We encourage the community to go outside and enjoy nature but also be mindful of the habitat and species as you enter these fragile ecosystems.  Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning for a trip to the tide pools:

Locations:
Newport Beach: Little Corona del Mar, Crystal Cove State Park
Laguna Beach: Heisler Park, Treasure Island, Crescent Bay, and Shaw's Cove
Dana Point: beach west of the Ocean Institute

What to bring: 
Athletic shoes with a good grip for wet, slimy, and sharp rocks. Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a camera, and a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Follow the Marine Protect Area (MPA) Guidelines:
1. Never remove animals, shells or rocks from the tide pools
2. Never pick up or touch animals, observe with your eyes only
3. Walk gently, taking care not to step on plants or animals
4. Never turn over rocks
5. Do not swim in tide pools
 
Finding species:
Use this handy guide to help you find some of the more common species in the area