Tidal pools, or tide pools, often referred to as “windows to the sea”, are truly a sight to behold. It is here that falling tides create pools of contained sea life along the coast. Tide pools offer us the chance to view an array of life without having to visit the artificial environs of an aquarium.
The magic of tide pools only takes place during low tide, and only in certain locations. Also, the animals within them are an amazing sub-niche of our prized shoreline ecosystems. Be sure to understand and follow any rules administered at these sites, and don’t forget to bring your camera! Finally, here are just 5 of the best places to explore tide pools in the US.
1. Cabrillo, California
Maintained by the National Park Service, Cabrillo National Monument is a place of seaside wonder. And yes, much of this wonder is attributed to the coastal area’s tide pools. Additionally, flowering anemones, octopi, a variety of fish, and even the curious limpet can be seen by guided tour or independent sightseeing.
2. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Within Ecola State Park lies Cannon Beach. Here, the curious come from all over to witness some very wondrous tide pools. For instance, a colorful assortment of crabs, anemones, starfish, urchins, and others gladly gather at the changing of the tides to make a display like no other.
3. Bahia Honda Key, Florida
Bahia Honda State Park provides some of the east coast’s most glorious tidal pools. Notably, these award winning beaches and coast lines are low tide wonders. The Key’s tidal pools offer wondrous coral and kelp, many tropical fish, starfish, stone crabs, stingrays, fireworms, urchins, conchs, and more.
4. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park offers a diverse number of tide pools and ways in which to explore them. Ranger-guided or independently, visitors can explore the many tidal pools dotting the shoreline at low tide. Additionally, some of the amazing sights include feeding octopi, teams of mollusks, anemones, sea snails, and many fish and lobster species.
5. Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach, California is a wonderful place for visitors to enjoy the habitats of its tidal pools. Specifically, Shaw’s Cove, Crescent Bay, and Treasure Island offer some of the very best opportunities. Visitors from all over marvel at the bright array of tropical fish, anemones, urchins, hermit crabs, as well as many other species found here.
Featured Image Caleb Jones/Unsplash
