Tide Beach

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Tide Beach Park is located at Solana Vista Dr & Pacific Ave. There is a long staircase that gets you down the bluff.
Tide Beach Park offers the best sand in Solana Beach and takes its name from the many tide pools where you can get a close-up view of marine life.
Todd Sarouhan
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Why you'll love this beach
Why you'll love this beach
Tide Pools and Top-notch Sand Await at Solana's Tide Beach
Tide Beach
Overview
Things to Do
Save on Gear
Popular Activities
Get There & Parking
Featured Activity
Know Before You Go
Stay Nearby
Similar Beaches

Highlights

Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking
Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking

Overview

Stairs from Top of Bluff to Tide BeachSurfers in the Lineup at Tabletops Surf Spot

Are you looking for an out-of-the-way spot in San Diego where you can participate in a family activity that is both fun and educational? If so, head to the coast of North County San Diego where you will find the seaside community of Solana Beach. There are actually five main beach spots along its shore, and to the north, you will find Tide Beach.

Bounded on several sides by sea walls protecting homes built on the bluffs, Tide Beach Park is a secluded area beloved by locals but not otherwise well known. Its obscurity may be due in part to its relative inaccessibility; you have to climb down a long flight of stairs to reach it.

For those willing to make the descent, Tide Beach Park offers a whole other world to explore.

Things to Do

Fishing
Fishing
Snorkeling
Snorkeling
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Swimming
Swimming
Tide Pooling
Tide Pooling

Things to Do at Tide Beach

Best Sand in Solana Beach

Of the five beachfront areas of Solana Beach, Tide Beach has the best sand. This makes it popular with sunbathers as well as families looking to spend the day.

Other Activities

Other popular activities at Tide Beach include fishing, swimming, snorkeling, and surfing, especially where the waves break out by Seaside Reef in Cardiff, also known as the Tabletops.

Amazing Tide Pools

However, the activity that Tide Beach Park is best known for is tide pooling. Tide pools form along the reef in the intertidal area, that is, the area that is underwater at high tide but exposed to the air at low tide. When the tide goes out, seawater is left behind among the craggy areas of the reef.

These tide pools are typically teeming with life, and tide pooling allows you to get a close-up view of creatures who live there. Many people like to bring illustrated field guides to help them identify the marine life they find in tide pools. Species commonly found include the following:

  • Anemones
  • Mussels
  • Crabs
  • Sea urchins
  • Starfish

Tide pooling is fascinating for people of all ages because it provides a peek into a world that is often hidden from view beneath the ocean. It is especially good for families because it provides hands-on learning experiences for kids.

Local Tips
Looking for a Less Crowded Beach?
Tide Beach Park is one of San Diego's hidden beaches with less people than most beaches. Surf at high tide or come at low tide to see the amazing tide pools.

Tide Pooling Etiquette

It is important to observe proper tide pooling etiquette.

1. Do not wade into the tide pools

You may disturb or damage the creatures that live there. Instead, remain along the edges of the tide pools.

2. Do not dislodge creatures that are attached to the rocks

Show respect for your fellow living creatures. If you try to pull them off the rocks to which they have attached themselves, you may inadvertently injure them.

3. Put things back where you found them

You can gently pick up sea creatures that are not attached and turn over rocks to see what is underneath. However, once you have taken a look, return everything to its original position.

4. Do not take sea creatures home

These are wild animals that are specifically adapted to their habitat. They could die if you remove them. If you want souvenirs, take pictures instead.

5. Never leave trash

This is an obvious one but worth mentioning. Never ever leave trash and if you see trash help out our tide pool creatures and pick it up.

Explore More & Stay Nearby

On Highway 101 there is a Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Del Mar/Solana Beach, this seemingly average hotel is anything but average. For one is it located in the quaint town of Solana Beach and it is about ½ of a mile from Fletcher Cove. Check out this anything but ordinary hotel.

