirate's Cove on foot from the dirt lot at the end of Cave Landing Road, off Avila Beach Drive, or paddle there from Avila Beach. Many of the rock formations and caves along this shore can't be reached from land, so a kayak at low tide opens up the most. Note that Pirate's Cove is a clothing-optional beach.

Shell Beach

Just south of Pirate's Cove, Shell Beach has large stretches of tide pools that you reach by stairs down to the beach. It's part of Pismo Beach, the next town down the coast. See Where to Stay Nearby for more about the area.

Cal Poly Pier

Cal Poly's research pier isn't open to the public, but a small group of active tide pools sits on its south side. You can get to them from the Cal Poly Pier parking lot without any university connection. Look for anemones, urchins, sea stars, crabs and mussels.

Point San Luis Lighthouse cove

The cove below the Point San Luis Lighthouse has tide pools, but you can only reach them by kayak. The Pecho Coast Trail crosses PG&E land and is closed to private hiking. See Kayak & Paddleboard for rentals at Port San Luis.

Around Fisherman's Beach

The rocks at the edge of Fisherman's Beach, near Harford Pier, are worth a look for tide pools too.

When to go

Go at low tide. Tides change every day, so check a tide table for Port San Luis before you plan your visit. Our Weather & Conditions page has today's tides, and NOAA publishes tide predictions for the Port San Luis station.

How to visit gently

Disturbing tide pool life is illegal, and the animals are fragile. These habits come from the tidepool etiquette that San Mateo County Parks posts for its marine reserve, and they apply here too:

Watch your step. Walk carefully and stay off barnacle, anemone and mussel beds.
Look, don't handle. Don't touch animals or pull sea stars, mussels or limpets off the rocks.
Leave everything there. Shells, plants, rocks and animals all stay.
Skip the bucket. Don't put animals in containers, even for a minute. Moved animals often die.
Give wildlife space. Sea lions can bite, so keep your distance.

Safety

Keep watching the water while you explore. A wave can wash over rocks that looked dry, and the rising tide can cut off your way back. Stay away from the cliff edges at Cave Landing above Pirate's Cove, where the county has reported many injuries.

Bring the kids

Tide pools are one of the best free things to do with kids here. Pair a low-tide walk with a visit to the Central Coast Aquarium in town, where you can see jellyfish, small sharks and an octopus up close. See With Kids and Free Things to Do for more ideas.