• Green sea anemones, purple sea urchins, and other tidepool animals in the California Coast exhibit at California Academy of Sciences
    Giant green anemones and purple sea urchins are common sights in California tidepools.
  • A group explores a vibrant tidepool in Northern California during a City Nature Challenge bioblitz.
    A group explores a vibrant tidepool in Northern California during a City Nature Challenge bioblitz.
  • Woman lying down on tidepool rocks to take picture of wildlife
    To get the best tidepool pictures, sometimes you have to get comfortable!
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Tidepools are places of beauty and biodiversity, and are home to vital cultural resources for many Native tribes. And with 67% of Californians living in coastal counties, they're closer than you think. Start exploring these incredible ecosystems today!

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Get your feet wet

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You don’t have to be a marine biologist to explore and enjoy tidepools—you just need a good pair of boots! Click the links below to see how easy it is to visit your local tidepool, when to go, and why sharing your observations is a critical part of community science.

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Join our community science campaigns

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In collaboration with dozens of partner organizations across the state, the Academy hosts three community science campaigns every year that mobilize communities to celebrate and share their local nature—including tidepools!

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Dive deeper into community science

Group photo of participants at a 2023 City Nature Challenge bioblitz at Pillar Point

Your tidepool observations can make a big splash. Learn more about how Academy researchers and partners are using community science data to advance scientific understanding and action in the Bay Area and beyond.

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More to explore
Take the plunge into the world of tidepools with inspiring updates from Academy scientists, a peek into our stunning California Coast exhibit, activity packs for kids, and more.
Silhouetted guests point and gaze at the 100,000 gallon California Coast exhibit
California Coast

Get a glimpse of the richness right off our coast and gaze at rockfish, eels, anemones, sharks, and more.

Researchers collect gametes from spawning Sunflower star.
Successful Spawning and Cross-Fertilization Bring Hope for the Critically Endangered Sunflower Star

Academy biologists will employ their larval rearing expertise to raise the young sea stars to adulthood.

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Dramatic view of Pillar Point bluffs with green cliffs and tidepools along the coast
Thriving California

We aim to regenerate biodiversity, build climate resilience, and advance equitable access to nature statewide.

Binoculars, Bird Scouts guidebook and sunflower seeds
Science Action Club
SAC features hands-on STEM activities and nature challenges that spark curiosity in middle-school-age youth.
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Hermit crab craft made from pipe cleaners against yellow background
Science @ Home: California Coast (Ages 4-8)

We're going back to the beach! Enjoy another week of California-themed hands-on activities for kids ages 4-8.

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Animated GIF of sheephead fish craft
Science @ Home: California Coast (Ages 8-11)

Surf’s up! Get to know the best coast with a bunch of sunny, sandy science activities for beach bums ages 8-11.