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2-Hour Stand Up Paddleboard Rental
Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Using your Go Pass, head out for a 2-Hour Stand Up Paddle board Rental. Paddle around Harbor Island and keep an eye out for dolphins and other local wildlife. No matter your skill level, you will enjoy a beautiful day out on the water.
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Local Tips
What activities does the Go City San Diego pass include?

There’s a variety of activities included with the Go City San Diego pass such as: The San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, Hiking Tours, Whale Watching, Museum Tours, Speed Boat Adventures & more!

For the most popular attractions and water-sport rentals as well as the biggest discounts, consider the All-Inclusive Pass.

Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Popular Activities

The World Famous San Diego Zoo
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
Discounts Available
Learn More
Drive Your Own Speed Boat Tour
Drive Your Own Speed Boat Tour
$80 per person
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La Jolla Kayak & Snorkel Tour
La Jolla Kayak & Snorkel Tour
$188 / group up to 2
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Solana Beach: 2 Hr Surf Lesson
Solana Beach: 2 Hr Surf Lesson
$120 per person
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How to Get There & Parking

Free Parking
Free Parking
Street Parking
Street Parking

Getting to Tide Beach

The best ways to reach Solana Beach are via train or automobile. Its train station is one of only three in San Diego County that serves both the Coaster and Amtrak. If you choose to drive, major access routes include the following:

  • Via de la Valle
  • Highway 101
  • Lomas Santa Fe Drive
  • I-5

Parking at Tide Beach

Once you reach Solana Beach, there is free parking at the street level by Tide Beach Park. From there, you descend the staircase to reach the beach itself.

Featured Activity

San Diego Harbor Cruise on San Diego Bay at Sunset
San Diego Harbor Cruise
Enjoy this ‘San Diego Top Pick Award’ winner as you set sail on a three level luxury ship providing 360-degree views of San Diego’s scenic beauty. Relax for a 1-2 hour narrated tour, learn about the city from the bay.
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Know Before You Go & Tips

Lifeguards
Lifeguards
No Alcohol
No Alcohol
No Camping
No Camping
No Dogs
No Dogs
No Glass Containers
No Glass Containers
No Motorized Vehicles
No Motorized Vehicles
No Smoking
No Smoking
Outdoor Showers
Outdoor Showers
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
Restrooms
Restrooms
Shade
Shade
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available

Tips for Your Visit

Alternate Entrance to Tide Beach

An alternative to climbing down the stairs is parking at Seaside Beach in Cardiff State Beach and walking south to Tide Beach Park. However, there is a $15 parking fee for those without state park passes, and walking is only an option when the tides allow.

Safety while Tide Pooling

In addition to observing tide pool etiquette, it is also important to observe safety measures when tide pooling. Surfaces can be slippery, so wear shoes with gripping soles that you don't mind getting wet. Dress appropriately for weather conditions, keep an eye out for large waves, and be aware of when the tide will start coming back in.

Other Dangers

The chances of being attacked by a shark while at Tide Beach are very low. However, there was an incident in 2008 in which a shark attacked a swimmer who was part of a group training for a triathlon that had swam 150 yards offshore. Shark attacks are rare in this area, even at that distance, but those who are concerned may wish to remain close to the beach for safety.

Lifeguards on Duty

Lifeguards and beach patrol are available year-round at Tide Beach.

Facilities at Seaside in Cardiff

There are shower facilities available, but the closest restrooms are located at Seaside, about a quarter mile to the north.

No Dogs

Dogs are not allowed on the beach.

Tide Beach
is Known For:
Surfing
Surfing
Know This:
Lifeguards
Lifeguards
Outdoor Showers
Outdoor Showers
Tide Pools
Tide Pools
This Month's Forecast
63°F / 78°F
Sunny in October
Nov
56°F / 73°F
Sunny in November
Dec
51°F / 68°F
Sunny in December
Jan
51°F / 67°F
Sunny in January

Stay Nearby

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from $151 / night
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Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Solana Beach
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Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Solana Beach
from $144 / night
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