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Ocean Beach Tide Pools: Where to Go & the Best Low Tides for 2026–27

Where the OB tide pools are, what you'll see, and a calendar of the lowest daytime tides this winter.

Checked October 4, 2026. Sources are listed at the bottom.

The OB tide pools are on the rocky reef at the foot of Newport Avenue, under and just south of the pier. Go on a negative low tide (below 0.0 ft). The lowest daytime tides of the year come in winter, between late November and February.

Where are the tide pools?

The reef starts at the foot of Newport Avenue, beneath the closed Ocean Beach Pier, and continues south along the base of the bluffs. Walk down from the seawall off Newport Avenue or from Niagara Avenue. The pier is fenced off, but the rocks below are open to the public.

More tide pools continue south along Sunset Cliffs, though the cliff access there is steep. See our Sunset Cliffs guide.

Best low tides, winter 2026–27

These are the lowest daytime tides (−1.0 ft or lower) from November 2026 to February 2027. Arrive about an hour before low tide, and head back as the water starts to rise.

Date	Low tide	Height
Mon, Nov 23, 2026	2:24 PM	−1.0 ft
Tue, Nov 24, 2026	3:09 PM	−1.4 ft
Wed, Nov 25, 2026	3:57 PM	−1.4 ft
Tue, Dec 22, 2026	2:20 PM	−1.5 ft
Wed, Dec 23, 2026	3:05 PM	−1.8 ft
Thu, Dec 24, 2026	3:50 PM	−1.9 ft
Fri, Dec 25, 2026	4:36 PM	−1.7 ft (near sunset)
Tue, Jan 19, 2027	1:28 PM	−1.2 ft
Wed, Jan 20, 2027	2:11 PM	−1.7 ft
Thu, Jan 21, 2027	2:51 PM	−2.0 ft
Fri, Jan 22, 2027	3:30 PM	−2.0 ft
Sat, Jan 23, 2027	4:08 PM	−1.7 ft
Sun, Jan 24, 2027	4:45 PM	−1.2 ft
Wed, Feb 17, 2027	1:13 PM	−1.2 ft
Thu, Feb 18, 2027	1:52 PM	−1.6 ft
Fri, Feb 19, 2027	2:28 PM	−1.7 ft
Sat, Feb 20, 2027	3:03 PM	−1.5 ft
Sun, Feb 21, 2027	3:35 PM	−1.2 ft

Times and heights are NOAA predictions for the San Diego tide station (9410170), Pacific time. Low tide on the open coast at OB usually comes a little earlier than at this bay station, so arriving early is the safe bet. Check our live tides panel on the day.

What you might see

Shore crabs scuttling between rocks
Sea anemones, open like green flowers underwater and closed tight when exposed
Sea stars and sea hares in the deeper pools
Mussels, barnacles and limpets on every surface
Pelicans and gulls overhead on the old pier

Tide pool tips

Wear shoes with grip. The rocks are slick with algae. Old sneakers or water shoes beat flip-flops.
Look, don't take. Touch gently with one wet finger if at all, put any rock you lift back the way you found it, and leave shells and animals where they are.
Never turn your back on the ocean. Watch for bigger sets washing over the reef, and keep an eye on the incoming tide.
Go on a weekday if you can; winter weekend low tides get busy.

Sources

NOAA Tides & Currents — San Diego station 9410170 (predictions retrieved October 4, 2026)
Ocean Beach MainStreet Association — Pier & Tidepools

FAQ

Where are the tide pools in Ocean Beach?

On the rocky reef at the foot of Newport Avenue, beneath and just south of the Ocean Beach Pier. You can reach them from the seawall off Newport Avenue or from Niagara Avenue.

When is the best time to see the OB tide pools?

During a negative low tide. The lowest daytime tides come in winter, especially late November through February. Arrive about an hour before low tide.

Are the tide pools open even though the pier is closed?

Yes. The pier itself is fenced off, but the rocks and tide pools below it are open to the public.

What should I wear to the tide pools?

Shoes with good grip, such as old sneakers or water shoes. The rocks are slippery.

Can I take shells or animals from the tide pools?

No. Leave animals, shells and rocks where you find them so the pools stay healthy.