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Tide Pool Exploring in Southern California

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One of the things my boys have always loved to do while visiting southern California is explore the beach, tide pools and caves! One of our favorite spots to tide pool is Little Corona Del Mar Beach.

Tide pools at Little Corona Del Mar in southern California

You can get to the beach on the corner of Ocean Blvd and Poppy Ave. If you’re facing the ocean to the right is the main beach and to the left down a couple slopes (NOT fun to drag stuff up after a long day) is where you can find our favorite spot. HERE is a google map of the spot. We’ll park anywhere nearby and just walk down because the walk (and view) is so beautiful.

Tide pools at Little Corona Del Mar in southern California

Keep in mind that parking is tight so the earlier (or later) you get there the better. I always like visiting during the week in school season but it really is great any time of year. The best tide pools will be a bit of a walk but if you have smaller kids with you the closest pools have some great stuff to check out too!

Tide pools at Little Corona Del Mar in southern California Tide pools at Little Corona Del Mar in southern California

I love looking at the houses in the area on the walk down! There are bathrooms nearby with showers to rinse off if needed.

Tide pools at Little Corona Del Mar in southern California Tide pools at Little Corona Del Mar in southern California

Check the tide schedule before you go and try to be there around low tide, but really, even if you can’t its a fun place to check out. It’s a great place to explore and check out all sorts of living things. To protect the area don’t take or move anything. I’d hate to see this spot closed off to people because we love it so much, but I have seen people treat the area terribly which is really disappointing.

Tide pools at Little Corona Del Mar in southern California

Do you have a favorite tide pooling spot? I’d love to hear about it so we can check it out!

Tide pools at Little Corona Del Mar in southern California

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Allison Waken is a wife, mom of boys and Phoenix, AZ native. She has been creating inspiring content for All for the Boys since 2011. Allison loves travel, movies and spending as much time as possible with her family while she can!

3 Comments

  1. We love Little Carona Del Mar! We also really enjoy thousand steps beach in Laguna. Small tide pools filled with critters and one huge tide pool that is more like a kiddy pool, my 2 year old loves swimming in it. And there is a sea cave to explore, if the tide is low and calm enough.

  2. The pictures make this spot look amazing. I have never seen tide pools before and I would love to someday take my kids to see them. In fact I have never seen the ocean before.

    • The beach is definitely my happy place! We are lucky enough to live so close and have family to stay with so I try to visit often. I hope you can visit someday soon!

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