Looking for fun things to do with your kids? My kids love playing outdoors so we are constantly looking for fun places to go and explore. Living in San Diego, we are fortunate to have some of the most beautiful beaches. One of the most simple and enjoyable things we do at the beach is check out the tide pools. My kids love playing on the rocks, and discovering what creatures might be hidden. My husband surfs so he’s always checking the conditions, and he keeps me posted when the tide is super low for the kiddos 🙂 He uses this site.
Our favorite location is the Carlsbad Tide Pools located at Terramar Beach. For public access, you can use the staircase at Carlsbad Boulevard and Cerezo Drive. However, we usually park right in front of Warm Waters beach, walk down the cliffs and go south about ¼ of a mile. Warm Waters is located along Carlsbad Boulevard near the entrance to Agua Hedionda Lagoon. There is free street parking available all along Carlsbad Boulevard (it can get crowded so be patient for a spot, you will get one 🙂
Be sure to go when it is LOW TIDE (see below chart and look for the most negative number).
Tips from Tina:
- You will also want to leave before high tide, as the water covers the entire beach. There are no public bathrooms available and no lifeguard towers, though I have seen them periodically patrol the area.
- Dress your kids in a wetsuit or bring a change of clothes and towels.
