This post contains affiliate links. An affiliate link means I may earn advertising/referral fees if you make a purchase through my link, without any extra cost to you. It helps to keep this little blog afloat. Thanks for your support!
Winter in Santa Cruz is full of natural wonders, and few events are as awe-inspiring as the California King Tides. Occurring each fall and winter, King Tides showcase the highest and lowest tides of the year, creating dramatic coastal landscapes, revealing hidden tide pools, and offering unique outdoor experiences for families, nature lovers, and explorers alike.
For 2025–2026, the official King Tide dates are:
- November 5–7, 2025
- December 4–6, 2025
- January 1–3, 2026
Whether you are a local or planning a winter getaway, these extreme tides are a perfect excuse to explore Santa Cruz County’s beaches and coastal wonders.
What Are King Tides?
King Tides are a natural phenomenon caused by the gravitational alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. When the Moon is closest to Earth and the Sun is aligned, the ocean experiences the largest tidal range of the year. This means both extremely high tides and extremely low tides occur, producing dramatic changes along the shoreline.
- High tide: Powerful waves crash against seawalls, flooding areas that are normally dry.
- Low tide: Ocean water recedes to reveal tide pools, marine life, and miles of beach previously hidden.
King Tides offer an incredible natural show that is perfect for photography, nature observation, and family exploration.
Timing Your Visit
Timing is critical to fully experience King Tides. Visiting an hour before and after the official low or high tide allows for the most extreme views. Here are the corrected low tide highlights for December 2025 and January 2026 (from NOAA):
December 2025 Low Tides:
- Dec 4: 3:48 PM, ~−1.72 ft
- Dec 5: 4:36 PM, ~−1.80 ft
- Dec 6: 5:26 PM, ~−1.64 ft
January 2026 Low Tides:
- Jan 1: 3:08 PM, ~−1.5 ft
- Jan 2: 3:55 PM, ~−1.7 ft
- Jan 3: 4:41 PM, ~−1.7 ft
Insider tip: The days immediately before and after these dates often provide similarly dramatic tides, so check the tide charts if you want extra exploration time.
Where to Go and What to See
Tide Pooling at Low Tide
The most magical part of King Tide season is tide pooling. As the water pulls back, tide pools reveal a hidden underwater world teeming with life:
- Crabs, hermit crabs, mussels, anemones, sea snails, and starfish.
- Rare finds such as urchins, sea cucumbers, nudibranch, and even octopus!
Top Tide Pool Spots in Santa Cruz:
- Pleasure Point: Start at 32nd Street; huge expanses of tide pools uncovered during low tide.
- The Hook: Famous surf spot with accessible tide pools; park at 41st Avenue and find the nearest staircase.
- Natural Bridges State Park: Located at the end of West Cliff Drive, ideal for a family-friendly tide pool adventure.
- Capitola: Walk from the Esplanade to New Brighton State Park; explore tide pools while enjoying the town’s quaint charm.
- Scott Creek Beach: North of Santa Cruz on Highway 1; large craggy cliffs and elevated tide pool areas for adventurous explorers.
- Greyhound Rock: North County gem; rocky tide pools teeming with marine life.
Pro Tip: Always respect marine life—photograph, don’t touch. Step carefully to protect this delicate ecosystem.
Long Beach Walks at Low Tide
King Tides reveal stretches of beach normally underwater, perfect for long walks:
- Aptos to Capitola: Expansive, walkable beach.
- Live Oak Beaches: Ideal for family strolls.
- Watsonville to Aptos beaches: Long explorations for more adventurous walkers.
- Short family walks: New Brighton State Beach to Capitola Beach is great for kids.
High Tide Views
If you prefer to watch the ocean’s power rather than explore tide pools, King Tides offer incredible high surfopportunities. Top viewing spots:
- West Cliff Drive
- Pleasure Point
- Davenport
⚠️ Safety first: Stay back from crashing waves, never turn your back on the ocean, and respect the power of winter surf.
Protecting Wildlife and the Ecosystem
King Tide season is a great time to teach kids about conservation. Tips for responsible tide pooling:
- Watch where you step; don’t disturb marine creatures.
- Leave animals in place and take photos only.
- Avoid collecting shells or rocks from tide pools.
Participate in the California King Tides Project, which uses your photos to help scientists track coastal changes and sea-level rise over time.
Photography Opportunities
King Tides are perfect for photographers and social media content creators:
- Dramatic high waves against seawalls.
- Vibrant tide pools with colorful marine life.
- Miles of newly revealed sand and beach landscapes.
- Winter sunsets reflecting off shallow pools.
Planning Your Winter Getaway
For visitors from outside the area, King Tides provide an excellent excuse to plan a Santa Cruz winter escape:
- Book accommodations early as this season draws nature enthusiasts.
- Explore nearby attractions like Natural Bridges, Capitola Village, and Scott Creek.
- Combine tide pooling with local dining and holiday experiences.
- Things to do in Santa Cruz here
King Tides are Mother Nature showing off! 🌊 Every year, the ocean rises higher than usual, creating the perfect chance for tide pooling, long beach walks, or snapping epic wave photos. It’s one of those magical California moments that’s both fun and awe-inspiring—an outdoor experience the whole family can enjoy.
You may also be interested in: A Guide to Tide Pools in Santa Cruz
