Point Loma Tide Pools, San Diego: Photos, Reviews & Location

National monument rock pools exposed at low tide below sandstone cliffs teeming with rich sea life.

At a glance

#11 of 80 Tourist attractions in San Diego #3 of 4 Scenic spots in San Diego

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.80

9.9 km from the center of San Diego

Rating breakdown

5 ★85%
4 ★11%
3 ★3%
2 ★0%
1 ★0%

Lands End Road, San Diego, CA 92106, United States

nps.gov

+1 619-557-5450

Photos of Point Loma Tide Pools (119)

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Point Loma Tide Pools, San Diego – photo 1

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Point Loma Tide Pools, San Diego – photo 11

Point Loma Tide Pools, San Diego – photo 12

Quick facts

What is the rating of Point Loma Tide Pools?: Point Loma Tide Pools is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 3,190 reviews.
How does Point Loma Tide Pools rank in San Diego?: Point Loma Tide Pools is #11 of 80 Tourist attractions in San Diego by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Point Loma Tide Pools located?: Lands End Road, San Diego, CA 92106, United States — 9.9 km from the center of San Diego.
How can I contact Point Loma Tide Pools?: Phone: +1 619-557-5450 · Website: nps.gov

Reviews (8)

Emily 2024 May 18

Super fun area to explore at your own pace and comfort levels. We happened to go an hour before low tide and it was not busy at all. Then as it got closer to low tide it did get quite busy (Thursday Morning 10am). Highly recommend water shoes or rubber boots so you can wade deeper into the pools.

Margaret Roslik 2024 May 16

We love coming to the tide pools, but it is so.etimes hit or miss regarding whether you will make it at low tide, the crowds won't be massive, and they will even be open. If you are lucky enough, the stars will align, and you'll have an amazing time viewing all of the amazing sea life in this protected area.

CAROLYN CASHMAN 2024 May 13

Found all the pelicans!!! What an amazing spot... so beautiful to see the crashing waves and hear the roar of the magnificent Pacific ocean... exciting to watch what the waves can do... in the moss, take a peek and watch the lil crabs 🦀 spot the sea urchins hanging out, getting sun while they wait for the ocean to come back and claim them... the coastal trail is the only area where the doggos are allowed to explore with you...

Autumn Murphy 2024 Apr 22

The best time of year to visit is in late November and December, when the sunset matches closing time. Plus, it's quieter and feels more private! Still, it's a great spot to explore, look out into the ocean, and dream!

JitkaKac 2024 Apr 04

Amazing tide pools and a moderate coastal trail! The best time to explore the tide pools is currently morning through 2 pm. Watch your step and respect the warning signs since there's a lot of erosion. We saw pelicans, cormorants, seals and snakes. A new trail is built from the lighthouse down to the tide pools.

Cameron F 2024 Mar 22

Great place to explore the ocean life that lives in the tide pools. It is located in Cabrillo National Park. The entrance fee for the park is $20 for a vehicle. Make sure to look up when it's low tide. It is best to be there around the low tide time.

LaDawnya 2024 Mar 19

Purchased lifetime National Parks Pass and have enjoyed many of our nation's parks. The tide pools at lo tide are filled with amazing sea-life. Check time tide times prior to going! High tide, area no accessible.
Easy trail access to tide pools, rocks can be extremely slippery, use caution, and wear water shoes.
Parking, less than 50 spots.
Pit toilets, no running water.

John Hannan 2024 Jan 29

It is an amazing experience for any age. There are beautiful vista views from any of the three parking lots. I enjoyed the pelicans flying by. Only the first main parking lot has two out houses. Park rangers are on-site for assistance and information. All three parking lots are connected by a main road and a hiking path. Tho the heavy rains earlier in the month washed out part of the hiking path and is closed between lot 2 and lot 3. The path includes steep stairs and natural ground. It is not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs. You will have to have good mobility for the trail and getting down in the tide pools at low tide. We got there early after opening and stayed till late afternoon when the tide pulled out. Low tide is listed between 2 pm and 4 pm. Tho this is whale migration season, we did not have any luck spotting any whales from the vantage points. You can easily spend a whole day here. We started at the tide pools and then toured the light house, visitor center, whale watching vantage points, and then revisited the tide pools at low tide. We lucked out with a beautiful sunny day in winter.